First quarter figures for 2013 show an encouraging start to the year for Honda in Europe which said that sales grew 16.3% to 40,499 units compared to the same period last year.

The company said that its sales performance was underpinned by strong customer demand for recently launched models such as the UK-built CR-V while its new 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine has helped to support growth in Civic sales.

Honda will continue to strengthen its range in Europe with the introduction of the 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine in the CR-V in the autumn and the launch of the new Civic Tourer [wagon] in early 2014. Both these new derivatives will be built at the UK plant in Swindon.

HME president, Manabu Nishimae said, “Economic conditions in Europe remain very challenging. Nonetheless, we have been encouraged by good customer demand for our new models.”