The first batch of UK-built Honda CR-V models has left the port of Southampton for America.
A total of 60,000 of the sport-utility vehicles are due to pass across the city's dockside as part of the Japanese giant's present export drive to the USA.
Made at the ultra-modern Honda assembly plant at Swindon, the vehicles will be an important element in the UK's overseas export earnings.
The vehicles left Southampton for the American port of Baltimore on board the vehicle carrier, Jingu Maru.
l Southampton Docks has also seen the maiden call by the Grimaldi vehicle-carrying vessel, Grande Spagna.
Arriving from Valencia, Spain, the 37,800-ton ship discharged a consignment of more than 1,000 Ford Kas and Focuses.
With a capacity to carry a maximum of 4,000 vehicles, Grande Spagna has a service speed of nearly 20 knots and is 580ft long.
Grimaldi is currently updating its fleet and Grande Spagna is the third vessel to be built in a class of six.
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