How does Acura know what needs to be fixed or improved, and what new features need to be added? There is no method to supply suggestions to Acura. Is it just me, or isn't it a no brainer to send out surveys to current owners asking what they like and dislike, and what new features they would like to see.

Maybe none of the car makers do this type of thing, so how do they decide what the public wants from new cars?

I'm just wondering because I'm dying to find out what the new 04 TL will be like. I'm hoping they add things like auto-leveling HIDs, rear seat headrest, all auto up/down windows, one touch sunroof, ect. And of course a better tranny

 

I think Acura also base it on what other vehicles in their price range is coming out with. That's why Acura is always behind other car manufacturers. Take Acura's SUV as an example. They were using the Acura SLX (?) aka Isuzu Trooper for a few years while they were working on one of its own. VIOLA...out comes the MDX and it wins all kinds of awards. So hopefully the next generation TL/TL-S will again be the class leaders as it was when it came out in 1999.

 

Also,

They do test markets on cars prior to releasing them to the public.

For instance, I was picked to view new cars such as the Ford Tuarus before it's original release. Back then the car was way ahead of it's time. Also, they had us rate different colors and pin stripe options. It was fun, and the best part about it was I was paid dearly for my time


Mike Smeezy

 

Yeah, back when we lived in Torrance and were driving an Integra GS-R, my wife took part in a focus group at Acura HQ on the next-generation Integra. Of course it turned out to be the RSX, which is not what she would have picked given some of the other concepts! In any event, I agree that Acura should make better use of their current owners but at least they do SOME market research when developing new cars!

 

I would think that they do some limited searching through their customer base. Possibly to long time acura owners or repeat owners.

I wish that I could make that list, where ever it is. Strangely enough I was invited to track test the Infiniti I30 before it came out in 2000, but I have never had any Datsun/Nissan/Infiniti product.

 

There are hundreds (perhaps thousands) or Automotive Market Research groups around the world. Auto manufacturers employ these folks to gather their data. Simple do a search on Google for Automotive Market Research and you will find many sites and listings.