http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/r...n-for-the-u-s/

Copy & Paste:
Conventional wisdom says that you can't sell station wagons in the States, but that type of thinking is so 2002. Back then, why would a manufacturer sell a low profit-margin wagon when they could instead sell you an all-profit SUV? Two kids under the age of six? You need a Denali. These days, now that SUVs have largely been exposed for what they always were -- rarely necessary -- station wagons are making a lot more sense. Take for instance the coming real soon Cadillac CTS SportWagon (and the possibly/maybe we-can't-believe-it's-actually-going-to-happen CTS-V SportWagon).

And why not an Acura wagon, specifically a TSX five-door? According to our broheims at Car and Driver, Acura is close to giving the TSX Wagon the green light. Think about the market for a moment. Audi sells lots of wagons, BMW has the both the 3 and 5 Series wagons, Mercedes-Benz has the C-Class wagons and now Caddy has the CTS Wagon. What's missing? Japanese luxury wagons. Until now, the Infiniti and Lexus (and Acura) have been putting all of their eggs in the luxury CUV segment. But if Chrysler and GM's bankruptcies have taught us anything, it's ABD -- Always Be Diversifying. Now we just have to see if Acura pulls the trigger.

 

My mother will be the first to grab one, when she sold the Accord wagon, she had nowhere to go but Subaru

 

I hope so!

 

That would be very niiice for us Acura salesman...and also a TSX Coupe while they're at it!

 

Finally, some outta the box thinking. Well, outta the box in the right way (the grill was supposed to be outta the box too).

 

Dumb move, keep it a Honda.

 

Excellent move!! Bring it on over, Acura!

 

No way.

 

haha, a coupe would be pretty interesting. but eh, wagon..i was never into the look of a wagon. :p

 

I would rock it, especially if it got SH-AWD!

 

Acura Closely Considering TSX Wagon

Wagons have been in the news quite a bit lately—Cadillac is soon to launch a CTS wagon, Mercedes-Benz just unwrapped the eccentric E-class wagon. We’ve now heard that Acura may be on the verge of bringing out a wagon version of the TSX.

“We’re closely, closely looking at it,” said John Watts, senior manager of Acura product planning. Watts believes that the younger part of the target market for the TSX—specifically the Gen Y portion—might be open to such a variant. “Boomers, and [the older among] Gen X, who had wagons as kids don’t want one, but the new kids do,” he said. Count us in that group, too, Johnny.

It wouldn’t be hard to develop, either. A wagon version of the TSX already is sold abroad as the Honda Accord Touring. All Acura would have to do is rebadge the thing and get it approved by the feds . . . the automotive equivalent of flickin’ a (somewhat costly) switch. And with everyone looking for handy, stylish, and thrifty alternatives to gas-guzzling SUVs, we think the time is right for said switch to be flicked.

 

Not sure how I would feel about that... I'm not opposed to wagons in general, but in that picture the body design looks an awful lot like a Subaru, and unless they add AWD to the TSX, I think the Subaru would win out for me. (My last car was an Outback.) I'm sure the interior/features etc. would be a lot nicer in an Acura than a Subaru, but the AWD is really the kicker for me (up here in the Northeast at least!).

 

When I went to Switzerland in December, I have to say that I saw many many more TSX (Accord) wagons over there than sedans. Can't beat the versatility of a hatch/wagon.

 

i think its a terrible idea. rdx, mdx, zdx??? isnt that enough crossovers???? how bout a **cking coupe??

 

Lol...you have a sedan but your avatar is a coupe!
I miss my BOM rsx too man...I guess Acura went the way of the practical on us. Although if you saw the full size sheets of plywood and two by's I brought home in that hatch, I could make an argument for it.

 

I remember seeing a Euro Accord wagon in the Tour de France a couple of years ago and really liked it. I've always liked the BMW and Subaru wagons.

I would definitely consider it, but I think a TSX Coupe would sell better for Acura. Heck, do both!!!

 

Edit: A coupe? Have we already forgotten the much maligned and poorly marketed CL?

Meh, a wagon driver is obviously a small percentage of buyers overall. They're cool to see them on the road, but wasn't the original SUV just a wagon with a lift kit? Something that almost has the utility of the dreaded minivan but cooler because it looks like a "go anywhere canyon (wo)man" vehicle?

Anyway, bring it and see what happens.

 

I think a good looking, SH-AWD TSX based coupe would be more interesting and would better fill a gap in the existing Acura lineup.

 

I think it's better looking than the MMC'd RDX, which is selling like crap these days anyway. If MB, Audi, and BMW can sell them, there's no reason why Acura can't (if it's done right). An AWD option would definitely help.

 

yeah thats my 06 rsx i kinda miss it but i really love my new tsx lol. and the rsx was extremely versatile! i used to fit sooo much crap in the hatch with the seats down.

 

The most likely way I could see this happening is when the all new chassis debuts in 2014. It would be very strange for them to bring it out mid-cycle on the current car. BUT, the RDX finishes it's (expected) run in 2011, so maybe the wagon would take it's place at that time (2012)?

 

I think development on the coupe must be wrapping up. As I understand, it should be after the ZDX launch (if they are to keep with the new or revised vehicle every 6 months "pledge")

 

so your saying there will be a tsx coupe?

 

Well.... I'm saying that I know they want a coupe. I know they want to release something every 6 months or so. I know that the only available chassis to use is the TSX/TL but they cannot make another Accord Coupe cause we (AHM) already has that. So, my dear Watson, draw your own conclusions....

 

Is this supposed to be a four-door "coupe," or a true two-door coupe? For Acura's sake, I hope they get the styling right on the coupe, as I think aesthetics are even more important for coupes than for sedans.

 

Maybe they can bring it over as a Honda i know they had one wagon only model in japan dont remeber the name of the car but it could work in the US.

 

Not unprecedented for Honda to bring a car over late in its model cycle. The Honda Fit is a good example. I would love to see the TSX wagon here in the states.

I've often thought wagons would work their way back once the SUV craze started to wane. I'm enjoying these especially sporty wagons, by the way.

Yes, I said it: wagons. Station Wagon. Not crossover, not sport utility wagon, not extended-hunchback-sedan. Wagon.

Sorry, I had to get that our of my system.

 

Drop the RDX and replace it with this

 

Acura TSX Wagon Considered - Benz C Class Wagon Off of the Table

Generational biases are nearly impossible to overcome when it comes to cars and image, and what types of cars are hot or not. At least until recently, much of the Baby Boomer generation, which has held most of the new-car buying power, has been decidedly anti-wagon.

My generation, the young side of Gen X plus Gen Y, has liked wagons all along; I can't remember a time when my peers considered them uncool. Whether or not it goes back to the knee-jerk resistance to the Plymouth Voyager minivans and Ford Explorer SUVs that our parents' generation gravitated toward, we really love our sport wagons.

If you're looking for a wagon—especially a sporty wagon—choices have been slim for a long time. The past decade has been full of false starts for the wagon market, as marketers seemed to misunderstand the appeal or pitch products to an older, more affluent audience that wasn't interested (the Lexus IS SportCross was a favorite).

My generation is getting older and fussier and just starting to move toward (and be able to afford) the luxury segment—albeit more cautiously than the older generation. A vehicle like the SportCross would likely have much more success now; and sources inside Toyota have confirmed to TheCarConnection.com that Lexus is reconsidering a wagon body style for its next-generation IS, now under development.

Now Cadillac is about to roll out a CTS Wagon, and according to Car and Driver, Acura is seriously considering bringing a wagon version of its TSX to the U.S.; the model is already sold overseas as the Honda Accord Touring. These models would join two TheCarConnection.com favorites—the 2009 Audi A4 Avant, 2009 BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon. In a more affordable segment of the market, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring is also helping to fill the void.

Any of these are well worth considering; in nearly every case, wagons are more fuel-efficient alternatives to SUVs, with just as much interior space and a better driving experience.

Mercedes-Benz recently announced that it will bring out a wagon version of the E-Class, next summer, but a company spokesperson just confirmed for TheCarConnection.com that it has no plans to bring the C-Class over as a wagon. Mercedes-Benz brought the C-Class wagon to the U.S. from 2002 through 2005, but it was a slow-seller and the latest version never made it.

The past decade has seen several ill-conceived, stodgy wagons that neither appeal to a certain type of Boomers nor to my generation, while at the same time perpetuating a "wagons don't sell" mentality within the ranks. Take the Malibu Maxx, an almost-there design that was saddled with way too much chrome on the outside, given bleak interior trim, and only offered with the V-6 and automatic. A little green appeal or a little sport can go a long way in stoking a wagon's appeal; Ford is missing out tremendously by not offering a Fusion Wagon—especially a Fusion Hybrid Wagon.

There's no denying that a few years from now there will be sport wagons to choose from; tighter fuel-efficiency requirements almost necessitate it. We want sporty and efficient, but we're not willing to sacrifice much practicality.

TheCarConnection.com will keep you posted on new wagon possibilities as they're announced; with some luck they'll pick up steam without sputtering themselves out yet again.

 

Yes, but the Fit is the only example I can think of. IMO the problem with wagons is that although the haul people fine, they don't offer the high "command" seating that a SUV or crossover does. This means they could loose their target audience: is; tiny women driving ridiculously large vehicles.

In fact, the more I think about it the less it makes sense and here's why (not directed at you, but in general):

1) They just invested in the RDX 2WD version
2) Cutting RDX production now won't make it more profitable, it'll only lessen the time for it to recoup development costs.
3) I can't see HMC wanting to sell more Japan made cars when NA production is more profitable.

I could see this happening after the RDX finishes up its production run. I think they're taking a cautious wait and see approach. They might have a better gauge of the market after the new Accord Crosstour hits the road.

 

I hope it wouldn't be a Honda. I want all the luxury items that come in Acuras, including HIDs. I hate how Honda doesn't offer HIDs in their vehicles.

 

I second that.

I much prefer the ride a car has. I hate the "big" feeling that SUVs have and I feel much safer in a car. Plus the wagon would likely get better mpg than the RDX, which is a common complaint for that vehicle.

 

I hear you, but unless buyer perceptions change, people attracted to SUVs like them for exactly the reasons you don't. They feel big, you can see over the cars in traffic, and they think they are safer. It's a tough nut to crack for sure.

Looking at our showroom, I would not support a wagon till after the RDX. We won't need four people movers in the lineup. As an aside, Jeff over at TOV suggested that the market for CUVs is expected to grow to 80,000 units soon and to over 100,000 in a few years. (sorry, can't find the link) Knowing this, the RDX may not go away after all and might even get a second generation.

 

I hate this whole cannablization fear that honda/acura always seems to have when coming up with something. I'd rather see a multitude of options.

I may not be running the company, nor do I claim to know the workings of a sales floor, but as a consumer I'd love to have the choice of either an RDX, MDX, and TSX wagon. I just don't see how a person that wants a small SUV wants a car with cargo capacity. Its rare that those 2 people are the same. I'd like to believe that a TSX wagon would steal sales from those buyers looking at anything from a Mazda3 to an Audi a3. Those people aren't looking at an RDX.

 

I don't see it that way. I see them in the business of (attempting) to mass produce automobiles. In Europe, they don't 'get' SUVs, but in America wagons just don't sell.

Look a the Lexus IS300 SportCross. It is everything people who populate these forums seem to like. Its small (people complain TSX is too big), it's RWD, its the wagon EVERYBODY wants. Yet, after it's run, Lexus did not make a new version. Why? Could it be that they didn't manage to sell the meager 5000 per year they had planned? Could it be that it didn't add to the company's bottom line?

Maybe times are different now? Maybe it's time to give it a try? Who knows? Hopefully I'm wrong. Hopefully, after the initial rush to buy, and we've sold the 16 people who actually put their money where their (virtual) mouths are, the wagon continues to sell. Hopefully it wouldn't become yet another car on the showroom that you sell for invoice just to move the metal. Being the luxury brand where everything is sold at invoice does not boost your brand image.

 

You bring up alot of important points, and like I said, I don't claim to understand the ins and outs of car sales or what sells in an Acura showroom.

However, from my perspective as a pretty brand loyal Acura/Honda consumer, the company could use a people mover that isn't SUV based. Its a lifestyle enabler....you want a sporty, tech laden car AND you have a family in tow? Acura can have it.

It really depends on what people really see Acura as. Do they see it as a luxury and image automobile maker? I'd put lexus under this category, hence a practical automobile such as a station wagon would never fly there. Or do they see Acura as possibly a practical alternative to other makes? I think Acura presently fits this definition more readily than anything, whether they like it or not. Hence, there is room in the brand for a practical choice such as a wagon.

As for putting my money where my mouth is, my wife was already looking into used bmw 5 series wagons to replace our minivan. funny thing is, a friend mentioned on facebook that they'd be interested in buying a TSX wagon if it ever came out. Now she wants that. If it comes out next year, we'll be buying it.

 

I hope my reply didn't sound too harsh. Cars that don't sell have a ripple effect. Not making profit (or making very little) does not allow good wages for consultants (this means you get the lousy guys everyone complains about) It means that dealerships cannot upgrade facilities (this means you get the showrooms everyone complains about). And it means that resale values drop (this is bad for all Acura owners). Having a car that just sits, is the last thing any dealer needs.

 

^^true points.

There is no doubt that the vehicle needs to be successful, I'm only asserting that there is a place in the Acura brand for a wagon. If anything, its the kind of contrarian vehicle that yuppies and hondaphiles love. A neatly packaged people mover without the pretenses. Stick a luxury badge on it, and maybe these people will get their heads out their jcrew catalog long enough to check it out.

BTW, I don't think we disagree, I think we're just looking at it from different perspectives. As an acura fan, I wouldn't want it sold if it wasn't going to get people in the door. OTOH, being the primary car decision maker in my family, I'd buy it if it came out next year.

If there was no RDX in the mix, would it be more amenable to sales people?

 

Yeah, I agree. I think we see the same thing. As for the RDX question, I’m not sure if it would be more welcome without the RDX. I suppose Acura realized the need for a sub-MDX people mover pretty early on. In hindsight (considering recent fuel prices) maybe a wagon makes more sense. BUT you have to remember the RDX was probably greenlit back in 2003, and at that time they probably felt they needed more (homegrown) SUVs in the market. Lexus wasn’t doing well with their wagon so I guess they decided to go a different route.

Funny huh? We replaced the slow selling (but loved) RSX with the equally slow selling (and somewhat unloved) RDX. BUT I’m guessing from HMC’s perspective, the RDX is a better car. Let’s say it cost them 15K to build an RSX and they then sold it to dealers for 18k. I’d imagine it costs around 20K to build an RDX that they sell at 30K. I would guess that a Japan made TSX wagon would have a cost profile closer to the RSX than the RDX.

 

I know I am in the minority but I really want this to happen, but do it right an option for a manual! Even better make Type S Wagon V6 TSX with a manual in Taffeta white please!