TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Shortly after announcing closure of a manufacturing facility in Swindon, England, the Japanese car manufacturer, Honda, is refocusing investment in Asia with plans for a major refurbishment of a factory in Pingtung, Taiwan.

Honda’s head of Taiwan operations, Takato Ito (伊藤隆人), on Monday, Feb. 25, announced a five year NT$4 billion (US$130 million) investment plan to revamp production of cars and motorcycles for the local market.

The announcement from Honda Taiwan comes only a week after the surprising announcement from the Honda Corporation that it would be closing a manufacturing facility in Swindon, England, which CNN referred to as a “huge blow” to the UK’s auto industry.

The Swindon factory which employs 3,500 people, is set to close in 2021.

While many have pointed to the UK’s uncertain economic landscape related to the fast approaching Brexit, as the reason for the closure, Honda says that the move was part of a larger restructuring effort that would also see a factory in Turkey close as well.

The corporation has indicated that the bulk of their manufacturing will be focused in Asia and North America moving forward.



With the announcement from Honda Taiwan this week, it seems the company considers Taiwan a crucial area for regional investment.

According to Monday’s announcement, Honda Taiwan is also planning to increase the number of showrooms and retailers around the island by 55 or 60 by the end of 2019, reports CNA. The plans signal the largest investment in the Taiwan market by Honda since it established its presence in 2002 with an investment of NT$2.1 billion (US$68 million).

The company press release indicates that much of the investment will go towards new equipment at the facility which will allow for production of Honda’s upgraded HR-V series of vehicles, and expanded production of Honda motorcycles, which have both proven popular among Taiwan consumers.