HUNDREDS of production staff and management from Honda’s European car manufacturing facility in Swindon today joined invited guests to celebrate the first production models of the Civic Type R rolling off the line.

The Civic Type R was unveiled at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Highworth Road during a grand ceremony which attended by former British Touring Car champion Matt Neal.

The limited edition Type R, of which 30 will be made at the factory every day, is one of the Civic models which will be exclusively made in Swindon, with the run of 8,000 made in total.

HUM now produces the Civic five-door, the Type R, the Civic Tourer and the CR-V, which will be phased out in the short term.

“It’s fantastic for the Swindon plant. It’s the Honda halo [only manufacturer in the world] model,” said Jason Smith, a HUM director. “It really sustains our future.”

He said the Type R had recorded 7 minutes 50 seconds in one lap of the iconic Nurburgring track in Germany and was officially the fastest two-wheel drive road car in the world.

Given its speed, it was particularly appropriate Honda’s current touring car driver Matt Neal was at the launch at the factory today.

A big screen was set up on the factory floor so staff could watch a video of the manufacturing and testing process was shown. Then the screen lifted to reveal the new car.

Red, white and blue models were rolled out for the cameras and staff in Swindon to add a patriotic theme to the day. The white model was driven by Matt.

The Swindon staff have had three to five months of training up to now, learning how to put the new model together.

Addressing those gathered for the event, Soichiro Takizawa, managing director of HUM, took the opportunity to thank staff for their continued commitment and hard work, expressing the shared pride felt by all at HUM in seeing the all-new British-built Civic Type R in the metal.

The ceremony topped a very positive few months for HUM, following an announcement in March confirming it will become the global production hub for Honda’s flagship Civic five-door model, extending its reach beyond European shores.

Reflecting this achievement in his address to those attending, Mr Takizawa spoke of renewed optimism for the plant, regarding it as a major milestone and testament to the knowledge and experience of staff who have been building Civics at the plant for more than 20 years.

The latest Civic, the two-litre, 310ps Type R, which is capable of 167mph, is priced at £32,000.

Mr Takizawa said: “The new Civic Type R is an imperative model for Honda, representing our racing spirit and demonstrating our commitment to innovation and passion.

“We are extremely proud to be the only manufacturer of the Civic Type R in the world.

"Our high standards have earned us this privilege and this is testament to the continued commitment of our associates.”

Below, inside the sporty Civic Type R

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