HONDA has responded to North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson’s calls for the production of next year’s Honda Civic Type R to be brought forward in an effort to stimulate car sales and save jobs.

The new model will be produced in Swindon ahead of its 2015 launch, but the MP has called for a speedier process to make the most of what he has described as a strong car market.

A spokeswoman for the Japanese car maker said: “The Civic Type R is a much anticipated model with high expectations placed on it, as such we need to ensure that this model meets and exceeds these expectations to help its success in the market.

“As with all new models and new engines, rigorous and extensive R&D and testing needs to be carried out.

“This new model remains on plan to be launched in 2015.”