RL - Feb 2008 Sales
03-03-2008, 02:14 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Funny thing is that I seem to pass more RL's lately than I ever have. While not a lot (compared to say, TLs) usually 3 or 4 going to work, and a couple more coming home. Last week, on the way home from the gym (2 miles or so), 4 RLs went by. Odd. I have also yet to see another with CMBS though.
LL
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03-03-2008, 03:26 PM
#5
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This explains a lot of it... hadn't heard it like this before:
http://vtec.net/forums/one-message?m...item_id=745611
When Honda Motor Co. Ltd. created the Acura brand for the U.S. in 1986, the auto maker did not intend for it to compete directly with established luxury players.
Instead, Acura would serve as an “intercept brand” for Honda customers looking for a “near-luxury experience,” says John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. executive vice president. Before Acura, those customers would have been considering more expensive European luxury brands.
“For the first time, we're now ready to take Acura to Tier 1,” he tells journalists at the Detroit auto show. “This involves the retail network, the product and, frankly, our mindset as an organization.”
http://vtec.net/forums/one-message?m...item_id=745611
When Honda Motor Co. Ltd. created the Acura brand for the U.S. in 1986, the auto maker did not intend for it to compete directly with established luxury players.
Instead, Acura would serve as an “intercept brand” for Honda customers looking for a “near-luxury experience,” says John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. executive vice president. Before Acura, those customers would have been considering more expensive European luxury brands.
“For the first time, we're now ready to take Acura to Tier 1,” he tells journalists at the Detroit auto show. “This involves the retail network, the product and, frankly, our mindset as an organization.”
03-03-2008, 04:14 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by CL6
This explains a lot of it... hadn't heard it like this before:
http://vtec.net/forums/one-message?m...item_id=745611
When Honda Motor Co. Ltd. created the Acura brand for the U.S. in 1986, the auto maker did not intend for it to compete directly with established luxury players.
Instead, Acura would serve as an “intercept brand” for Honda customers looking for a “near-luxury experience,” says John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. executive vice president. Before Acura, those customers would have been considering more expensive European luxury brands.
“For the first time, we're now ready to take Acura to Tier 1,” he tells journalists at the Detroit auto show. “This involves the retail network, the product and, frankly, our mindset as an organization.”
http://vtec.net/forums/one-message?m...item_id=745611
When Honda Motor Co. Ltd. created the Acura brand for the U.S. in 1986, the auto maker did not intend for it to compete directly with established luxury players.
Instead, Acura would serve as an “intercept brand” for Honda customers looking for a “near-luxury experience,” says John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. executive vice president. Before Acura, those customers would have been considering more expensive European luxury brands.
“For the first time, we're now ready to take Acura to Tier 1,” he tells journalists at the Detroit auto show. “This involves the retail network, the product and, frankly, our mindset as an organization.”
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03-03-2008, 05:02 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
Oh, so Acura is NOT a luxury car company, but an "intercept brand" (aka BUICK/OLDSMOBILE)? WTF? 
Is this exec is just spouting sour grapes that Acura didn't succeed as well as Lexus at the luxury game, perhaps?
At least there are indications that the mindset in the organization is changing. It will be interesting to see what happens with Acura in the next couple of years. The question is whether I (and other Acura enthusiasts) have moved on by the time Acura gets its act together.
Thanks for the find, CL6.
Is this exec is just spouting sour grapes that Acura didn't succeed as well as Lexus at the luxury game, perhaps?At least there are indications that the mindset in the organization is changing. It will be interesting to see what happens with Acura in the next couple of years. The question is whether I (and other Acura enthusiasts) have moved on by the time Acura gets its act together.
Thanks for the find, CL6.
Originally Posted by CL6
This explains a lot of it... hadn't heard it like this before:
http://vtec.net/forums/one-message?m...item_id=745611
When Honda Motor Co. Ltd. created the Acura brand for the U.S. in 1986, the auto maker did not intend for it to compete directly with established luxury players.
Instead, Acura would serve as an “intercept brand” for Honda customers looking for a “near-luxury experience,” says John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. executive vice president. Before Acura, those customers would have been considering more expensive European luxury brands.
“For the first time, we're now ready to take Acura to Tier 1,” he tells journalists at the Detroit auto show. “This involves the retail network, the product and, frankly, our mindset as an organization.”
http://vtec.net/forums/one-message?m...item_id=745611
When Honda Motor Co. Ltd. created the Acura brand for the U.S. in 1986, the auto maker did not intend for it to compete directly with established luxury players.
Instead, Acura would serve as an “intercept brand” for Honda customers looking for a “near-luxury experience,” says John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. executive vice president. Before Acura, those customers would have been considering more expensive European luxury brands.
“For the first time, we're now ready to take Acura to Tier 1,” he tells journalists at the Detroit auto show. “This involves the retail network, the product and, frankly, our mindset as an organization.”
03-03-2008, 06:12 PM
#9
Safety Car
Hmm
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Oh, so Acura is NOT a luxury car company, but an "intercept brand" (aka BUICK/OLDSMOBILE)? WTF? Is this exec is just spouting sour grapes that Acura didn't succeed as well as Lexus at the luxury game, perhaps?
Is this exec is just spouting sour grapes that Acura didn't succeed as well as Lexus at the luxury game, perhaps?They rebadged a foreign Accord & sold it, as well as the RDX, w/out things such as passenger power seats. They also apparently prided themselves on being affordable/cheaper luxury, which is a bit of an oxymoron but they made it work.
The RL & MDX definitely move them up a step from entry level but they do not have anything in the 7 Series/S Class realm yet.
I think he was telling the truth about their past but I have doubts about their future of being serious regarding being Tier 1. Actions speak louder than words .... bring it.
03-03-2008, 06:33 PM
#10
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I'm just wondering why, after 22 years, they're 'ready' to take it into luxury territory. I wish I had heard this quote years ago. Certainly seems to validate the claim it's not the car it's the company - and that it's maybe not a V6 that's keeping numbers down.
03-03-2008, 07:29 PM
#13
Safety Car
Pilot
Originally Posted by Trackruner228
Hm didnt it go up a few cars? People probably saw the 09 and wanted an 08 while they can.
03-03-2008, 09:01 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by Trackruner228
Hm didnt it go up a few cars? People probably saw the 09 and wanted an 08 while they can.
With respect to year to date sales, 791 cars have been sold for 2008 vs 828 cars sold in 2007, down 6.4%.
03-03-2008, 11:36 PM
#17
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Here is everyone else for February:
In both cases - BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti - 1, 2, 3
Entry-Level
1. 3 - 8,943
2. C - 5,781
3. G - 5,742
4. CTS - 5,118
5. TL - 4,127
6. IS - 3,906
7. A4 - 2,775
8. S60 - 1,310
9. 9-3 - 1,071
10. X-Type - 180
Mid-Level
1. 5 - 4,442
2. E - 2,547
3. M - 1,581
4. STS - 1,436
5. GS - 1,422
6. S80 - 1,270
7. A6 - 847
8. RL - 408
9. S-Type - 402
10. 9-5 - 223
In both cases - BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti - 1, 2, 3
Entry-Level
1. 3 - 8,943
2. C - 5,781
3. G - 5,742
4. CTS - 5,118
5. TL - 4,127
6. IS - 3,906
7. A4 - 2,775
8. S60 - 1,310
9. 9-3 - 1,071
10. X-Type - 180
Mid-Level
1. 5 - 4,442
2. E - 2,547
3. M - 1,581
4. STS - 1,436
5. GS - 1,422
6. S80 - 1,270
7. A6 - 847
8. RL - 408
9. S-Type - 402
10. 9-5 - 223
03-03-2008, 11:59 PM
#18
Proboscis-free zone
Those numbers prove the "tyranny of the marketplace"--the economists' idea that the desires of the majority tend to cause the more discerning minority (e.g., us) to lose opportunities to maximize their own happiness.
In other words, since 10x more people are prepared to throw their money at an ugly, overpriced 5-series Beemer than a super-competent, subtly lovely and relatively less expensive Acura RL--we get the butt-ugly '09 MMC.
Too horrid to contemplate.
In other words, since 10x more people are prepared to throw their money at an ugly, overpriced 5-series Beemer than a super-competent, subtly lovely and relatively less expensive Acura RL--we get the butt-ugly '09 MMC.
Too horrid to contemplate.
03-04-2008, 12:08 AM
#19
Not an Ashtray
RL's are not selling right now because we all know the MMC is coming, with more features and gizmos. Now, I know that most of you hate the beak on the new MMC, but I still bet that potential buyers like me are holding out.
As for the TL, it usually sells a lot better but again a revision is coming.
Besides, I don't really care if Acuras sell. Resale value is remaining high, and I get a great car for my money that is also something different. I see more 3-series than Honda Civics out here in LA.
As for the TL, it usually sells a lot better but again a revision is coming.
Besides, I don't really care if Acuras sell. Resale value is remaining high, and I get a great car for my money that is also something different. I see more 3-series than Honda Civics out here in LA.
03-04-2008, 12:17 AM
#20
Not an Ashtray
Originally Posted by TSX69
Pilot sales were up 19%, perhaps that theory applies here too ...
The Honda Pilot is being pushed out the door at prices way below invoice. I just configured a bottom-of-the-line FWD model at Cardsirect. Out the door for $22,000! In other words, you can have two for the price of an RL. And, the Honda market is a lot more sensitive to price reductions than Acura.
03-04-2008, 01:22 AM
#21
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Compared to other brands, Honda is doing pretty well, at least sales didn't decline like Toyota did. I don't know but it seems that the economy isn't doing too well recently and that might have caused that....anyways..I think I'm getting a bit too far...
Back in 2004 when TSX and TL came out, I think they were pretty successful. TL was the most powerful, first DVD-audio as well as other high tech stuff, and a very attractive styling too. However, with the introduction of the E90 3 series, new IS250/350, new G35, new CTS, new C-Class the TL became rather "outdated." I mean it's still a great car, and with the TL-S , it's still competitive, but we must admit that it's the competition that has improved greatly. I mean, all of a sudden, all of TL's competitors come with 300hp engines, even the new C-class might get the 306hp engine from the SLK350.
But that's the automotive world, with that much competition, it's not an easy task to be at the top at all time, especially for a non-tier 1 brand like Acura. In other words, they must not screw up on the next TL.
Back in 2004 when TSX and TL came out, I think they were pretty successful. TL was the most powerful, first DVD-audio as well as other high tech stuff, and a very attractive styling too. However, with the introduction of the E90 3 series, new IS250/350, new G35, new CTS, new C-Class the TL became rather "outdated." I mean it's still a great car, and with the TL-S , it's still competitive, but we must admit that it's the competition that has improved greatly. I mean, all of a sudden, all of TL's competitors come with 300hp engines, even the new C-class might get the 306hp engine from the SLK350.
But that's the automotive world, with that much competition, it's not an easy task to be at the top at all time, especially for a non-tier 1 brand like Acura. In other words, they must not screw up on the next TL.
03-04-2008, 08:55 AM
#23
Safety Car
Originally Posted by lland
Funny thing is that I seem to pass more RL's lately than I ever have. While not a lot (compared to say, TLs) usually 3 or 4 going to work, and a couple more coming home. Last week, on the way home from the gym (2 miles or so), 4 RLs went by. Odd. I have also yet to see another with CMBS though.
LL
LL
Just curious.
03-04-2008, 09:16 AM
#24
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Originally Posted by darth62
RL's are not selling right now because we all know the MMC is coming, with more features and gizmos. Now, I know that most of you hate the beak on the new MMC, but I still bet that potential buyers like me are holding out.
As for the TL, it usually sells a lot better but again a revision is coming.
Besides, I don't really care if Acuras sell. Resale value is remaining high, and I get a great car for my money that is also something different. I see more 3-series than Honda Civics out here in LA.
As for the TL, it usually sells a lot better but again a revision is coming.
Besides, I don't really care if Acuras sell. Resale value is remaining high, and I get a great car for my money that is also something different. I see more 3-series than Honda Civics out here in LA.
The RL was not selling bfore the MMC was imminent.
03-04-2008, 11:52 AM
#25
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by darth62
RL's are not selling right now because we all know the MMC is coming, with more features and gizmos.
03-04-2008, 01:39 PM
#26
Not an Ashtray
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Not true. The RL has been selling particularly (sub-1000 monthly) poorly since late 2006, and for a variety of reasons, which have been beaten to death on our board.
03-04-2008, 06:31 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by darth62
Yeah, I just looked up the numbers. the drop in sales from last year to this year is not all that great (-6.4%). So, that shouldn't be explained by just anticipation of the MMC.
03-04-2008, 08:33 PM
#28
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by geronimomoe
If you consider the fact that 408 cars averages to just 8 cars per state, you can't get much lower than that.
03-04-2008, 08:48 PM
#30
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Originally Posted by Chas2
Does anyone know how many CMBS are sold? Is it 10% of the production? 20%? or more like 5%.
Just curious.
Just curious.
03-04-2008, 08:57 PM
#31
Originally Posted by lland
Funny thing is that I seem to pass more RL's lately than I ever have. While not a lot (compared to say, TLs) usually 3 or 4 going to work, and a couple more coming home. Last week, on the way home from the gym (2 miles or so), 4 RLs went by. Odd. I have also yet to see another with CMBS though.
LL
LL
03-04-2008, 11:32 PM
#32
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Wow PAX is the new Beta?
Originally Posted by geronimomoe
I doubt many, if at all. Plus with the Michelin discontinuing R&D on the PAX system and many Acura dealers not stocking the PAX tire system anymore, it doesn't seem to be a good idea to buy one..
03-04-2008, 11:41 PM
#33
Proboscis-free zone
Originally Posted by CL6
Wow PAX is the new Beta?
03-07-2008, 09:26 PM
#34
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by VOdoc
A shame. Like Beta, it's arguably superior to the competition. I've got 21,000 miles on mine with no discernible tire wear. And CMBS has saved me from numerous potential crashes.
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