VOLUME PRODUCTION OF THE EUROPEAN JAZZ STARTS AT HONDA IN SWINDON

The first European built Jazz was driven off the production line at Honda's factory in Swindon (UK) this morning, providing a boost to production volume and underlining the company's long term commitment to its European operation.

The 5-door family supermini is one of Honda's most successful cars in Europe, with over 70,000 sold in the region every year. As Honda has a policy of building its most popular cars in the markets in which they are sold, production of Jazz for European customers is shifting from Japan to the UK.

In the current financial year (to end March, 2010) Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon (HUM) will build 20,000 units of Jazz. 75 per cent of these will be for the UK market, with the other 25 per cent planned for export to 55 countries across mainland Europe and other regions, including South Africa. The addition of Jazz brings the planned total production level for the Swindon plant in this financial year to 100,600 - still well below the plant's full capacity. Volumes are expected to increase next year due to the new three model production line-up.

The start of Jazz production comes just 12 months after the decision to make a third model at the Wiltshire manufacturing facility.

The demand for cars like the Jazz is increasing as car buyers look to downsize from big, gas-guzzling models into small, fuel efficient, but practical vehicles. Furthermore, various governments' incentives across Europe have given Jazz sales a significant boost resulting in increased in demand.

"We see this third model as a wonderful opportunity in the current climate and we're extremely proud to be building the Jazz here in Swindon," said David Hodgetts, Director at HUM. "The car is incredibly popular with customers, and it has won countless awards for quality and reliability. Shifting production to the UK is a real vote of confidence in all our Associates here in Swindon, and recognition of the high standards which we have been able to achieve at the plant."

ENDS

Notes to editor

Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd - Key Facts

• Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) is a fully integrated car manufacturing facility, producing the total car (Casting, Engine Assembly, Pressing, Welding, Painting and Frame Assembly) on one site in Swindon - Wiltshire.
• 370 acre site (1.5million m2)
• Honda has invested £1.38 billion in its manufacturing operation in Swindon
• Total HUM car production result for 2008 : 230,423 cars
• Total HUM car production result for fiscal year 2008/2009 : 174,535 cars
• Total 3,400 Associates
• HUM-built CR-V and Civic models are exported to 60 Countries Worldwide