HONDA Civics made in Swindon will be exported to America, the company has announced.

The new five-door Civic going to America will be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in South Marston.

Honda North America revealed the news when they unveiled a sporty concept version of the car during a glitzy ceremony at the New York Auto Show on April 1.

Earlier this week, the Adver reported that HUM’s long-term future was secured following a £200m investment.

It will see the UK factory become the global hub for the next generation Civic five-door model.

Honda UK’s managing director Philip Crossman said: “This is significant announcement demonstrates the opportunity available to the Swindon operation and reinforces the quality and reliability of the product coming from our UK facility.”

The investment has safeguarded the jobs of HUM’s 3,100 workforce and production of the new model is due to start in summer 2016.

Currently, about 40,000 Civics are built at HUM. The production of other Honda models which are currently made in Swindon are to be transferred elsewhere in the coming months.

It is estimated that Honda will produce about 120,000 Civics a year in the town,.

Their export will be split between European gateways and the rest of the world.

“This is positive news for us and "The £200m investment secures our future,” said Jason Smith, the director of HUM.

“By establishing HUM as a global production facility for the Civic five door, Honda, is demonstrating its long-term commitment to manufacturing both in the UK and also in Europe.

“This is incredibly important for HUM and is a reward for the commitment and effort put in by Honda associates in recent years.

“We look forward to making the most of the opportunity to export this model not only to our European customers, but also to key global markets.”

Honda’s decision will be a massive boost for Swindon’s economy.

Toshiaki Mikoshiba, the president of Honda Motor Europe, said: “This sends a clear message to our associates and suppliers of the strategic importance Honda Motor Company places on producing cars in Swindon.”

“We will continue to provide high quality products to meet the expectations of our European customers and having just unveiled four new models for the European market, we look forward with renewed optimism and purpose for Honda in Europe.”

Production of the Civic began at HUM more than 20 years ago and Honda’s latest investment in Swindon takes the company’s total investment at the centre, since 1985, to £2.2bn.