Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda pauses UK production due to supply shortages

The sluggish passage of parts through congested UK ports has halted production at Honda’s Swindon plant

Honda Swindon factory

Honda has been forced to stop the production lines at its Swindon plant due to a lack of parts. 

The Japanese manufacturer uses a “just in time” delivery system for its UK facility, but congestion at UK ports has cut off the brand’s supply lines.

A spokesperson for Honda said production will be halted today “due to transport-relayed parts delays,” but the firm is looking to restart production as soon as possible. Honda is also looking at other means of supplying its factory with parts, such as air freight.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The port congestion is largely due to the backlog of orders that had built up from the UK’s first coronavirus lockdown. Many UK companies are also stockpiling goods from the EU, before post-Brexit tariffs are applied on 1 January 2021.

Honda’s supply difficulties at Swindon come just months before the factory is due to close. The manufacturer recently confirmed that it would shutter its UK plant in 2021, once the current Civic’s life cycle draws to a close – at a cost of 3,500 jobs.

Both Honda and Justin Tomlinson, Member of Parliament for North Swindon, insist that the closure is not related to Brexit, but rather to cut costs. A new EU-Japan trade deal has made it easier for Honda to make its cars in Japan and import them to Europe, axing the current 10 percent tariff applied to new Japanese imports.

Now read all the latest news on the next-generation Honda Civic. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Honda and Nissan merger collapses
Honda ZR-V and Nissan Qashqai - front tracking

Honda and Nissan merger collapses

It was hoped the merger would better equip the two firms on future EVs and software-defined vehicles
News
13 Feb 2025
The best ever Japanese kei cars: lightweight, lovable and back in vogue
Best kei cars - header image

The best ever Japanese kei cars: lightweight, lovable and back in vogue

Car weight has become a big issue with the rise of EVs, but Japanese kei cars have had the problem solved for years. These are the best…
Best cars & vans
30 Jan 2025
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 header image

Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars

TAS 2025 highlighted the latest in tuning, off-road accessories, and new cars...
News
14 Jan 2025
New Honda 0 Series prototypes hit CES with eye-catching looks
Honda 0 Series Saloon - CES 2025 front

New Honda 0 Series prototypes hit CES with eye-catching looks

The first models from Honda’s new range of 0 Series electric cars will be an SUV and saloon
News
8 Jan 2025

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts