Honda is to start building its CR-V sports utility at Swindon in an attempt to absorb excess capacity at the factory. Around 20,000 CR-Vs will be British-built this year, with production starting in June.

The CR-V will be the fifth Honda model to be built at Swindon, alongside Accord 4dr and hatchback, Civic 5dr and Aerodeck. Later this year Swindon will start building the new Civic in 3dr and 5dr and, in 2001, a new plant on the same site will build a new B-segment Honda based on the Logo.

Honda said the decision to move CR-V production to the UK from Japan followed “exceptional demand” for the car throughout Europe and was part of its long term commitment to manufacturing in the UK.