Honda has given another boost to its European car manufacturing operations by deciding to build the CR-V sport utility model in Britain. Only days after announcing cutbacks in volume at Swindon, the Japanese company has confirmed that the popular recreational off-roader will be added to its production lines there this summer.

Starting in July, annual output of 20,000 examples of the CR-V will more than make up for the dip in production caused by lower European demand for the Accord and a rundown in Civic supply as lines are made ready for its all-new replacement in September. Nicholas Phillips, Honda UK fleet sales chief, said: 'This is great news. As recently as five years ago, Honda wasn't even in the four-wheel-drive sector, but the CR-V has changed all that. It has been a tremendous success around the world and is only just trailing the Land Rover Freelander across Europe despite not being available with the option of diesel power.'

The decision comes after a detailed study by Honda UK Manufacturing executives into the viability of making the CR-V the next member of its fast-growing family of UK-built products. Two weeks ago, the company announced that production at Swindon would reach 100,000 this year, 14,500 lower than last year.