The new arrangement will see Honda (UK) become sole fleet supplier to the financial services provider for at least the next three years, marking the return of a partnership between the two companies which began in 2003.

"As a company providing financial services products for some 135 years, Foresters clearly knows what is required to be successful in business. We have worked very closely with them to understand their company car requirements, and the result is this significant fleet order which further underlines the growing reputation of the new Civic as a corporate favourite. We are delighted to once again be working in partnership with Foresters to meet all of their driver's needs while keeping their carbon footprint and fleet costs low," said Gail Chambers, national corporate sales manager for Honda (UK).

The recently introduced Honda Civic powered by the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine is fast becoming a firm fleet favorite, according to Honda (UK), thanks to its class-leading combination of fuel economy and performance; emitting just 94g/km of CO2 with a 120PS. The 1.6 i-DTEC engine in the Civic is the first to be launched in Europe under Honda's flagship Earth Dreams Technology environmental program, offering customers a balance of high fuel economy, low emissions, and dynamic performance. Debuting in the Civic hatchback, the engine is now also available in the British-built CR-V and Civic Tourer models.

"We have bought Honda Civics in the past and, after trying some other premium brands in the interim, are pleased to welcome Honda back to the Foresters fleet. Honda really seems to have got the Civic diesel package right for the fleet market, responding to the demands we make on a car manufacturer - the need for company tax efficiency, high mpg, low emissions and surprisingly low BIK implications. All of these factors, and the fact that the Civic is British-built, add up to a compelling fleet motoring package that exceeds our requirements," said Euan Allison, group managing director of Foresters.

The new Civics are being supplied through the Marshall Motor Group - the largest Honda retail partner in the UK - with the arrangement brokered on behalf of Foresters by contract hire specialists, Marshall Leasing.