Honda rolled out its entry into the crossover utility vehicle market today as its East Liberty Auto Plant went into full production of the Accord Crosstour.

Honda hopes to produce 40,000 units of this model, good news for the plant which also produces the popular CR-V and Element light truck models.

According to Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. spokesman Ron Lietzke, the Crosstour is the longest and heaviest vehicle built at East Liberty.

It required adjustments in the assembly conveyor system, weld areas and assembly platforms to accommodate its larger size, he said.

Honda began designing the vehicle several years ago in Japan and used the popular Accord platform as a base.

The Crosstour shares about 60 percent of its parts with the Accord sedan.

It will cost $30-37,000, Honda officials said during press briefings several weeks ago.

Honda held the press events to introduce journalists to the vehicle. For the first time, they Webcast the Detroit event to about 100 journalists at remote locations.

John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., said the Crosstour is designed for consumers for whom a “sedan isn’t enough ... and an SUV is too much.”

Product planner Lee DaSilva said the Crosstour will appeal to young couples just starting a family and to empty nesters who no longer need a large vehicle to haul a family.

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However, those empty nesters remain active and have hobbies such as bicycling, hiking, skiing and kayaking which require equipment that has to be hauled to destinations.

Honda believes it has designed a fun, accommodating and comfortable vehicle, he said.

The base model will be a two-wheel drive vehicle but a four-wheel drive version is available.

The Crosstour will have a 271-horsepower V-6 motor with 254-foot pounds of torque. The engine management system will be able to switch between six, four or three cylinders firing depending on demand.

Mr. Mendel said the Crosstour will benefit from its link to Accord as people will view it as reliable and fuel efficient. Mr. DaSilva agreed, adding some customers looking at Accords may be drawn to the Crosstour’s looks and versatility.

Honda felt the CUV concept would sell better than a station wagon, which sells well in European and Asian markets.

There are no plans for a hybrid version.