Author Topic: Closure of Swindon Factory.  (Read 1754 times)

123Drive!

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Closure of Swindon Factory.
« on: February 18, 2019, 02:59:16 PM »
Very sad indeed for closure of the Swindon Factory. I feel for the staff in this difficult time.

Although the indecision of Brexit played a part, I think the main reason has to be the Management, not producing affordable and right cars that customers want to buy. Although I love Honda, first time in my life there is nothing I would buy from their current range even if I had the money!

Back in the days, the Rover 200 Civic was good alternative to the Escort because it was reliable and excellent value. The Accord is popular as it was good designed. Today, the Jazz looks ugly , having not made much advances compared to MK2, eg no Hybrid. The Civic costs more than a BMW and Audi. And recent comments on the new CRV on this forum means you got alternative like Lexus NX.

Toyota has lots of 0% finance with high discount. Honda? Nothing!

If Honda brought out the new EV car may be would have saved the factory?
« Last Edit: February 18, 2019, 03:02:02 PM by 123Drive! »

Jazzdriver

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Re: Closure of Swindon Factory.
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2019, 06:38:33 PM »
They can probably get cars made more cheaply somewhere else, like Turkey.

John Ratsey

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Re: Closure of Swindon Factory.
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2019, 06:55:18 PM »
They can probably get cars made more cheaply somewhere else, like Turkey.
The Turkey factory is also closing https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/17441297.honda-reaction-factory-in-turkey-will-also-close-mps-say/. Honda are moving more production back to Japan. 0% tariffs on vehicles in the new EU-Japan trade agreement reduce the incentive for Japanese manufacturs to assemble in Europe (whether or not including the UK).
2022 HR-V Elegance, previously 2020 Jazz Crosstar

123Drive!

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Re: Closure of Swindon Factory.
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2019, 10:32:36 PM »
They can probably get cars made more cheaply somewhere else, like Turkey.

Poor quality! My Toyota Verso was made there, dashboard wasn't even level!

Only good thing that's come out of all this is that at least quality will be assured. Still I feel sorry for that workers.

Jocko

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Re: Closure of Swindon Factory.
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2019, 09:16:50 AM »
Latest from Honda.

19 February, 2019 - Honda has today announced it will restructure its global manufacturing network. This restructure comes as Honda accelerates its commitment to electrified cars, in response to the unprecedented changes in the global automotive industry. The significant challenges of electrification will see Honda revise its global manufacturing operations, and focus activity in regions where it expects to have high production volumes.

As a result, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. has today informed employees of its proposal to close its Swindon vehicle manufacturing plant in the UK in 2021, at the end of the current model’s production lifecycle. The plant currently produces 150,000 cars per year, and employs approximately 3,500 people. Consultation activity will begin today with potentially affected employees.

The global restructure will also involve Honda’s automobile operations in Turkey. Honda Turkiye A.S. currently produces 38,000 units per year. The company will cease manufacturing current Civic sedan model in 2021 and intends to continue its business operations. Honda Turkiye A.S. will continue to hold constructive dialogue with Turkish stakeholders during this period.

Katsushi Inoue, Chief Officer for European Regional Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and President, Honda Motor Europe said; “In light of the unprecedented changes that are affecting our industry, it is vital that we accelerate our electrification strategy and restructure our global operations accordingly. As a result, we have had to take this difficult decision to consult our workforce on how we might prepare our manufacturing network for the future. This has not been taken lightly and we deeply regret how unsettling today’s announcement will be for our people.”

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