TOKYO: Honda Motor Co is planning to bring back to Japan some auto production from a plant in the United Kingdom that was already set to close, the Nikkei newspaper reported.
Honda plans to move production of its Civic cars now being made at a plant in Swindon to a factory in Yorii, northwest of Tokyo, in 2021, Nikkei said.
Honda of the UK Manufacturing confirmed in May last year that it would be shutting down in 2021. The plant employs 3,500 workers.
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The decision to close the plant is part of Honda’s broader global strategy in response to changes to the automotive industry.
Honda is accelerating its electrification plans, and as a result resources, capabilities and production systems for electrified vehicles would be focused in regions with a high volume of customer demand.
Honda of the UK Manufacturing started operations in 1986. It produces the Civic Hatchback and Civic Type R, which are exported to over 70 countries.
