Honda confirmed they will create 700 new jobs in the UK in an announcement at the Paris Motor Show today.

The jobs come as Honda races to meet “unprecedented European demand” for the latest Civic. New workers will be needed at their Swindon plant which builds the Civic and CR-V models.

Honda are increasing their UK production target from 190,000 in 2006 to 250,000 in 2007.

The new jobs will mainly be in production, plus others in purchasing and maintenance. Recruitment begins immediately.

The expansion was hailed as a “massive vote of confidence” in the Swindon plant by Honda’s Director of Planning and Administration Dave Hodgetts.

He said: “This clearly demonstrates Honda’s long-term commitment to the region and to British manufacturing.”

The news in a further boost to the British car industry. Earlier this month Nissan committed to building their new compact 4x4 the Qashqai in Sunderland.

Honda’s Swindo n plant turned 20 this year and has received £1.33bn investment from the company in that time.

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