Honda to Manufacture Diesel Engines in UK
16 April 2006
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports that Honda Motor plans to begin manufacturing diesel engines in the UK to meet the rising demand in Europe. Until now, Honda has exported diesel engines from Japan to its British factory for assembly in cars.
Honda had indicated last year that it would begin local diesel production in the UK with the introduction of the new Civic hatchback featuring the award-winning 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine. (Earlier post.)
The report says that Honda intends to increase its combined annual production capacity for diesel engines in the two countries by 43% to 100,000 units in the current fiscal year. Honda currently builds 70,000 diesel engines per year at two Japanese factories for application in four models.
Engine assembly lines have already been built inside the UK plant and the firm is moving to transfer part of its production there. It will gradually increase local output capacity to 20,000 to 30,000 units a year to enhance its cost competitiveness and further penetrate the European market.
Initial engine assembly will use parts sent from Japan, although eventually the UK plan will produce its own engine parts as well.
Honda will also expand existing diesel engine production lines at the two Japanese factories by the end of next March.
This is a great engine. It is a pity they do not make a family of engines - say 1.8 and 1.4 as well.
2.2 is considered rather large for this part of the world (Europe). The 1.8 would be a good fit for the CIVIC, the 1.4 for the Jazz.
Plus a 2.8 for the US if required.
I suppose they are working on a range, just have to wait and see what happens.
Posted by: mahonj | 16 April 2006 at 12:33 PM
This excellent engine isn't available in the North American market largly b/c of our misguided emission regulations for passenger cars that are lax on CO2 but hysterical about NOx. It's fitted to the Euro Accord (Acura TSX in NA) and the CRV. 45+ mpg in an SUV w/ 140HP and V8 torque? Bring it on Honda!
-mt
Posted by: Marshall | 17 April 2006 at 01:36 PM