Car giant Honda has confirmed plans to close its UK factory in 2021, with the loss of thousands of jobs .
The Japanese company told workers at the Swindon factory that following a "meaningful and robust" consultation, no viable alternatives to the closure have been found.
The plant, which employs 3,500 workers, will close at the end of the current model's production lifecycle, in 2021.
Honda said a number of organisations and groups took part in the consultation, including the Government and external consultants engaged by the Unite union.
A statement said: "The decision to close the plant is part of Honda's broader global strategy in response to changes to the automotive industry.
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"As previously communicated in February, Honda is accelerating its electrification plans, and as a result resources, capabilities and production systems for electrified vehicles will be focused in regions with a high volume of customer demand."
The company will now move to discuss redundancy packages and look at the impact on individual roles up until production ends.
Honda director Jason Smith, said: "It is with a heavy heart that today we confirm the closure of Honda's factory in Swindon.
"We understand the impact this decision has on our associates, suppliers and the wider community.
"We are committed to continuing to support them throughout the next phases of the consultation process."
