Acura: Sales, Marketing, and Financial News
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,377
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
The 300C looks like a Bentley/Rolls Royce to many people.
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 12,038
Likes: 0
From: Everywhere
Originally Posted by Jason
Where did you get this from? I never thought of that. I don't think it looks ANYTHING like a Bentley or RR. You could go more practical and say some people think it looks like a much more expensive car than it is, but I argue that it definitely does NOT look like a more expensive car because of things like the interior and its "tortoise-shell" trim. The 300C sucks.
Really?
I feel the need...
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 14,957
Likes: 515
From: Motown
What I respect about Honda:
1. Great engines - a philosophy of more hp w/ less displacement.
2. A commitment to safety and durability.
3. A "car" company - not a truck company.
No offense to any SUV lovers out there, but any true driver will tell you - they suck gas, most handle like crap, and less than 10% of drivers ever take them off-road. Personally, I think we're on the downward curve of the SUV craze, as is exemplified by the sales numbers of GM and Ford.
Being from Motown, where half of my friends work as engineers/managers for OEM and various tier one suppliers, I can tell you that it is truly amazing how much technology and improvement has occured in just the past ten years. IMO, there is no such thing as the "perfect" car. Just the right car, with the least amount of compromises to each owners set of priorities for a given price point.
I believe that Honda represents a car company that does this pretty much better than anyone other than Toyota, but to me Toyota's have about as much appeal as Michael Jackson's last album.
I believe that Honda is going in the right direction with their Acura division. An argument could be made that the RSX should be wearing a Honda badge and the S2000 vice versa. The TSX and TL both are very good cars, with ton of content relative to their competition. The new RL will probably sell well, but not as well as Acura hopes because of the lack of percieved flagship features, ie. rear wheel drive, V8. Acura has been slow to bring a smaller SUV to the table, but from what I've heard the RDX will fit the bill nicely.
What Acura really does need to do, but appears they are wavering on, is to replace the NSX - VERY SOON! If they truly want to have a halo vehicle, it pretty much goes without saying that it must have an 8 cylinder with 400hp+. Honda will never build a Ferrari, but it certainly is capable of doing so.
1. Great engines - a philosophy of more hp w/ less displacement.
2. A commitment to safety and durability.
3. A "car" company - not a truck company.
No offense to any SUV lovers out there, but any true driver will tell you - they suck gas, most handle like crap, and less than 10% of drivers ever take them off-road. Personally, I think we're on the downward curve of the SUV craze, as is exemplified by the sales numbers of GM and Ford.
Being from Motown, where half of my friends work as engineers/managers for OEM and various tier one suppliers, I can tell you that it is truly amazing how much technology and improvement has occured in just the past ten years. IMO, there is no such thing as the "perfect" car. Just the right car, with the least amount of compromises to each owners set of priorities for a given price point.
I believe that Honda represents a car company that does this pretty much better than anyone other than Toyota, but to me Toyota's have about as much appeal as Michael Jackson's last album.
I believe that Honda is going in the right direction with their Acura division. An argument could be made that the RSX should be wearing a Honda badge and the S2000 vice versa. The TSX and TL both are very good cars, with ton of content relative to their competition. The new RL will probably sell well, but not as well as Acura hopes because of the lack of percieved flagship features, ie. rear wheel drive, V8. Acura has been slow to bring a smaller SUV to the table, but from what I've heard the RDX will fit the bill nicely.
What Acura really does need to do, but appears they are wavering on, is to replace the NSX - VERY SOON! If they truly want to have a halo vehicle, it pretty much goes without saying that it must have an 8 cylinder with 400hp+. Honda will never build a Ferrari, but it certainly is capable of doing so.
Boy Genius
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 1
From: Secret Laboratory
I was reading this thread and looking at the 10-09 date, then realized it was 2003. 
What a difference a year makes with the new RL, the TSX continuing to hold its own, and generally positive reaction to the TL. Plus, the MDX was still doing well last I checked.
What a difference a year makes with the new RL, the TSX continuing to hold its own, and generally positive reaction to the TL. Plus, the MDX was still doing well last I checked.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
just my 
Honda/Acura are reliable. End of story. German manufacturers are not - although they have style
Acura has started to figure this out. In the long run, if you've owned a car that had to be brought into the shop 12xs in the first year (vw/audi, etc.) you ditch it for a car that runs well first then looks good...and maybe drives great like a tsx too (hint - take a look at my user name)
Honda/Acura are reliable. End of story. German manufacturers are not - although they have style
Acura has started to figure this out. In the long run, if you've owned a car that had to be brought into the shop 12xs in the first year (vw/audi, etc.) you ditch it for a car that runs well first then looks good...and maybe drives great like a tsx too (hint - take a look at my user name)
Senior Moderator
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 47,710
Likes: 801
From: Toronto, Canada
Acura Posts Record October Sales
Torrance, Calif. 11/03/2004 --
Marking its 12th consecutive record-breaking month, Acura posted record October sales of 16,741 vehicles to surpass the previous mark of 14,965 set in 2001, an increase of 13.6 percent versus last year, the division announced today. Year-to-date, Acura sales rose to 163,241 units, up 15.4 percent compared to 2003.
The TL performance luxury sedan was the top-selling Acura model for the 13th straight month and posted a new October sales record, selling 6,717 units, up 11.4 percent over last year and surpassing the previous record of 6,031 set last year. Year-to-date TL sales jumped to 64,845, exceeding last year by 42.6 percent. Additionally, the TSX sports sedan set a new September sales record, up 6.4 percent compared to 2003, with sales of 1,870 units surpassing the previous record of 1,758 vehicles. Year-to-date TSX sales are up 69.4 percent.
The MDX luxury SUV also set a new October sales record, selling 5,233 vehicles, surpassing the previous mark of 4,936 set in 2003 by 6.0 percent. Year-to-date sales increased to 48,143 units, up 3.0 percent compared to 2003.
"Acura continues to shatter sales records month after month," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales." And, with the new RL going on sale at Acura dealers nationwide last month, we are on our way to a record sales year for Acura."
Additional Acura information and downloadable high-resolution images are available at www.acuranews.com.
Marking its 12th consecutive record-breaking month, Acura posted record October sales of 16,741 vehicles to surpass the previous mark of 14,965 set in 2001, an increase of 13.6 percent versus last year, the division announced today. Year-to-date, Acura sales rose to 163,241 units, up 15.4 percent compared to 2003.
The TL performance luxury sedan was the top-selling Acura model for the 13th straight month and posted a new October sales record, selling 6,717 units, up 11.4 percent over last year and surpassing the previous record of 6,031 set last year. Year-to-date TL sales jumped to 64,845, exceeding last year by 42.6 percent. Additionally, the TSX sports sedan set a new September sales record, up 6.4 percent compared to 2003, with sales of 1,870 units surpassing the previous record of 1,758 vehicles. Year-to-date TSX sales are up 69.4 percent.
The MDX luxury SUV also set a new October sales record, selling 5,233 vehicles, surpassing the previous mark of 4,936 set in 2003 by 6.0 percent. Year-to-date sales increased to 48,143 units, up 3.0 percent compared to 2003.
"Acura continues to shatter sales records month after month," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales." And, with the new RL going on sale at Acura dealers nationwide last month, we are on our way to a record sales year for Acura."
Additional Acura information and downloadable high-resolution images are available at www.acuranews.com.
Honda sales aren't listed yet.
Baka Unco
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton, OR
A lot of records this month (for Japanese car makers):
Nissan October Record
Toyota Achieves Record Ocotober
American Honda Posts New All-Time Record October Sales
I guess winning that SUV of the Year didn't help LR
Land Rover Sales Drop 16.6%
Nissan October Record
Toyota Achieves Record Ocotober
American Honda Posts New All-Time Record October Sales
I guess winning that SUV of the Year didn't help LR
Land Rover Sales Drop 16.6%
OG
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,064
Likes: 5
From: LA
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,677
Likes: 192
Originally Posted by justinjsw
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,457
Likes: 0
From: D.C. area
Originally Posted by corbs
SUV of the year... 
bleh...
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,229
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
Honda's bread and butter cars aren't fairing too well (Accord and Civic). I noticed here dealers are slapping on big incentives and low APR to get ppl to buy those, thats probably why Civic sales are up, but not much though. However, the new Ody and RL are helping out with sales boost. The TSX isn't as rare here as it used to be, I see about 5-7 TSXs a day besides mines.
Boy Genius
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 1
From: Secret Laboratory
Originally Posted by biker
There must have been a lot of CLs hidden somewhere to still be selling now. 
for acura
But only 3 were sold...
Originally Posted by phile
But they were discontinued 2 years ago...
It's sort of like when Honda was still reporting sales of the Passport a few years ago.
It's sort of like when Honda was still reporting sales of the Passport a few years ago.
04 remembrance
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,681
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Originally Posted by DEI99662
Why? I think its a perfect car for the entry level buyer, ie high school kids, college kids.
iamhomin, who'd take either the tC or M-3 over the Civic.
Originally Posted by iamhomin
Because of the competition surrounding the Civic.
iamhomin, who'd take either the tC or M-3 over the Civic.
iamhomin, who'd take either the tC or M-3 over the Civic.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,808
Likes: 1
From: USA
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Problem with the tC is that it is not offered as a four-door, which I'm sure many Civic buyers do look for. As for the Mazda, not everyone is exactly smitten with Mazda's stellar reliability...
Mazda = Ford
Suzuka Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,808
Likes: 1
From: USA
Originally Posted by iamhomin
Because of the competition surrounding the Civic.
iamhomin, who'd take either the tC or M-3 over the Civic.
iamhomin, who'd take either the tC or M-3 over the Civic.
Originally Posted by phile
I see the tC as more of a competitor to the RSX, not the Civic. If you load it up with all the options, the price would be out of the range for most high school/college kids (or their parents).
04 remembrance
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,681
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Problem with the tC is that it is not offered as a four-door, which I'm sure many Civic buyers do look for. As for the Mazda, not everyone is exactly smitten with Mazda's stellar reliability...
Suzuka Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,808
Likes: 1
From: USA
Just another article to go along with this thread:
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosins...b01-325111.htm
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosins...b01-325111.htm
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,432
Likes: 637
From: Orlando, Fl
Originally Posted by phile
I see the tC as more of a competitor to the RSX, not the Civic. If you load it up with all the options, the price would be out of the range for most high school/college kids (or their parents).
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Has it really been that long?? I still see new ones on dealer lots from time to time so it really doesn't surprise me.
Pinky all stinky
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,677
Likes: 192
Originally Posted by biker
Ah.... most kids should be getting a beater not some nice car like a tC.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 0
From: philly
Originally Posted by phile
Or take the bus...as I had to do until the very last days of high school when I was FINALLY allowed to drive to school. Being a senior and taking the bus...that'll scar you for life!
OG
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,064
Likes: 5
From: LA
Acura Sets Yearly Sales Record
Acura Sets Yearly Sales Record
Red-Hot TL Propels Division to 170,945 Sales With 42 Days Remaining in 2004
Torrance, Calif. 11/22/2004 -- Acura year-to-date sales reached 170,945 units on Friday, November 19, surpassing the division's all-time sales record of 170,918 set in 2003, Acura announced today.
"This new sales record is a testament to the strength of our product lineup," said Steve Center, assistant vice president, Acura sales. "The TL has set a record each month this year and the MDX and TSX continue to exceed our projections. Our all-new, top-of-the-line model, the RL luxury performance sedan, went on sale last month and should boost Acura sales close to the 200,000 mark for the year."
After a record-breaking year in 2003, Acura has set a new sales record each month in 2004. Year-to-date TL sales of 67,942 units have made it the nation's top-selling luxury sedan.
Red-Hot TL Propels Division to 170,945 Sales With 42 Days Remaining in 2004
Torrance, Calif. 11/22/2004 -- Acura year-to-date sales reached 170,945 units on Friday, November 19, surpassing the division's all-time sales record of 170,918 set in 2003, Acura announced today.
"This new sales record is a testament to the strength of our product lineup," said Steve Center, assistant vice president, Acura sales. "The TL has set a record each month this year and the MDX and TSX continue to exceed our projections. Our all-new, top-of-the-line model, the RL luxury performance sedan, went on sale last month and should boost Acura sales close to the 200,000 mark for the year."
After a record-breaking year in 2003, Acura has set a new sales record each month in 2004. Year-to-date TL sales of 67,942 units have made it the nation's top-selling luxury sedan.