New Honda Civic set for Swindon
The shape of things to come at the Honda factory in Swindon has been revealed.
To rapturous applause from car critics and the waiting press, the Japanese car giant unveiled their new-look Civic model at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March 2005.
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To be built in Swindon: the new sporty Honda Civic |
Designed to be 'sexy', and a departure from previous models, the new Civic is aimed to appeal to a younger market and will be in direct competition with the VW Golf, Audi A3, Ford Focus and BMW 1-series.
And in a massive vote of confidence for Honda's plant at South Marston, Executives confirmed the sporty new model will be built here in Swindon, thereby securing jobs for the 4,000 manufacturing staff.
“Our workforce is doing an exceptional job," said Ken Keir, vice-president of Honda Europe and managing director of Honda UK. "British built is bloody good!"
"The new model underlines our commitment to ensuring that Britain remains at the company's core manufacturing operation for Europe."
Engine Boost
Not the only good news, Honda also announced that the Civic's new diesel engine will also be built here.
The 2.2 litre i-CTDi unit has already been acclaimed as the future of diesel automotive power and far more environmentally friendly than other engines currently available.
This, and further investment, will lead to production of cars in Swindon topping 200,000 cars a year for the first time - 120,000 Civics and 80,000 of the CR-V off-roader.
Swindonians will most probably see the first cars on our roads in November, with the first batch destined to be exported to Honda's homeland, Japan, and the US. The new Civic will be available to buy in the UK in January 2006.
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The original Civic - 1973: seen here with Honda
UK's
longest-serving employee, and Highworth
resident, Bernie Snell. |
Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd.
