Honda to shut down UK factory in 2022, putting 3,500 jobs at risk

Japanese carmaker Honda Motor is said to be closing its factory in the South West of England in 2022, a move that would put 3,500 jobs on the chopping block.

The firm is expected to make the announcement of its closure of its plant in Swindon, England, on Tuesday, media reports said.

According to British member of parliament Justin Tomlinson, the decision from Honda was not based solely on Brexit. ‘They (Honda) are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021,’ he tweeted.

‘Honda will be consulting with all staff and there is not expected to be any job losses, or changes in production until 2021,’ Mr Tomlinson added in a follow up tweet.

Honda responded in a statement the firm is ‘not able to make any comments regarding the speculation.’

The carmaker’s Swindon plant has been producing the brand’s Civic model for the global market for over 24 years. About 150,000 units roll of the line every year.

Car manufacturers skid off UK

Other carmakers have been raising their concerns to the United Kingdom (UK) on the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Japanese carmaker Nissan announced earlier this month it was cancelling plans to build its X-Trail SUV in the North East of England due to concerns on issues caused by Brexit.

Last week, automaker Ford Motor told British prime minister Theresa May in a private conference call with other business leaders it is preparing alternative production sites to prevent no-deal Brexit tariffs.