- New UK-built Civic unveiled, as Honda’s UK factory commences work as global production hub following new £200m investment
- All-new British-built Civic to be exported to global markets with the first models already landing in North America
- New Civic to be exported to more than 70 countries around the world
Today, the 10th generation of the Honda Civic has been unveiled at the company’s UK manufacturing base in Swindon, with production of the car underway and the first units already landing in North America.
Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) has recently become the global production hub for the new Civic hatchback, with the model set to be exported to more than 70 countries around the world, including European markets, North America and Canada.
The Swindon plant is Honda’s flagship production facility in Europe, employing 3,600 people, and plays a key role in Honda’s global manufacturing network. The company has invested a further £200m into the factory in preparation for production of the new Civic, bringing Honda’s total investment in HUM to more than £2.2 billion since 1989.
Katsushi Inoue, President and Chief Operating Officer of Honda Motor Europe said: “As we reveal this new Civic, we look forward with confidence as we expand the role of our Swindon manufacturing plant. Honda has made significant investments in this facility and this next step is an important endorsement of the skills and expertise of our workforce. We’re also setting out a clear and sustainable future role for HUM, broadening our export markets beyond Europe.”
Commenting on the news, Industry and Climate Change Minister Nick Hurd said: “The Honda plant in Swindon has gone from strength to strength since production began in the 1980s, and today’s news is a real vote of confidence in the local economy. The new model is testament to British engineering and manufacturing expertise and is another success story for our world-class automotive sector.”
The launch of the 10th generation Civic builds upon Honda’s strong recent sales performance in Europe. Honda is Europe’s fastest growing mainstream brand in 2016* with sales growing by 33%, compared to 2015, as the brand progresses towards its next sales ambition of 200,000 sales in Europe.
* Official sales figures, June YTD (provided by ACEA)
Note to Editor
Civic is Honda’s biggest selling vehicle worldwide, and this latest generation is the result of one of the most comprehensive new model developments ever undertaken by the brand. More than simply an updated version of its predecessors, the development team behind the new Civic employed the latest approaches to body construction, vehicle aerodynamics and chassis design to produce a class-leading car.
A history of Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM)
2016 30th anniversary
Production launch of 10th Generation Civic exporting to 70 global markets
2015 3 millionth car produced
Mass production launch of 2015 Civic Type R
2014 20 years of Civic production
2013 Civic Tourer production begins
2012 4th Generation European CR-V production begins
Diesel Engine production begins
2011 9th Generation Civic production begins
Reduced volumes
2010 10th anniversary of CR-V production
2009 Jazz production begins
2008 2 millionth car produced
2007 CR-V export to South Africa starts
1 millionth Civic produced
2006 9th Generation Civic production begins
20th anniversary of operation
2005 Diesel engine assembly begins
2 millionth engine produced
2004 15th anniversary of engine production
2003 1 millionth car produced
2002 CR-V exported to North America
10th anniversary of car production
2001 Civic Type-R exported to Japan
Car Plant 2 begins production
2000 CR-V production begins
1999 10th anniversary of engine production
1998 1 millionth engine produced
1996 10th anniversary of operation
1995 Press facility established
1994 Civic production begins
1992 Car manufacturing begins – Accord model
Second engine assembly line installed
1989 Engine plant production begins
1986 Operations begin – Pre-delivery Inspection only
1985 Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd registered at Company’s House
– Ends –