Honda to Double UK Car Production and Export to Japan

Japanese car maker Honda has announced plans to double its UK car production and export its new three-door Civic model to Japan. The company will shift its entire production of the Civic model to its Swindon plant in Wiltshire, creating a significant boost to Britain's beleaguered car industry. Honda will export around 10,000 Civic cars a year from its UK factory back to Japan, marking the first time Honda cars manufactured in Britain have been exported to the country.

Key Takeaways:

• Honda plans to double its UK car production by increasing output from 100,000 cars a year to 250,000 by 2002.
• The company will shift its entire production of the new three-door Civic model to its Swindon plant in Wiltshire, UK.
• Honda will export around 10,000 Civic cars a year from its UK factory back to Japan, marking the first time Honda cars manufactured in Britain have been exported to the country.
• The Swindon factory, which opened in 1992, will increase output by 100,000 cars next year with the addition of a new plant.
• The boost to Britain's car industry follows recent warnings from other Japanese car manufacturers that they may move production to the continent if Britain does not adopt the European single currency.
• Garel Rhys, a car industry expert at the Cardiff Business School, stated that Honda's move demonstrates their long-term commitment to the European market.

Statistics:

• Honda plans to increase its UK car production from 100,000 cars a year to 250,000 by 2002, a 150% increase.
• The company will export around 10,000 Civic cars a year from its UK factory back to Japan.
• The Swindon factory will increase output by 100,000 cars next year.
• The new three-door Honda Civic model will be exclusively produced at the Swindon plant in 2003.

Sources:

• "Honda to double UK car output and export to Japan." [1]
• "Honda to start exporting cars from UK to Japan in 2003." [1]
• "Cardiff Business School expert calls Honda's move a 'vote of confidence' in European market." [1]
• Honda company statement, Autumn 2001. [1]
• "Toyota calls on British suppliers to price in euros." [2]