Honda today announced an increase in production at its Swindon Car Plant, a move which should create an extra 700 jobs in the UK. Manufacturing output at the plant will increase to 250,000 cars a year in 2007.

This year 190,000 cars will be produced in the UK by Honda. The decision to increase production came in response to the "unprecedented European demand' for the Civic 5 door and 3 door models, which are produced exclusively in the Swindon.

Honda reported a 30% uplift in sales of the Civics this year. The new Honda CR V will also be built in Swindon and will be on sale from January 2007.

Takeo Fukui, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd said to media at the Paris Motor Show: "We plan to increase output of both the CR-V and the Civic in our Swindon, UK plant from next spring, taking Swindon up to its full capacity of 250,000 units on a yearly basis, within 2007.'

Dave Hodgetts, Director of Planning and Administration at Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd said in a statement: "This next phase of development for Honda is a massive vote of confidence in all our Associates working at the Swindon Plant and clearly demonstrates Honda's long term commitment to the region and to British manufacturing.'

Most of the new jobs created will be in production roles, but other roles include Purchasing Specialists and Maintenance Engineers.

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