Honda on the right track for exports
Swindon car giant unveil new rail link
Honda swapped the road for rail today as they unveiled their brand new export facility.
A new rail terminal that will transport around 23,000 vehicles each year from their Swindon factory to the Channel Tunnel.
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Keypoint for exports:
Civics are loaded onto a rail transporter at the new Honda terminal |
An investment that which according to Honda will mean 3,000 fewer car transporters on the roads - and significantly cut local CO2 emissions.
"Honda's commitment to transporting Swindon built Civic and CRV's by rail, using the new Keypoint Swindon Terminal, is to be commended," commented Transport Minister Andrew Adonis, who officially opened the new facility today.
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Transport partnership:
(l to r) Colin Banyard, Chairman of Kilbride Group Ltd,
Lord Adonis, Transport Minister and
Ken Kier, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe Ltd |
The new terminal will allow Honda to export cars from their Swindon plant to their European logistic centre in Gent, Belgium, and has been developed jointly between the company and rail infrastructure experts The Kilbride Group.
Up to two trains will run a week from the terminal with each consignment carrying over 200 cars.
"This is a positive move for Honda. It's a big impact on CO2 and 3,000 trucks off the road. It's fantastic," said Ken Kier, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe Ltd.
Brakes on production
Today's launch comes after news this week that Honda wll be cutting production at their Swindon factory due to the economic downturn.
The reduction will take place in the first quarter of 2009, when output will be decreased by aproximately 10,000 units.
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Reduce speed now:
the build-rate of Honda Civics is being cut in 2009 |
The car giant currently has no plans to reduce its work force - approximately 5,000 associates in Swindon - as a consequence.
Honda confirmed earlier this month that the Jazz model will be made in Swindon from autumn 2009 onwards.
Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd.
