Autoweek Interviews Taeko Fukui
12-19-2006, 11:12 AM
#1
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Autoweek Interviews Taeko Fukui
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../61218005/1528
Where's my TSX Turbo? 
Will we see more Acuras with turbochargers?
As of now, we don't have that plan.
It's not going to be just turbos, but we'll be employing different approaches to enhance the sportiness of Acura. Of course there will be differences in timing of implementation. For example, we don't have any intention to keep turbos just dedicated to Acura. So in the future it's possible that they will be adopted in Honda products as well.
As of now, we don't have that plan.
It's not going to be just turbos, but we'll be employing different approaches to enhance the sportiness of Acura. Of course there will be differences in timing of implementation. For example, we don't have any intention to keep turbos just dedicated to Acura. So in the future it's possible that they will be adopted in Honda products as well.
Acura sales still seem to be struggling, even with the new RDX and MDX. Are you satisfied with the launches of those models?
I am satisfied with the RDX and MDX that we've launched. I don't really consider that the volume is struggling. That's something we can grow step by step. Still, we need to further enhance the premium-brand image of Acura, within our pursuit of a premium brand.
Last year we came up with the RL, with which we aimed to further enhance our image. But that was slightly under our expectations. It was not a big success.
I am satisfied with the RDX and MDX that we've launched. I don't really consider that the volume is struggling. That's something we can grow step by step. Still, we need to further enhance the premium-brand image of Acura, within our pursuit of a premium brand.
Last year we came up with the RL, with which we aimed to further enhance our image. But that was slightly under our expectations. It was not a big success.
12-19-2006, 12:26 PM
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This guys needs to wake up and smell the coffee. We want turbo and get rid of FWD and make all Acuras RWD or SH-AWD!!
Honda/Acura and the current CEO of Honda remind me of 2 other Japanese companies Nintendo and Sega. All 3 companies were scared of change and were stubborn and slow at changing their ways.
Sega is dead in the console video game business and Nintendo has lost their video game market share to both Sony and Microsoft until recently.
Honda/Acura and the current CEO of Honda remind me of 2 other Japanese companies Nintendo and Sega. All 3 companies were scared of change and were stubborn and slow at changing their ways.
Sega is dead in the console video game business and Nintendo has lost their video game market share to both Sony and Microsoft until recently.
12-19-2006, 01:12 PM
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I still think the RDX is going to be a bust....
I honestly really like the RL... but as many others have already pointed out it needs more ridiculousness to make it a competitor.
I honestly really like the RL... but as many others have already pointed out it needs more ridiculousness to make it a competitor.
12-19-2006, 01:17 PM
#5
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Originally Posted by aesir11
I still think the RDX is going to be a bust....
We need to emphasize the product differentiation between Acura and Honda. Our aim is to further enhance the Acura brand. We are trying to shift the image associated with the Acura brand to one that's more sporty, more luxurious compared to the conventional Honda image. So the Acura engines need to be sportier. One way would be what we did with the RDX. To differentiate it from the CR-V, we put in a turbo. Going forward, we're thinking of different ways to differentiate.
12-19-2006, 03:34 PM
#6
Originally Posted by aesir11
I still think the RDX is going to be a bust....
I honestly really like the RL... but as many others have already pointed out it needs more ridiculousness to make it a competitor.
I honestly really like the RL... but as many others have already pointed out it needs more ridiculousness to make it a competitor.
But IMO I thought the RL was a way better effort than the RDX.
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12-19-2006, 03:42 PM
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The turbo part of this interview is mentioned in this thread also:
https://acurazine.com/forums/automotive-news-6/honda-preparing-turbocharging-353448/
https://acurazine.com/forums/automotive-news-6/honda-preparing-turbocharging-353448/
12-19-2006, 04:33 PM
#9
The sizzle in the Steak
Still, we need to further enhance the premium-brand image of Acura, within our pursuit of a premium brand.
Now ditch the niche brand crap. Get rid of the horrible RL, RDX, MDX...and
concept vehicles designs...get a new crew of designers, go RWD, introduce a V8, and offer multiple drivetrains and engines on the same model. 
12-19-2006, 04:35 PM
#10
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Get rid of the horrible ...MDX...and concept vehicles designs...get a new crew of designers
concept vehicles designs...get a new crew of designers 
MDX is hot.
12-19-2006, 06:30 PM
#11
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by phile
MDX is hot.
12-19-2006, 07:12 PM
#12
I feel the need...
MDX is what it is. Soccer moms everywhere crave a semi-statusmobile while dropping their kids off at school. IMO it's a decent vehicle, and priced well in it's class - just get rid of the overdone grille.
RDX, overpriced and has an unrefined engine. Deserved a tweaked J30A.
RL, very nice - but yes, for it's class - must have a V8 option to play with the big boys.
TSX, perfect as is - perhaps give it a small V6 next gen - keep SH-AWD away, don't need no stinkin' bloated Audi-like characteristics.
TL - gettin' awfully porky.
Acura still needs a RWD coupe - base it on the next gen S2000 platform.
Acura still needs to bring the next-gen NSX in the spirit of the original - keep the friggin thing light, screamer, mid-engine, simple - WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN AWD on the NSX!!!
RDX, overpriced and has an unrefined engine. Deserved a tweaked J30A.
RL, very nice - but yes, for it's class - must have a V8 option to play with the big boys.
TSX, perfect as is - perhaps give it a small V6 next gen - keep SH-AWD away, don't need no stinkin' bloated Audi-like characteristics.
TL - gettin' awfully porky.
Acura still needs a RWD coupe - base it on the next gen S2000 platform.
Acura still needs to bring the next-gen NSX in the spirit of the original - keep the friggin thing light, screamer, mid-engine, simple - WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN AWD on the NSX!!!
12-19-2006, 08:00 PM
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Acura-Honda Look Ahead
12-19-2006, 08:18 PM
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I do agree though acura isnt looked upon as a high brand. If you parked a lexus GS next to an RL any average person would think the Lexus was worth more which depending on the options might or might not be true. The lexus symbol has that status symbol that mercedes and BMW have. I think most people are just not aware of acuras image and what it should be.
12-19-2006, 09:18 PM
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yeah i actually had no clue that acura was supposed to be a luxury brand until like 6 months ago.... but i hadnt ridden in one until like 4 months ago so... yeah...
12-19-2006, 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by dom
i read in honda tuning that there was something wrong with the engine bay where they cant fit the intercooler or something.
12-19-2006, 11:19 PM
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Wait so that means the next generation TSX that will debut next year won't have the RDX's turbo engine that everyone was expecting.
I wonder what it's going to be powered by? I think most everyone can agree that the TSX could use some more power.
Any predictions on the next gen TSX power plant peoples?
I wonder what it's going to be powered by? I think most everyone can agree that the TSX could use some more power.
Any predictions on the next gen TSX power plant peoples?
12-20-2006, 08:38 AM
#20
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Originally Posted by SeCsTaC
Any predictions on the next gen TSX power plant peoples?
Would this be in line with:
It's not going to be just turbos, but we'll be employing different approaches to enhance the sportiness of Acura.
12-20-2006, 08:43 AM
#21
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Originally Posted by derrick
An upgraded 4 cylinder (ie higher displacement) with a V6 option?
Would this be in line with:
Would this be in line with:
I think it was Mag-X who speculated the next gen TSX would have a 2.5L. I'd like to see 225+ HP with 185lb-ft. The car is currently 25 HP shy of near perfection IMO.
Althoug they'd need a V6 to keep me in the TSX fold beyond 09, 10.
12-20-2006, 09:04 AM
#22
Originally Posted by dom
I think it was Mag-X who speculated the next gen TSX would have a 2.5L. I'd like to see 225+ HP with 185lb-ft. The car is currently 25 HP shy of near perfection IMO.
Althoug they'd need a V6 to keep me in the TSX fold beyond 09, 10.
Althoug they'd need a V6 to keep me in the TSX fold beyond 09, 10.
12-20-2006, 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by dom
I think it was Mag-X who speculated the next gen TSX would have a 2.5L. I'd like to see 225+ HP with 185lb-ft. The car is currently 25 HP shy of near perfection IMO.
Although they'd need a V6 to keep me in the TSX fold beyond 09, 10.
Although they'd need a V6 to keep me in the TSX fold beyond 09, 10.
12-20-2006, 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by phile
The TSX could probably still work with a 4-banger if it employs some of the weight saving that the RL uses...carbon fiber driveshaft, aluminum here and there... without driving the price up to RL level. So more power + less weight = good.
12-20-2006, 11:09 AM
#25
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Toyota? Fine, But Don't Forget Honda
The headlines have been about Toyota overtaking GM, but don't dismiss the No. 9 carmaker. It's set to post record sales and has ambitious growth goals.
What with Detroit's continuing woes, Toyota's (TM) imminent accession as the world's No. 1 automaker and Nissan-Renault's flirtation with GM (GM), Honda (HMC) perhaps hasn't gotten the attention it deserves of late. Indeed, it's easy to forget that Honda, the world's No. 9 automaker by unit sales, boasts the third best operating profit margin in the business and has a market cap more than four times greater than that of Ford (F).
Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo today Honda president Takeo Fukui went some way toward putting the record straight. In a wide-ranging, end-of -year roundup, Fukui discussed everything from Honda's expansion plans in the world's fast-growing auto markets, to details of a new $211 million engine plant in Japan. He also revealed that Honda will likely post its highest ever sales of 3.55 million units for 2006, a rise of 5% over last year.
He gave an update on Honda's ambitious plans to launch its own range of jet planes. The small business jets will be 30% more fuel efficient than rival offerings, he said, pointing out that Honda has already received 100 orders. By 2010, "Honda will also be providing fuel-efficient engines in the sky," quipped Fukui.
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbi...%27s+top+story
What with Detroit's continuing woes, Toyota's (TM) imminent accession as the world's No. 1 automaker and Nissan-Renault's flirtation with GM (GM), Honda (HMC) perhaps hasn't gotten the attention it deserves of late. Indeed, it's easy to forget that Honda, the world's No. 9 automaker by unit sales, boasts the third best operating profit margin in the business and has a market cap more than four times greater than that of Ford (F).
Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo today Honda president Takeo Fukui went some way toward putting the record straight. In a wide-ranging, end-of -year roundup, Fukui discussed everything from Honda's expansion plans in the world's fast-growing auto markets, to details of a new $211 million engine plant in Japan. He also revealed that Honda will likely post its highest ever sales of 3.55 million units for 2006, a rise of 5% over last year.
He gave an update on Honda's ambitious plans to launch its own range of jet planes. The small business jets will be 30% more fuel efficient than rival offerings, he said, pointing out that Honda has already received 100 orders. By 2010, "Honda will also be providing fuel-efficient engines in the sky," quipped Fukui.
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbi...%27s+top+story
)
12-20-2006, 06:45 PM
#28
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I saw the thing about the HondaJet on the honda.com corporate website will browsing for something else...
I've already got a V6 (in my CL), so where do I go from here ??
Originally Posted by dom
Althoug they'd need a V6 to keep me in the TSX fold beyond 09, 10.
12-21-2006, 07:16 AM
#29
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^ Maybe the Detroit Autoshow will surprise you?
Or hold out until the next gen NSX ...
Going back on-topic ... I quickly scanned through the latest issue of Acura Expressions magazine (Acura magazine for Canadian owners) ... Taeko Fukui is short! Don't have a scanner nearby or else I would post it.
Or hold out until the next gen NSX ...
Going back on-topic ... I quickly scanned through the latest issue of Acura Expressions magazine (Acura magazine for Canadian owners) ... Taeko Fukui is short! Don't have a scanner nearby or else I would post it.
12-21-2006, 07:41 AM
#30
Maybe Honda will put in a brand new engine to test on the new TSX...
V6 DOHC i-VTEC ftw!
V6 DOHC i-VTEC ftw!
12-21-2006, 08:30 AM
#31
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Originally Posted by GreenMonster
I saw the thing about the HondaJet on the honda.com corporate website will browsing for something else...
I've already got a V6 (in my CL), so where do I go from here ??
I've already got a V6 (in my CL), so where do I go from here ??
All depends on how much time you have?
12-21-2006, 09:52 AM
#32
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Originally Posted by derrick
^ Maybe the Detroit Autoshow will surprise you?
But I don't think Acura is going to work on a "sub-nsx" coupe till they get the NSX done.
Originally Posted by dom
All depends on how much time you have?
Seriously, I've had my CL for 4 years and I've got 55K miles on it, so while I could keep it for a bit longer, I'm starting to get itchy for a new car...
12-21-2006, 10:01 AM
#33
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Originally Posted by GreenMonster
I'm not getting any younger... I could die (of old age) any day now
G35 coupe
3 series coupe
IS coupe (maybe)
That should be enough to satisfy you. Not to mention the new Accord and Altima coupes if your still into FWD although I think the new Altima platform can accept AWD.
It will be a sad day when you get rid of the CL. Who will I have to annoy.
12-21-2006, 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by GreenMonster
I hope so
But I don't think Acura is going to work on a "sub-nsx" coupe till they get the NSX done.
I'm not getting any younger... I could die (of old age) any day now
Seriously, I've had my CL for 4 years and I've got 55K miles on it, so while I could keep it for a bit longer, I'm starting to get itchy for a new car...
But I don't think Acura is going to work on a "sub-nsx" coupe till they get the NSX done.
I'm not getting any younger... I could die (of old age) any day now
Seriously, I've had my CL for 4 years and I've got 55K miles on it, so while I could keep it for a bit longer, I'm starting to get itchy for a new car...
No TL-S? Or does it have to be coupe? Why not used NSX?
12-21-2006, 06:00 PM
#35
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Originally Posted by aesir11
No TL-S? Or does it have to be coupe? Why not used NSX?
NSX is out, as I'm a cheap bastard and it was tough enough spending $30K on my CL. For the price of a used NSX, I'd rather have a used Porsche 993...
My CLS is my first FWD car (if you don't count the 84 Cutlass Ceira wagon I had briefly back in the 90's), and my "experiment" with FWD is done when I get rid of the CL. I'm really more confortable with the dynamics of RWD (even in snow).
The S2000 comes close to my ideal parameters of being light, rwd, and having decent fuel ecomony, but the lack of a rear seat, and the fact that a vert isn't that practical during New England winters kills that...
RX-8 is close too, since it's RWD, light and has a back seat, but with the oil and fuel consumption issues that go along with the rotary engine nix that idea. I like the concept and novelity of the wankel engine, but don't want to get into a vehicle with known issues. If it had the Mazdaspeed 3 engine in it (and was still rwd), I'd be all over it... (mazda kabura ??).
I'm waiting to see if acura will come out with a sub-nsx coupe or if BMW brings over a 1 series coupe.... or toyota makes a supra... or...
"We need an economical RWD coupe back in the USA!"
12-21-2006, 07:45 PM
#37
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
"We need an economical RWD coupe back in the USA!"
wishful thinking, but, i'd like to see a return of the ae86 to north america.
Last edited by afici0nad0; 12-21-2006 at 07:50 PM.
12-21-2006, 08:28 PM
#38
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Originally Posted by afici0nad0
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=datsun
wishful thinking, but, i'd like to see a return of the ae86 to north america.
wishful thinking, but, i'd like to see a return of the ae86 to north america.
That shit would rock....
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
I'd wait for the next gen 2008 G35 coupe GreenMonster when it comes next summer 2007.
The Mustang is another option, but it lacks the refinement/luxury of the other cars mentioned... but w/ an MSRP of 27K you get what you pay for... The 'stang isn't known for it's fuel economy tho.
I don't need to get a new car anytime soon, so I could probably hold out till 2008 or 2009 and still have some decent resale value on my CL since it won't have hit 100K by then.... That would give Dom a few more years to bust my tomatos
It will be interesting to see what direction acura will follow in the next couple of years....
12-21-2006, 09:13 PM
#39
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Originally Posted by GreenMonster
The S2000 comes close to my ideal parameters of being light, rwd, and having decent fuel ecomony, but the lack of a rear seat, and the fact that a vert isn't that practical during New England winters kills that...
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