Honda hub `as busy as usual'

The manager of the Honda Distribution Centre in New Zealand says demand for its vehicles has not slowed despite world economic uncertainty.

The centre, at the Wakatu Industrial Estate in Stoke, was set up as the hub for all Honda vehicles brought into New Zealand after the closure of its vehicle assembly plant in Stoke just over 10 years ago.

Former employees of the factory, which assembled vehicles for more than 33 years, are gathering this weekend for a reunion.

Processing manager Ian MacKay said the centre, which employs 18 staff, handled about 6000 vehicles a year.

An allotment of vehicles arrives by ship usually twice a month. All come from Japan, except for the V6 Accord, which comes from Thailand.

The centre sends vehicles to dealers throughout the country as orders are placed by customers.

As well as ensuring that the vehicles meet New Zealand and Honda specifications, the centre customises them with towbars and spoilers as requested.

Mr MacKay said the centre was as busy as usual."Actually, we're doing better then you would think.

"We've seen a little slowdown, not much, but we're doing quite well, actually."

He said being located in Nelson had its advantages, as the centre could backload trucks that brought cars from Auckland, which might otherwise have been empty. The ships bringing the cars often left Nelson with MDF on board.

He said there was a good relationship between Nelson and Honda.

"Every second person you talk to had a father or an uncle who worked at the old factory."

- © Fairfax NZ News