HONDA is thinking small as part of a new plan to win a bigger share of business in Britain's fleet market. The size of the company's next-generation Accord has been shrunk to make it more of a match for its competitors.

Due to start rolling from the line at Swindon in 11 months' time, the crucial new mid-size model will be shorter and slimmer than the current car. But its leaner silhouette will share virtually identical proportions with the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra without compromising interior space, Fleet News can reveal.

Nicholas Phillips, Honda UK national fleet sales manager, said: 'The present Accord is performing well. Year to date, it has reached 3,341 sales - a rise of 18 per cent against an improvement of six per cent in D-segment fleet registrations. But sizing of the car to straddle the next segment up has always placed it at a disadvantage compared with most of its rivals. It will now fit more squarely in the D-segment.'