HONDA is gearing up to sell cars to Britain's police forces for the first time and at least three forces have already bought Swindon-built vehicles. The Japanese manufacturer is the number one police motorcycle supplier and police forces are now evaluating Hondas for covert applications with 44 Accord four-door saloons and 36 five-door Civics, including 139mph VTi models, being tested by 44 of Britain's 52 police forces. Three Honda cars have been sold as a result.

It is understood there are around 28,000 police cars in the UK, of which 70% are police spec and 30% standard spec. Brian Jameson, Honda (UK)'s corporate aftersales manager said: 'We are looking at developing unique police specification vehicles which would enable us to sell in greater numbers.'

North Wales Police is among the first forces to take on a Honda car - in the form of a 2-litre Accord delivered last week - despite the fact that it does not use Honda motorcycles.