Labeled a crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the Crosstour "combines the premium refinement of the Accord with the versatile characteristics of a sport-utility vehicle," according to media relations manager Ron Lietzke.

The first Crosstour rolled off the line in East Liberty on Tuesday, said Crosstour manufacturing project leader Brad Gentzler.

"The Crosstour started rolling off the assembly line around midnight (Nov. 3), and things are going pretty well," he said.

Lietzke said that workers at the Honda Marysville Auto Plant played a key role in preparing for the Crosstour's production.

"The East Liberty associates worked closely with the associates at Marysville to get their expertise on how to produce the Crosstour," Lietzke said. "The associates at Marysville have a lot of experience producing the Accord, which they have been doing for many years, and they worked with the East Liberty associates on how to best achieve the quality of the Accord in the Crosstour."

Gentzler said it was a good use of teamwork between the two plants.

"This project was a perfect example of what can be accomplished if all sides understand each other and work together," he said. "We had a lot of support from the vehicle designers to verify the best ways to build the Crosstour, and our suppliers were closely involved as well to reach our desired levels of quality, cost and efficiency."

Lietzke said the East Liberty plant aims to produce between 40,000 and 43,000 Crosstours in its first year.

Honda is examining its local business model to determine if more staffing will be needed at the East Liberty plant, Lietzke said.

"We'll be going through those discussions to understand what our needs are in terms of an increase (in employees)," Lietzke said.

Plant manager John Pleiman said that local workers hold their own with any car manufacturers in the world.

"The associates at the East Liberty Auto Plant have proven they can build the best cars in America and they will put all of their efforts into building yet another great product for our customers," Pleiman said.