Honda UK Manufacturing Celebrates 20th Anniversary

SWINDON, England - August 22, 2006: Over 20 years ago a decision was made by Honda Motor Co. Ltd in Japan to start investing in the UK with a Pre-Delivery Inspection Facility for Honda cars being sold in Europe, including those being manufactured under licence in the UK.

20 years on, that investment is in excess of £1.33 billion. Honda of the UK Manufacturing Limited (HUM) is now the centre of Honda’s European Car production. Its fully integrated car and engine Plants clearly demonstrate Honda’s long-term commitment to Swindon and to British manufacturing – proof that HUM’s Associates at the Swindon operation are fully capable of supporting Honda’s global activities.

Producing the award winning Civic 5-door and CR-V, the operation employs over 4,000 Associates in Swindon, including 23 who originally started in 1986.

Mr Masaaki Kato, Managing Director of Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd and Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said “HUM has developed into a mature and successful car and engine manufacturing operation, which could not have been achieved without the strong driving force of our dedicated Associates.”

Today, HUM celebrates its 20 year anniversary since operations began in August 1986 with this Open Day for Associates, family and friends. This gives HUM an opportunity to say a special thank you to our Associates and their families for their contribution in making HUM a successful operation. It also provides an opportunity to say thank you to the local community for continuously supporting our development.

In line with other notable HUM events, to commemorate this anniversary, some of the original Associates from 1986 will plant an oak tree.

Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd – Key Facts

· Honda of the UK Manufacturing Limited is a fully integrated car manufacturing facility, producing the total Car (Engine Casting and Pressing) on the one site in Swindon

· Honda has invested £1.33 billion in its manufacturing operation in Swindon

· 75% of the cars produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing Limited are exported

· In 2005 HUM produced 186,984 units

· Current production level is 885 cars per day

· No 1 line (CR-V and Civic 5-door): 605 units per day (two shifts)

· No 2 line (Civic 5-door): 280 units per day (one shift)

· Engine: 1000 units per day (two shifts)

· Employment: total 4000

· 80% of Associates live within a 30 mile radius of the operation

· HUM currently has 250 Tier 1 Suppliers. Although many Suppliers have offices in the UK, manufacturing is conducted all over the world. Most Tier 1 Suppliers are global companies.

Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd – Milestones

1985 HUM established

1986 HUM operational – Pre-Delivery Inspection

1989 Engine Plant production begins

1992 Car manufacturing starts in No 1 Car Plant
Second Engine Line installed

1995 Press Facility established

1996 10th Operational anniversary

1998 1 millionth engine produced
250,000th Civic

1999 ½ millionth car produced
10th anniversary of engine production
250,000th Accord
2000 CR-V production begins

2001 No 2 Car Plant starts production
Civic Type-R exported to Japan

2002 CR-V exported to North America
10th anniversary of car production
Press Facility expansion
End of Accord production

2003 1 millionth car produced
1½ millionth engine produced

2004 250,000th CR-V
15 year anniversary of engine production

2005 2 millionth engine produced
750,000th Civic produced
1½ millionth car produced
Diesel engine assembly begins

2006 06 Civic production begins
HUM 20th Anniversary year