Before retiring I was the technical director of a company supplying OE parts to Honda UK, hence I know just how demanding their standards are and what work was involved in meeting and maintaining those standards. Since retiring I have therefore become an enthusiast of the Swindon-built CR-Vs, and I am now on my third. A few weeks ago a loud screeching noise turned out to be coming from the pulley bearing connected to the air-conditioning compressor, resulting in an estimated repair bill in excess of £1900. The car is over four years old, and hence out of warranty, but with only 35,000 genuine miles on the clock I felt that this was rather too early for this sort of major failure. I therefore contacted Honda Customer Relations to see if there was any chance of a contribution to the cost of repair, and my request was answered by an offer to defray most of the cost of the parts, reducing the total repair bill by approximately £1100. I would say this is a very good example of brand loyalty working in both directions.