LexFather

According to sources, Acura dealers are being told that going forward, Acura will be abandoning the "Tier 1" initiative. The new focus is said to be "Smart Luxury".
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=866545

* The dealers have been told that the NSX replacement is no longer in a holding pattern - it's pretty much dead for good.

* The next RL will be a hybrid, and there is virtually zero chance of seeing a V8.

* Acura is developing a new V6 series as the J-series has reached its limits

* Acura is working on a smaller entry level vehicle that will slot in below the TSX, though the timetable is unknown (Editor's note: if it's been planned and approved, then it should join the lineup within 3 years)
* Acura is currently mum on any diesel plans

TOV Commentary
Following the meetings I attended in October with Honda CEO Takanobu Ito and Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo, none of this information comes as a surprise. In fact, following our Tokyo Q&A session, the only conclusion that one could take from Ito-san's comments was that Acura's previously stated "Tier 1" initiatives were completely incompatible with his plans for Honda going forward, and that they would be changing. Now, with according to this source these changes are beginning to be communicated to the dealer body. It is my understanding that Acura is not planning a press conference for the Detroit Auto Show, so it will be interesting to see how long it takes for them to formulate a message to present to the public.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Good to see they're going with a new V6. It's about time they stopped using the 15 year old J-series.

IS-SV

They put themselves in their place. So much for talking their way into Tier1 position.

encore888

Oh boy, change is hard, but after the quixotic Tier 1 quest, they've come to their senses. IMO, "smart luxury" (aka more value-based luxury) is the way to go for Acura; it's what they built the brand on, and what made them successful. Trying to gun for Tier 1 when sales are Tier 2 and brand image at Tier 3 is trying to change horses midstream. They could get there, but a common brand face with the very controversial Power Plenum grille and the ZDX, even if perfectly executed, cannot make them Tier 1. It takes years, a carefully orchestrated brand campaign, flagship-level cars, not SUVs, and other things.

In any case, in this age of the more cautious buyer, the shift towards more environmental efficiency, etc., Acura would be served well to return to its roots in terms of product lineup. In retrospect, removing the RSX may have been a mistake; under the "smart luxury" banner they can bring back those customers and provide some of the newly-expanded upscale dealerships at least some more product. The RL can focus on the midsize market and a hybrid could be that ticket.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Best quote in Car Chat.

Going back to their roots would be okay with me. After all, people recognized their cars back then and Acura actually sold a good amount of cars.

Nothing wrong with being value-based, as long as you actually deliver.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

The humble truth fares better than lofty wishing.

I think Acura dealers (and consumers) need to stop comparing themselves to Tier 1 brands.

joe80

bring back Integra!!

encore888

Quoted for posterity. IMO, Acura has delivered in the past, and still does with the features and packaging of vehicles like the TSX, MDX, and (now controversially styled) TL. Despite their lampooned press releases (and some of their spokesmen, who I think are just doing their job, however cringe-inducing some of their "everything's great" statements sound, probably even to them), they are still the #2 Japanese luxury brand in sales, and seem unlikely to lose that position anytime soon, despite sales decreases for all brands.

However, I would recommend they revamp their ads, and the controversial styling. Before I was hoping they could drop the alphanumerics, particularly for the Legend/RL. However, I've always thought that TSX, RSX, NSX rolled off the tongue well, and TL plus MDX are fine, so it's probably too ingrained now. But RL for whatever reason has never sounded particularly substantive, rather it seemed forgettable and like a trim designation. Perhaps along with the ZDX they could rename the next gen Legend/RL to something else to differentiate it from the TL further and signify it as their true flagship.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

since the dollar's soon to be worthless and the govt is planning to tax everyone HEAVILY but especially those 'rich' people (meaning anyone making 6 figures), good luck selling luxury cars (i bet the VAST majority will be leased in 2 years). acura is smart to regroup, focus on a premium but not high end offering. there's going to be a lot of demand for it, for people who still want something nicer than an accord, but not 'showy' like a mercedes brand.

whoster

hahahahhahahahah


oh man...

(Cj)

So the next RL is gonna be a TL hybrid?

GiantsFan

iTrader: (9)

Acura = fail

The best thing they have going for them is their nav lol

ffpowerLN

iTrader: (1)

Hey, that's better than Audi's LED lights right...

mmarshall

The best thing going for them (outside of Honda/Acura's traditionally excellent quality control) is the RL. The problem is that the public, outside of a few places such as the local D.C. market here (where it has sold reasonably well), just hasn't signed on to it. So, yes, in a sense that, sales-wise, you could say the car HAS been a failure. But, IMO, that's not the RL's fault. It is a superb product if you actually go look at it and drive it.