Acura Press Conference
2008 Chicago Auto Show
Remarks by Dick Colliver, Executive Vice President, Automobile Sales
10:00 A.M., February 6, 2008
Good Morning everyone and welcome. You're looking at the new top-of-the line Acura-the exciting and highly innovative 2009 RL luxury performance sedan. It serves to define our brand, further establishes our engineering credentials, and demonstrates the full extent of our imagination, our talents and our capabilities.
When we set out to develop this new RL, we concentrated on three core areas: Dynamic Performance, Advanced Technology and Distinctive Styling. Our goal was to create a best-in-class luxury performance sedan. And that's quite an ambitious undertaking.
The segment in which the RL competes contains some of the finest and most advanced six-cylinder powered automobiles in the world. All beautifully engineered, technically sophisticated and comprehensively equipped. To clearly rise above this competition, we needed to produce a truly remarkable automobile. And we have.
The new 2009 RL will be one of the most technically advanced, "forward thinking" automobiles on the road. It's designed for a new generation of luxury performance buyers looking to travel more quickly, more efficiently and more connected to the world around them. Now, as you'd expect, the RL uses its advanced technology to improve performance, ride quality, comfort and safety. A perfect example is Acura's enhanced Super Handling All-Wheel drive with torque vectoring that gives RL a distinct safety and performance advantage over its competitors.
There are other major enhancements to the powertrain, suspension, steering and much more-as you can see listed here. All designed and developed to deliver an even more rewarding driving experience. RL also uses what we call "customer relevant" technology to improve the driving environment. What do I mean by "customer relevant" technology? Let me give you an example.
With average rush-hour commuters spending over 50 hours a year sitting in traffic, the RL offers useful tools and a constant flow of relevant information to maximize the use of the driver's time. This is technology that legitimately enhances the owner's personal life. So the 2009 RL in-dash navigation system will now include AcuraLink Weather-a single screen, continuously updated, real-time weather information function. Add that to the system's new Traffic Rerouting feature with satellite-linked Navigation and drivers can easily avoid congestion and choose the fastest path to their destination. Other valuable capabilities include XM Note, Active Sound Control, Smart Entry, restaurant information with Zagat ratings, and improved voice recognition. All of which gives the driver unprecedented command of the environment-and unprecedented connectivity to world outside the vehicle.
This is all part of Acura's unique "ADVANCE" approach to building automobiles. ADVANCE is a commitment to always be ahead with customer-relevant technologies and products that add to the quality of life. And the new RL certainly illustrates and fulfills that commitment. You'll see an even more advanced level of progress as we establish a new Acura R&D facility in Japan.
And in the very near future as we introduce the next generation TSX - and later - the all-new TL, Acura's best selling sedan. Now, one other thing these three sedans will have in common is bold styling. Like many of you, years ago I can remember being able to tell the make and model of a car from a mile away.
But over the years, vehicles have lost that individuality and brand identity. Well, at Acura, we're determined to bring it back with striking styling statements such as the powerful grille, distinctive silhouette and edgier styling on every model we produce. By the end of this year, I guarantee you won't mistake an Acura for anything else on the road.
At Acura, our goal is to become stronger and more competitive every year. In 2007, our Acura light trucks - the MDX luxury SUV and the RDX turbocharged crossover - enjoyed a record sales jump of 29-percent. We expect this new RL, and later this year the new TSX and TL, to drive similar record sales in our sedan lineup. Acura is committed to being one of the most innovative nameplates in the industry- building vehicles that appeal to consumers who are looking to the latest technologies to enhance not only the driving experience, but also their lives. And this is a prime example of that type of highly advanced vehicle. The 2009 Acura RL is the most powerful, best handling and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built. And it's just the start.
At Acura, our goal is to become stronger and more competitive every year. In 2007, our Acura light trucks - the MDX luxury SUV and the RDX turbocharged crossover - enjoyed a record sales jump of 29-percent. We expect this new RL, and later this year the new TSX and TL, to drive similar record sales in our sedan lineup.
Acura is committed to being one of the most innovative nameplates in the industry- building vehicles that appeal to consumers who are looking to the latest technologies to enhance not only the driving experience, but also their lives.
And this is a prime example of that type of highly advanced vehicle. The 2009 Acura RL is the most powerful, best handling and most luxurious sedan Acura has ever built. And it's just the start.
Thanks for taking the time to attend the launch of this important new Acura. And now, I'd like to invite you to come on up and take a closer look at the new 2009 Acura RL.