Swindon's Honda factory is gearing up for the launch of its new Civic car which will be exported around the world.

The new prototype hatchback made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show a couple of weeks ago and it is the 10th generation Civic, the most popular Honda model.

Jean-Marc Streng, General Manager of Honda Motor Europe, Automobile Division, said: “The Civic is a core model for Europe with a strong sales and manufacturing heritage in the region.

"For many European customers, Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand. The all-new Civic hatchback continues this tradition, and we hope will continue to be a key volume pillar for the European business. We are excited to be developing this next generation model and look forward to its introduction in early 2017.”

Honda of the UK Manufacturing will be the global production hub for the Civic hatchback, exporting to new markets such as North America. Honda has committed to investing £200 million in the Swindon site, enhancing the production environment and employing an additional 600 associates to meet the increased demand in volume.

Jason Smith, Director of Honda of the UK Manufacturing said: “We are committed to delivering a quality vehicle that lives up to the Honda Civic name.

"In order to achieve this, we are recruiting additional associates across production and business support philosophy and are passionate about their work; however, there are still more opportunities available. Associates are at the heart of our business and their continued dedication is the driving force behind our success.”

Paul Britton, the CEO of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce of which Swindon is part said: "Honda has played a significant part in the Swindon economy since the factory opened. It is a success story for the town and the UK.

"We are pleased that new jobs will be created as a result of the production of the new Civic.”

Honda employs 3,200 people at their factory in Swindon and are likely to increase their workforce to around 3,500 in the months ahead.

The all-new Honda Civic hatchback will be the first European vehicle to be available with Honda’s all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines. Further improvements will be made to existing 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine.

The new Civic will be available in Europe early in 2017.

Honda opened up in Swindon in 1985 and has the capacity to build 250,000 cars a year.