Honda Invests More than $425 Million in the UK for Current and Future Product

[xcel]

New 1.6L iDTEC turbo diesel is the next new product from Honda’s Swindon, UK plant.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Sept. 8, 2012

The 2013 European Honda Civic with the all-new “Earth Dreams” 1.6L iDTEC turbo diesel: Pricing TBA and FE figures of 66 mpgUS combined on the NEDC (approximately 53 mpgUS on our own EPA) that we will probably never see the US unfortunately

Honda is prepping to launch its all-new 1.6L iDTEC along with the current Civic and CR-V with a total investment of over $427 million this year alone, the single largest investment into Honda‘s UK manufacturing facilities in over a decade.

Last April, Honda introduced a second shift within their Car Plant 2 facility at as the 500 new employees began their new roles within the Plant. That brings the total number of employees at HUM to 3,500, with the production volume forecast to double to 180,000 units in 2012.

The Engine(s)

Honda aims to renew its entire European engine line-up with its “Earth Dreams” technology producing “Best-in-Class” fuel economy in each segment within 3 years.

The first engine from the Swindon investment will be a new 1.6L turbo diesel. Although not designed for the US, it is expected to deliver 95 grams/km when placed in the Civic and is said to be the world's lightest 1.6L turbo diesel ever built for a C-segment competitor. It is scheduled to reach UK showrooms later this year.

While 95 grams is commendable, other manufacturers have breached the 90 gram target in the B and C-segment quite some time ago albeit with smaller and or less powerful turbo diesel offerings.

Production Totals

By the end of the year, production at the Swindon plant is forecast to be more than twice last year's production with as many as 183,000 vehicles produced locally. Honda aims to increase this to 250,000 vehicles per year within 3 years.

Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon, Wiltshire is a manufacturing facility currently producing the CR-V, Civic and Jazz (Casting, Engine Assembly, Pressing, Welding, Painting and Frame Assembly) on one site.

[talipa2012]

Sad as usual. I would really like to see what a Honda diesel would be like. I just want more choices on fuel efficient vehicles. I really want to have a long list to choose from when the time comes. I will just have to admire the spec sheet haha.

Tyler

[xcel]

Hi Tyler:

This is how good it can get... For most everywhere else but here

CleanMPG Reviews the 2007 Honda Civic 2.2L iCDTi Turbo Diesel

Wayne

[talipa2012]

Wayne,

I will definitely sit down and read through that review thoroughly. I really like the Euro design of the Civic. I would much prefer it to the American market design. The new Euro Civic looks exactly how I would like the Insight to look.

I still haven't give up on diesels here in the US. I love driving them even if I've only been able to drive them for a few miles under the glaring eye of a dealer. I would really like to own a diesel, but maybe not from Volkswagen. I loved my old Jetta, but the way the company handles it image and its social presence I am hesitant to be a VW owner again.

More diesel options would be greatly appreciated. I really hope the Cruze diesel is an MPG hit. I also want Mazda to have great success with the Sky-D engine. I will continue to hold out hope for efficient, refined and cost effective diesels here in the United States.


Tyler