There's A Honda Civic Type R Factory Problem

The current generationHonda Civic Type Rand regular hatchback undergo final assembly in the UK. Honda's factory here is scheduled toclose permanentlynext year, with next-generation models set to bemanufactured in Ohio. In the meantime, production was supposed to continue at this plant in Swindon, about 60 miles west of London, until the generational changeover but this has been temporarily halted, according to Automotive News.

The reason is a combination of factors that struck at the same time, including a growing number of Covid-19 cases, the pre-Christmas holiday rush, and Brexit-related preparations. There's also a parts shortage from Asia.

The container port in Felixstowe where Honda receives shipments from its home base in the Far East is experiencing delays due to a congested container at the port. Honda is not the only automaker with UK operations that are stocking up on parts prior to the Brexit transition that ends on January 1, 2021. With only a few weeks to go and a no-trade deal between the UK and the EU looking increasingly likely, automakers have no choice but to plan for the worst.

Others have found creative solutions. Bentley, for example, hashired a fleet of cargo planesto be on standby in case of difficulties.