Honda announces its global automobile manufacturing restructure

Honda has announced it will restructure its global manufacturing network, impacting its European operations.

In order to accelerate its commitment to ,manufacturing electrified cars, in response to global demands within the automotive industry, it has revised its global manufacturing operations, and focus activity in regions where it expects to have high production volumes.

The business has consequently decided to close its manufacturing plant in Swindon in the United Kingdom in 2021, at the end of its current model’s production lifecycle. The plant currently produces 150,000 cars per year, and employs approximately 3,500 people. Consultation activity will begin with potentially affected employees.

The restructure will also impact Honda’s automobile operations in Turkey, where it produces 38,000 units per year. It will cease manufacturing its 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.

SEE ALSO

• Collaboration is key for Europe's advanced manufacturing and technology (AMT) companies
• Manufacturers, this is how you become future-proof
• To maximise automation, manufacturers must integrate business apps
• Read the latest issue of Manufacturing Global here

“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,” announced Katsushi Inoue, Chief Officer for European Regional Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and President, Honda Motor Europe.

“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.”

The business will continue to make essential changes across its global automobile production network. Facing evolving market trends and tighter environmental regulations, the company is committed to driving the electrification of its products, particularly within the US and Asia.