Honda And Nissan Scale Back UK Operations

Today is just not a good news day. First Volkswagen announced cuts, which also affected Audi and Porsche, then Audi made an announcement of its own, and now we find Honda and Nissan are jumping on the bandwagon. Both Japanese manufacturers have revealed that they will each cut production in the UK, for the immediate future and extending into the new year.

Nissan's Sunderland factory, one of the biggest in the UK, has curtailed production of the Micra and Note by ten percent and will cease production completely for two weeks, before resuming with a three-day week going forward.

In addition, temporary work contracts will be cancelled but Nissan has confirmed that no permanent staff will lose their jobs, staff will instead participate in training during non-production days.

The Japanese brand is making similar cut backs at its factory in Barcelona, where the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Navara 4x4s are made. The Qashqai (Dualis to us Aussies) is unaffected as it continues to enjoy strong demand.

Honda's Swindon factory will also drop production by ten percent, with the Honda Civic being the main model effected. From December this year to March of '09, 22,000 fewer Civic's will be produced as demand continues to fall.

While Honda is committed to protecting its workforce, one or two shifts will be cut from the Civic assembly line as production requirements are adjusted.

More bad news for the automotive industry, and we're certain there's worse to come. Manufacturers are being put through the wringer by a global economy that's about as stable as a Daewoo Matiz through a hairpin at speed. Buckle up ladies and gentleman, this is going to be one hell of a bumpy ride.