With the introduction of the RSX sports coupe, Acura builds on the momentum that has propelled the brand to record year-to-date sales in 2001. As the replacement for the Integra, the RSX is targeted at youthful, performance-oriented drivers who the company hopes to eventually migrate to its other luxury performance models.
"The RSX is an integral part of the Acura brand strategy and we anticipate it being the hottest sporty coupe on the market," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "It's a car that will appeal to young, upscale drivers who want best-in-class performance and handling coupled with class leading features and amenities."
Acura sales have steadily increased over the past five years as the company has completely re-engineered its lineup with a renewed "best-in-class" focus. Last year, Acura ranked fourth in sales for luxury import nameplates. Year 2000 sales totaled 142,681 units, an improvement of 21 percent over the previous year. In addition, a dealer facility upgrade program launched in February 2000 and the addition of the Acura Interactive Network have paid off with improved customer satisfaction, record dealership profitability and increased vehicle sales per dealer.
As its core models have been redesigned to reflect the brand's increased emphasis on performance, Acura has seen a corresponding jump in sales. For 2001 model year, an all-new 3.2 CL and CL Type-S were introduced offering an impressive 260 horsepower, the highest power output in its class. The 3.2 CL continues to be America's best-selling luxury coupe. The 3.2 TL sedan, already Acura's best-selling model and the best-selling luxury sedan in the country, benefited from numerous enhancements and a major performance upgrade with the addition of a high-powered Type-S model for 2002. TL sales are up 4.2 percent for the first five months of 2001.
While enjoying strong sales for its high-volume vehicles, Acura has also benefited from the introduction of its new luxury SUV, the MDX. The division's much anticipated entry in the luxury SUV market, the 2001 MDX is selling at a record-breaking pace. Introduced in fall 2000, the MDX was named North American Truck of the Year and Motor Trend magazine's 2001 Sport/Utility of the Year, and has quickly built a following in the luxury SUV segment. Year-to-date MDX sales reached 18,228 in May, helping to push Acura sales up 25.9 percent versus calendar year 2000.
Acura plans for the RSX, which will be available in dealerships on July 2, to build on the success of the MDX, attracting new buyers to the brand. Advancements in technology, performance, including the all-new i-VTEC engine, handling and luxury make the car a prime example of the company's commitment to excellence. Those upgrades also make it a good fit for the youthful, upscale sporty coupe buyers that Acura plans to move through its lineup. Based on the addition of the RSX and continued strong sales of the RL, TL, CL and MDX, Acura projects record-breaking sales of 170,000 in 2001.
Acura offers a full line of premium performance vehicles through a nationwide network of nearly 260 dealers. The Acura lineup features six distinct models including the exotic NSX supercar, the 3.5 RL flagship luxury sedan, the best-selling 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan, the 3.2 CL luxury performance coupe, the revolutionary MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the all-new RSX sports coupe. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.