Honda to Trim Output in U.K.

Honda Motor Co. says sluggish sales are prompting it to eliminate one of three shifts at its factory in Swindon, England.

The company adds that it expects no improvement in demand for its products "for the next couple of years." The U.K. plant shed 800 jobs in 2013, and the new adjustment will eliminate another 340 positions.

The latest cutback will reduce output at Swindon, which made about 140,000 vehicles last year, by 20,000 units in 2014. The facility has annual capacity to produce 250,000 Civic small sedans, CR-V small crossovers and Jazz five-door superminis.

Honda's sales in the EU27 slipped 1% to 139,700 units last year, according to industry group ACEA.