HONDA has announced record profits for the third year running. The car giant, which has its main UK assembly plant in South Marston, saw profits rocket almost 80 per cent to £134 million last year, while annual turnover rolled in at £4,912 million up 15 per cent on the previous year.

Ken Keir, Honda's European executive vice president, paid tribute to the town's 3,900-strong workforce.

He said: "Swindon's contribution to our business success has been profound. We now look forward to winning new customers and achieving even greater profitability."

This year Swindon's dedicated workforce will make 190,000 cars half of which will be shipped to the US.

Paul Ormond, a company spokesman, said Honda is quickly lining up to take pole position in the motor industry's performance and reliability charts.

"The Civic and CRV models were both ranked highly in a recent survey conducted by JD Power," he said.

"We are making excellent progress at the time and our reputation is spreading.

"This is proved by the fact that we are shipping more and more cars out to North America. We are also winning new customers in Europe. The quality of workmanship in Swindon is excellent and is easily on a par with that of Japan.

"Not only are our dedicated workers in Swindon producing superb cars, they are also reducing costs by cutting down on wastage and ensuring the job is done well first time.

"This ensures that we maintain a competitive edge."

Mr Ormond believes the decision to break into Formula One motor racing three years ago is beginning to pay off.

"Our profile has risen dramatically since we started supplying engines for the British American Racing team.

"This is beginning to show itself in the various showrooms across the country."

In February, the Swindon plant was elevated to fourth place in the UK car manufacturing league.