Canadian Acura/Honda April 2012 Sales

Combined April sales of 12,800 units by the Honda and Acura divisions of Honda Canada Inc. represented a 4% increase over last year's sales.  The Honda Automobile Division reported March sales of 11,303 units, up 4% from last year, led by strong sales of Honda Civic (up 15%) and CR-V (up 6%).  The Acura Division reported April sales of 1,497 units, up 10% over last year, with increased sales of Acura RDX (up 76%) and TSX (up 35%).

"We are pleased to see a great sales start of the all-new 2013 Acura RDX compact luxury SUV, which went on-sale last month," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. "The vehicle is more powerful, roomier, quieter and has improved fuel efficiency, and these features are what customers in the luxury SUV market expect."

"Canadian built Honda Civic and CR-V have shown a steady sales increase in April. Both vehicles are designed to provide Canadian customers with best in-class value. And we would like to thank Canadians for continuing to embrace the Civic, keeping it as the leader in its segment year-to-date," added Chenkin.

Honda Canada has sold approximately 3.5 million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canadasince 1973.  Of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in April, 96% were produced at the company's assembly plants in North America, up 1% from same month last year.

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American Acura/Honda April 2012 Sales

American Honda today reported April 2012 U.S. sales of 122,012 units, an increase of 10 percent based on the daily selling rate. The Honda division posted April 2012 sales of 109,837, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to April 2011. Acura's U.S. April sales of 12,175 were up 18 percent compared to April 2011. 

Honda 
- Honda Accord sales up more than 40 percent compared to April 2011, demonstrating the strength of Accord, even as an all-new version is set to debut this fall. 

- New April sales record for CR-V. Accord, CR-V, Odyssey and Ridgeline all post double-digit percentage sales gains compared to last year. 

- Honda Civic Hybrid sales up more than 600 percent on heightened fuel-price sensitivity. 

"With double-digit sales growth in April, the Accord continues to be the retail sales leader in the mid-size segment," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "As other manufacturers resort to fleet sales, the quality and value of the Honda Accord continues to win new customers even as we prepare to launch an all-new model this fall." 

Acura 
- 2013 Acura RDX is fast out of the gate, with sales of the all-new SUV up more than 65 percent compared to same period last year. 

- All core Acura models (TL, TSX, RDX and MDX) post double-digit increases compared to 2011, while MDX remains Acura's best selling model. 

- The all-new ILX compact luxury sedan goes on sale May 22. 

"We're delighted to see customers embrace the right-sized 2013 Acura RDX," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It's great to see so many new owners recognizing the remarkable combination of class-leading fuel economy, performance and luxury in our new SUV." 

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Old Civic Ain't Dead Yet

Dongfeng Honda introduced one of its new models, the Ciimo, based on the last-generation Honda Civic. This model will be positioned as a middle-class compact to mid-size sedan in China. 

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China Gets Hands on new Acura products

Honda also unveiled a new line of products for its luxury-brand Acura in China at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show today. This includes the small-compact luxury sedan named the ILX, the small compact luxury SUV called the RDX along with a sneak peek at the NSX Concept. The ILX and RDX will launch in China this fall and the NSX Concept will launch its production variant in China a few months following the US launch which is tentatively set for 2015. 

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Honda Concept S Unveiled at 2012 Beijing Auto Show

Honda unveiled its Concept S at the Beijing Auto Show today with a focus on new-value passenger movers. This was primarily designed for the Chinese market and the Chinese market will be the first to have this model on sale. S stands for Stylish, Smart and Surprise. The model will adopt a hybrid powertrain which will utilize both the fun aspect of driving and the environmental technological packaging at the same time. This model will feature Honda's spacious cabins for its people-movers and a mass-production model will be released through Dongfeng Honda next year followed by a global introduction. Perhaps this model may make its way through to North America? Would you buy it? 

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Honda Concept C Introduced at 2012 Beijing Auto Show

Honda unveiled the world premiere of its Concept C model in China. It will be a middle-class mid-sized sedan that Honda is developing strictly for the Chinese market. C represents Cool, Challenge and China. According to Honda, the Concept C features a stately, distinctive and sporty design that was inspired by the image of a dragon. The product planning for this model was done through Honda China's development teams in association with Honda Japan. Honda will introduce a mass-production model of this concept through Guangqi Honda next year. Whether or not this will be our next Accord, it sure doesn't sound like it. What do you think of this as the next Accord? Overstyled or wrongly-styled? 

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2013 Acura ILX Canadian Prices

Acura announced pricing today for the all-new 2013 ILX luxury compact sedan that serves as the gateway to the Acura brand.  Available in Acura dealerships across Canada on May 25, the 2013 ILX will start with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $27,790 for ILX. 

 “The all-new Acura ILX will appeal to first-time luxury buyers - young and independent Canadians looking to express their individuality, while balancing environmental responsibility and affordability, " said Alexandre Roger, assistant vice president, Acura Canada. “ Although the luxury market represents just 10 per cent of total industry sales, 80 per cent of mass market buyers desire to step up to a luxury vehicle and ILX will provide those customers with a true gateway into the luxury market.”

The ILX will feature three advanced, sporty and efficient powertrain choices, including Acura’s first gasoline-electric hybrid.  The ILX will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 140 lb.-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm.  For those who seek a more spirited driving experience, the ILX Dynamic is equipped with a 2.4-litre engine with an output of 201 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. torque at 4400 rpm.

As Acura’s first ever hybrid model, the ILX Hybrid makes use of a 1.5-litre engine and an integrated electric motor. The hybrid drivetrain uses the gasoline engine as the primary power source, while an electric motor provides additional power when needed. A lithium-ion battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the 20 horsepower electric motor. Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor produce 111 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque between 1000-3500 rpm. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery pack. At a stop, the 1.5-litre engine can enter idle-stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.

The ILX chassis utilizes advanced MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, along with new Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters to simultaneously provide superior ride comfort and precision handling. In addition, Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering is used for excellent steering feel and improved fuel efficiency. The result is a chassis with a high level of refinement, confident handling and a nimble and sporty driving experience.

Inside, the ILX will feature a high-quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty.  It will offer a number of new, high-value features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, two trim levels –a Premium Package and Technology Package – and excellent standard safety features, including Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both the U.S.-based NHTSA and IIHS.

The available Premium Package features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an upgraded 365-watt stereo system, a rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.

Building on the Premium Package, the available Technology Package adds Acura’s award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a complement of relevant technologies, including Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition™. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. With the available Premium or Technology Package, a new multi-view rear camera is used.

The Acura ILX will be manufactured exclusively at the company’s state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana, plant – one of only three plants worldwide to receive J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality, and the top award for any factory in North America.

2013 ILX Pricing
ILX - $27,790
ILX Premium - $29,990
ILX Tech- $32,290
ILX Dynamic - $29,990
ILX Hybrid - $34,990

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2013 Acura ILX American Pricing Announced

 The all-new 2013 Acura ILX will go on sale at Acura dealerships May 22, 2012, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP*) starting at $25,900 Acura announced today. The ILX offers remarkable value for the money with robust feature content and premium appeal. 

“The 2013 Acura ILX will serve as the gateway to the Acura brand,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “At the leading edge of a new, sporty compact segment, the ILX delivers style, value, performance and connectivity to younger buyers looking to move into the luxury market.” 

The all-new Acura ILX features a windswept exterior design with 5-passenger cabin, a choice of three powertrain options, including Acura’s first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid, and a well appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, premium features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world. Like all Acura models, the ILX is equipped with a rich list of standard features including a power moonroof, aluminium wheels and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®. 

The entry-level ILX (starting at $25,900) is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a 2.4-liter engine ($29,200, includes the Premium package) with an output of 201 horsepower featuring a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission. The ILX Hybrid (starting at $28,900) makes use of a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. Paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 39/38/38 mpg. 

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, multiple trim levels (a Premium Package and Technology Package), and excellent standard safety features— including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both NHTSA and the IIHS. 

The Premium Package (available as a $3,300 option; not available on the ILX Hybrid model) features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin. 

Building on the Premium Package, the Technology Package (available on the ILX with 2.0-liter engine for $2,200) adds Acura's award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps and HomeLink®. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity— including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. The Technology package is also available on the ILX Hybrid for $5,500 and includes all Premium Package features except 17-inch aluminium wheels. 

The Acura ILX will be manufactured (using U.S. and globally sourced parts), exclusively at the company's state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana plant, one of only three plants worldwide to receive J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality, and the top award for any factory in North America.

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BREAKING NEWS: Honda to Unveil 2 Concepts in China

This may be the Accord Sedan Concept that Honda is debuting in Beijing on April 23rd

This may be the Asian/Australian Honda Odyssey Concept that Honda is debuting in Beijing on April 23rd

Honda is set to unveil two major vehicles in Beijing, China. These two vehicles are part of Honda's grandiose revitalization for the brand in China as it prepares to launch 10 new and full-model-change vehicles from 2013-2015. Honda wants to double its 2011 sales by 2015. Honda is now committed to equipping every model sold in China by 2015 with its patented Earth Dreams Technology and as a result, each of its new models will be tops in fuel efficiency and performance. As part of its revitalization, Honda will be unveiling the CR-Z, Insight and Fit Hybrid to Chinese consumers with preparations of building local plants in China to produce these hybrids and reduce shipping costs. 

Acura China will also benefit from this announcement with the new NSX to be launched in China along with the introduction of the ILX, RDX and RLX models to Chinese consumers. Acura will also specifically equip local Chinese vehicles with smaller engines where the demand continues to grow for fuel-efficient and small engines. All Acura engines will be revamped by the end of 2015 to bring the latest advanced technologies to Chinese consumers. 

Along with enhancing current products, Honda is also looking at establishing a Honda design studio in China. This studio will be able to strengthen Honda China and enable Honda China to produce local products that exceed the expectations of customers in China. And of course, Honda is also looking at ways of incorporating local supplies and parts/components into its Chinese vehicles to increase cost competitiveness and increase its support of local industries. Some of this will be achieved with Dongfeng Honda's second plant to be utilized by July 2012. Meanwhile, Guangqi Honda is set to expand its operations into a third line and is aiming for production on this line by 2014. 

Of course, a revitalization isn't without word-of-mouth and Honda will begin a new brand communication campaign in China with the tag line meaning "a new future will be carved out when Honda takes new actions together with its customers." Acura's new tagline will suggest that Acura vehicles put the central focus onto customers and will provide each customer with the joy of becoming one with the vehicle and the freedom of maneuvering at the will of the driver. Acura will put the focus onto the customers and strengthen their already well-established customer service by providing specialized services. 

Acura China and Honda China's revitalization begins with the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition which starts April 23, 2012 to the press, April 27 to the public until its closing on May 2, 2012. 

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2012 Acura TSX A-SPEC Released in Canada!

But be warned, this release is limited to 200 units in Canada with sales starting this week. Acura is making a limited run of the TSX A-SPEC model that slots in between the TSX Premium Package and the TSX Tech Package in Canada. The A-SPEC adds onto the Premium Package with features such as unique 18" aluminum alloy wheels, silver plated paddle shifters, red-trimmed ebony suede seat surfaces, metal racing pedals, cabin red ambient lighting, a front+side+rear body kit along with A-SPEC badging. The TSX A-SPEC starts at $36 190 in Canada for the manual transmission and tops out at $37 490 for the automatic transmission. The car will be available in either Bellanova White Pearl or Crystal Black Pearl.

If you're interested in snapping a limited edition TSX model, make your move fast! Acura expects to have all these cars accounted for by this summer. 

For more information, visit the Acura Canada website @ http://acura.ca/tsx

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