As all of you know the MDX is built in Honda's huge complex in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. Well, I have been reading on the local newspaper's (Alliston Herald) website that the plant has had a major cut in employees due to the recession, plus there are problems with the CAW. Honda is currently non-union in Canada and the CAW wants to make it a union plant, along with Toyota, etc. While there is mention of the ZDX being delayed until late fall/early winter, there is no mention of the MDX that I could find. So, with the rumored problem with the new 6-speed and the labor cutback it could explain the delay. Time will tell, of course.

 

Don't you love those unions! All of you that support this move, don't be suprised if Honda and Ford move their manufacturing to the southern US or Mexico. When they do, don't complain because say what you want, but its because of the unions.

Hopefully the labor and union issues don't effect the quality of the vehicle. I'd be nervous buying any 09-currrent vehicle for the sole reason that every auto company was in cost cutting mode and I hope they didn't cut on quality and use non-spec materials. I guess that's just the manufacturing in me.

 

A colleague of mine who is also a Asst Manager at an Acura dealer is buddy's with a worker at the Alliston plant has said that they've run into some problems with the new 6spd Auto tranny. This apparently is the ONLY reason for the delay. I wouldn't buy in too deep into the union talk.

 

I agree the tranny problem is the main reason for the delay. I have also read there is a big backlog of orders for the '10 MDX. The dealers wish that Acura would get the problem under control and resume production. I can't imagine the Honda engineers not being able to make a quick fix. They can't let those workers sit around doing nothing.

 

What the problem with the tranny? I hadn't heard anything about this until now.

I have noticed, however, that inventories of MDXs (and everything but TLs) seems very low at all the dealers in my area. I hope they fix the problem very soon.

 

I don't have a clue about the nature of the problem other than it is quite serious to delay production of the TL, MDX and ZDX, which are all scheduled to get it. Yes, inventories of the '09 MDX are very low, or depleted, and dealers are not happy to say the least, but there is nothing they can do. This problem with the 6-speed tranny is at least a month or more old now.

 

Wow. I'd definitely stay away from the MDX and ZDX until probably the 3rd model year, then, by which hopefully all the bugs will have been worked out! This is not a good sign.

 

This problem could be a major blow to Acura. With dealers saying that December is the earliest the models will hit showrooms is not a good thing. As others have noted, some carmakers will be introducing 2011 models at the car shows while Acura is just getting their two most popular models and an all new ZDX (that no one seems to want) into showrooms right before Christmas, which is usually a very slow time for car sales for any company. While I am going to stick it out and actually buy a '10 MDX, I too am worried about long-term problems and/or recalls. I bought my first Acura in 2003 due to its reputation of making affordable and almost bulletproof luxury vehicles.

 

The TL is not getting a 6 speed automatic for 2010, thats confirmed.

ZDX and MDX only.

 

My bad. I was confusing the 6 speed stick for the TL with the 6 speed auto for the MDX and ZDX.

 

My local stealer rcvd a shipment of 09's about two weeks ago. 4 Sports...3 w/DVD and a few base/techs. He has 10 in stock total...quite surprising especially a Bali Blue Sport w/DVD. Rare color in the Sport.