Honda has confirmed proposals to shut its Swindon plant in 2021.

The Japanese car maker said that “no viable alternatives have been identified”.

The Wiltshire site currently employs 3,500 people.

Honda said a number of organisations and groups took part in the consultation, which began in February, including the government and external consultants engaged by the Unite trade union.

A statement said: “The decision to close the plant is part of Honda’s broader global strategy in response to changes to the automotive industry.

“As previously communicated in February, Honda is accelerating its electrification plans, and, as a result, resources, capabilities and production systems for electrified vehicles will be focused in regions with a high volume of customer demand.”

The company will now move to discuss redundancy packages and look at the impact on individual roles up until production ends.

Jason Smith, boss of Honda UK, added: “It is with a heavy heart that today we confirm the closure of Honda’s factory in Swindon.

“We understand the impact this decision has on our associates, suppliers and the wider community.

“We are committed to continuing to support them throughout the next phases of the consultation process.”

The firm had earlier blamed the “significant challenges” of electrification for a move to bring its global manufacturing hubs back to its home nation.

And a trade deal between the UK and Japan meant that the import of Honda cars to Britain became more economically viable.

Honda denied Brexit had been a factor in its decision to close its Swindon plant.