Disputes between James Dyson and Honda have arisen over allegations that Dyson attempted to utilize a portion of Honda’s existing UK manufacturing facility to produce its electric vehicle.
Dyson announced last year plans to manufacture its forthcoming electric vehicle in Singapore, a decision that didn’t sit well with the UK.
According to a recent letter published in the Everyday Mail, James Dyson, the founder of the eponymous company, alleged that he had approached Honda with a proposal to utilize a portion of its Swindon manufacturing facility in the UK for production purposes, only to be rebuffed by the Japanese automaker. Dyson reportedly expressed interest in exploring a vacant meeting room on the premises, but was denied permission.
Earlier this year, Honda announced that the same manufacturing facility could shut down as early as 2021.
Honda disputed the claims made in the letter to James Grey MP, stating that they were “factually incorrect” in a response to the Mail.
Dyson reportedly attempted to secure a foothold on UK government-owned land for its manufacturing operations, but this effort ultimately proved unsuccessful, prompting the company to instead opt for Singapore as the location for its manufacturing facilities.
The Conservative MP for North Wiltshire declined to comment on the letter. According to a statement from Dyson,
While records confirm a personal correspondence between Dyson and the local MP, our research stops short of extrapolating beyond this established fact.
Patents filed by Dyson may hint at the company’s plans for its inaugural electric vehicle, featuring substantial wheels and possibly even a third row of seating.
Jaguar to commit?
As Dyson is reportedly building its electric vehicle in Singapore, Jaguar is poised to deliver a much-needed boost to the UK automotive industry.
According to reports by The Instances, Jaguar is poised to confirm plans to manufacture its new all-electric XJ model at its Fort Bromwich plant in Birmingham this week.
An earlier report had suggested that this scenario might be plausible. A formal statement regarding developments at Jaguar Land Rover will be closely monitored by us.
