The new made-in-Swindon Honda Civic Type R will be sold in the car manufacturer’s home country Japan, it has announced a week after the first models of the hot hatch came off the production line at South Marston.
Honda Motor Company CEO Takahiro Hachigo said the Type R – described as the fastest front-wheel drive car on the planet – will be shipped from Swindon to arrive in Japanese showrooms from autumn this year.
While only around 30 Type Rs will be produced a day at the Swindon plant – 8,000 over the next 18 months to two years – Honda bosses insist its role in securing the future of the plant and its 3,200 workers should not be under-estimated.
Honda Motor Europe senior vice president Philip Ross said: “We’re delighted that the European Civic Type R will be sold to customers in Honda’s home country of Japan. Customers are really excited about this car and we’re developing a significant order bank here in Europe. Exporting the car to Japan will only serve to increase demand further, which is great news.”
A small number of Swindon-built Hondas have previously been sold in Japan.
