It is the intention of Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) to return to their normal daily production plan during September. This follows the period of parts supply interruption and reduced production levels following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Associates and suppliers have all made tremendous efforts during this period to make this recovery possible.
With parts supply from Japan improving significantly, HUM will now plan production for the remainder of the year to recover volume and quickly respond to customers’ requirements.
This announcement coincides with the release of JD Power’s annual customer satisfaction survey, which has awarded the Swindon-built Jazz first place in the supermini sector for the eighth year running. Such an accolade, voted by customers, recognises the high standard of work undertaken by our associates at HUM.
Due to the flexible working hours arrangements which exist at the Swindon Plant, associates’ pay has been maintained and non-production hours have been banked. “I am proud of all of our Associates as they have shown great flexibility and commitment during this difficult time,” said Andy Piatek, Director of Manufacturing at Honda in Swindon.
“We are extremely pleased that our European manufacturing operations can now plan for production to return to normal,” said Ken Keir, Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Europe. “We would like to thank our customers and dealers for showing great understanding during this challenging period. As production levels recover, we are fully focussed on satisfying customer demand”.
Honda joins Clean Energy Partnership with 2 FCX Clarity vehicles
Honda and the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) have announced today that Honda will become the newest member of the CEP programme, providing further impetus to the hydrogen movement in Europe.
CEP is Europe’s leading fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen infrastructure demonstration project, bringing together expertise from vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure and energy companies, and the German Government. CEP is designed to prepare the ground for market entry of hydrogen mobility in Europe.
Honda has been running fuel cell electric vehicles on European roads since 2009 and will support CEP activities with 2 FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicles.
Ken Keir, Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Europe said, “Honda firmly believes that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are the ultimate solution in reducing CO2 emissions from road transportation. Participation within CEP with the ground breaking FCX Clarity will demonstrate the viability of fuel cell technology and will also support the essential development of a European hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.”
Honda joins the Partnership at the same time as the industrial gas supply company, Air Liquide, demonstrating CEP’s value in bringing together vehicle manufacturers and energy companies to support the development of hydrogen based mobility in Europe.
Dr. Klaus Bonhoff, Chairman & Managing Director of NOW GmbH1, remarked: “The CEP is the NIP’s2 nucleus for preparing the market for future proof mobility based on hydrogen and fuel cells. The partnership’s continuous growth clearly demonstrates the industry’s commitment to making zero-emissions mobility possible. We have to cooperate internationally to achieve this, which makes the addition of Air Liquide and Honda to the CEP all the more important. “
Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro have revealed the first official photographs of the CR-Z MUGEN - the higher-performance hybrid coupe.
Development of the supercharged Honda CR-Z is on track, with performance figures already looking promising.
Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R.
After a further 15 per cent increase in power over this 'stage 1' engine and with over 50kg reduced from the chassis, overall performance is set to meet MUGEN's original targets.
"Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging," says Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro. "We've retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in 'eco' mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special 'MUGEN' mode."
Honda's ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, made its debut at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship in St. Louis, Mo. ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is a culmination of more than two decades of research and development by Honda engineers. Designed to someday assist people in their homes, ASIMO is being used today to encourage and inspire young students, like those involved in the FIRST robotics programs, to consider studies in math and science.
HONDA CR-V TRANSPORTS DANCING STARS VINCENT AND FLAVIA IN STYLE
Dancing stars Vincent and Flavia are travelling the length and breadth of Britain in style thanks to a Honda CR-V.
Honda (UK) provided the British-built SUV to transport the pair to theatres around the country to perform in their own show - Midnight Tango.
Flavia commented; “The Honda CR-V is one of the best cars we’ve ever had. It’s been a dream to travel in, it feels incredibly safe and steady while the seats are extremely comfortable and there’s plenty of space too.”
