USA - The Acura MDX starts builing at a second US Plant to meet growing demand.

• East Liberty Plant in Ohio Joins Alabama Plant in Producing MDX
• Five of Acura's Six Products Now Built in Ohio

Production of the Acura MDX luxury SUV was bolstered today when the East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) in Ohio began producing the award-winning Acura vehicle, the second U.S. plant to build America's best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all time. ELP joins Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Ala. in producing the MDX

With the addition of MDX production at ELP, five of Acura's six products are now built in Ohio.  The MDX joins its stable mate, the award-winning RDX sport-utility vehicle, at ELP, while associates at the Marysville Auto Plant build the TLX and ILX luxury sedans.  The Acura NSX is also produced exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville – the only supercar built in America.

ELP invested $85 million for the addition of new welding equipment, the extension of vehicle conveyors and other changes required to support production of the MDX, and will assume sole production of the MDX this fall. This will enable the Alabama plant to increase production of the Honda Pilot, helping both the Acura and Honda brands meet increased customer demand for their respective light truck models.

"From our startup three decades ago producing small sedans to the three different light trucks we build today, our associates continue to demonstrate the skills needed for high quality and flexible manufacturing," said Tim Myers, East Liberty Auto Plant Manager. "I'm proud of the commitment of our team to take on new challenges to meet the needs of our customers."

The refreshed and restyled 2017 Acura MDX introduced last year, raised its game with bold new exterior styling, larger wheel and tire options and an expanded complement of premium features and technologies, including the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, now offered as standard equipment on all 2017 MDX models, a first in the luxury SUV segment.

ELP also produces the best-selling SUV in America, the Honda CR-V, and served as the global lead plant in several key areas for the recent launch of the all-new 2017 CR-V.The plant employs 2,350 associates and has the annual capacity to manufacture 240,000 passenger cars and light trucks. The 2.8 million square foot plant started production in December 1989.

USA RECALL #9 - Honda/Acura recall a number of models for possible insufficient welding which may cause a fuel leak.

RECALL Subject : Fuel Tank May Have Insufficient Welds

Report Receipt Date: JUN 09, 2016 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V417000 

Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 

Potential Number of Units Affected: 39 

 

Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

SUMMARY:

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura MDX 2WD and MDX 4WD vehicles, 2016 Acura MDX 4WD vehicles, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey vehicles, and 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The affected vehicles have fuel tanks that were manufactured with insufficient welds which may separate and allow fuel to leak out.

CONSEQUENCE:

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

REMEDY:

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda/Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall is expected to begin July 8, 2016. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA9 (Honda vehicles) and KB0 (Acura vehicles).

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2017 MDX showcases new diamond pentagon grille first seen on the Acura Precision Concept.

• 2017 MDX showcases new diamond pentagon grille first seen on the Acura Precision Concept
• New Sport Hybrid powertrain delivers the ultimate in power and control while gaining 35 horsepower and anticipated to add 7 mpg to city fuel economy rating
• AcuraWatch™ safety and driver assist technology to be offered as standard equipment on all 2017 MDX models

Acura has recently unveiled the restyled and refreshed 2017 MDX luxury SUV featuring bold new styling, added luxury features and available Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) powertrain technology. 

The 2017 Acura MDX will be equipped with AcuraWatch™ on all grades, making MDX the first luxury SUV in its class to offer these advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including automatic emergency braking, as standard features. The 2017 MDX is slated to go on sale at Acura dealerships nationwide this summer and will be joined by the MDX Sport Hybrid later in the year.

Showcasing the new face of Acura, the restyled 2017 MDX is highlighted by the bold and distinctive diamond pentagon grille, first seen on the Acura Precision Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January. The new Acura grille is integrated with a more sharply sculpted hood, front fascia and front fenders coupled with new LED fog lights and restyled Jewel Eye™ headlights, which enhance the MDX's distinctive and sporting demeanor. A new chrome rocker panel design adds an element of contrast to the MDX's profile, while a revised rear bumper, body colored skid garnish and the addition of twin tailpipes further emphasizes the performance character of the 2017 Acura MDX.

"Upping the performance pedigree of the MDX with bold styling, our exclusive Sport Hybrid powertrain and the standard application of AcuraWatch technologies that many in the industry refer to as semi-autonomous, represents a major injection of Acura's Precision Crafted Performance DNA," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These changes will continue to advance MDX's competitiveness and its legacy as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time."

All 2017 MDX models benefit from increased standard luxury and technology features, including an Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, Auto High Beam headlights, SiriusXM Radio® 2.0 and four 2.5-amp USB charging ports. Technology and Advance packages add Bi-Directional Keyless Remote Engine Start, two new 20-inch wheel and tire options, power folding side mirrors, and HD Traffic. In addition to these features, Advance grades add LED fog lights, genuine Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel and Surround-View Camera System with six selectable viewing angles. Advance models can also be equipped with two second-row captain's chairs and a center console with two additional USB ports, replacing the three-person second-row seating found on lower grades.  An ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System is also available on models with the Advance ENT Package.

MDX Sport Hybrid

The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is the third model to feature Acura's innovative three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain, joining the Acura NSX supercar and RLX flagship sedan to deliver the ultimate in power and control. The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) with an integrated electric motor powering the front wheels, and a Twin Motor Unit with two electric motors providing power to the rear wheels. Additionally, the system delivers electrified torque vectoring for improved straight line performance and cornering precision in combination with all-wheel-drive power application. Peak powertrain output of 325 horsepower is up 35 horsepower over the non-hybrid model. The MDX Sport Hybrid is anticipated to receive EPA fuel economy ratings of 25/26/26 (city/highway/combined), an estimated 7-mpg city fuel economy rating increase over the (non-hybrid) MDX with SH-AWD.

The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid will be available with Technology and Advance packages. Both add a new Active Sport Suspension that delivers improved ride quality, handling performance and is integrated with the Integrated Dynamics System featuring the dynamic modes of Comfort, Normal and Sport, and exclusive to Sport Hybrid models, a new Sport+ mode.

AcuraWatch Standard

All 2017 MDX models receive the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technology as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with automatic emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). AcuraWatch uses a millimeter wave radar and monocular camera sensing technology to detect other vehicles as well as lane markings and can help intervene to prevent or mitigate the severity of a collision. Moreover, with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist, AcuraWatch can significantly decrease the driver's workload during freeway cruising by maintaining a set speed and following interval, initiating both braking and throttle inputs, and adding steering input to help the driver maintain their position in the detected lane.

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and Acura's best-selling SUV, with sales topping 50,000 units in each of the past three years. The 2017 MDX was designed by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif., developed and engineered at the R&D center in Raymond, Ohio, and will continue to be produced at the company's Lincoln, Ala. auto plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. In early 2017, an additional production source for MDX will be added at the East Liberty, Ohio auto plant. 

USA SALES JANUARY - Honda group shows a decline in sales even with some new cars, sales are down.

• Honda division sets new January benchmark on sales of 90,247 vehicles
• All-new 2016 Honda Civic, the 2016 North American Car of the Year, defies winter weather and competition to net huge sales gain of 54.9 percent and a new January record
• Acura ILX bucks market trends and unusual month to gain 24.3 percent

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported January sales of 100,497 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 1.7 percent in an unusual month as the industry endured winter weather on both coasts along with two fewer selling days and one less weekend than January 2015. 

Honda Division set a new January record with 90,247 units sold; Honda car sales reached 50,812 while truck sales totaled 39,435 for the month. Acura sales totaled 10,250 with sedan sales of 3,570 and trucks reaching 6,680 units in January.

Honda

Despite the rains of El Nino on the West Coast and ice and a crippling snow storm on the Eastern seaboard, along with two fewer selling days and one less weekend due to quirks in the calendar, Honda sales crested its previous January record set just last year, led by the all-new 2016 Civic Sedan and strongly supported by Accord and HR-V.

• The Civic demonstrated why it is the newly crowned North American Car of the Year with sales of 26,741, leaping 54.9 percent to set a new January record.
• Accord held its own despite the winter challenges with sales of 20,765 units.
• HR-V posted sales of 4,177 to also defy the unusual month.

"Led by incredibly strong demand for the all-new Civic, the Honda brand persevered rain, snow and two fewer selling days to post a strong first month of the year," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "With Honda's strong cadence of new models throughout 2016 we will continue our momentum and remain positive about 2016."

Acura

With a thick blanket of winter snow covering one of the Acura brand's strongest markets in the Northeastern U.S., Acura sales dimmed slightly in January, but the performance of gateway model ILX defied the challenges.

• Acura's gateway luxury sedan, ILX gained a substantial 24.3 percent on sales of 1,233 in January

"The blowing snow obscured the fact that Acura's momentum continued in January, with both sedan and truck sales essentially on track," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura division. "2016 will be an exciting year for Acura with the 2017 NSX on the way to help celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the Acura brand."

US SALES 2015 - HONDA/ACURA - Another brand and another record gets broken, when will it end ?

• Total combined annual Honda & Acura vehicle sales eclipse previous record set in 2007 with a 3.0 percent gain over 2014
• Honda Division records its best-ever year in 2015, gaining 2.6 percent
• Total Honda & Acura trucks set new all-time annual marks, up 9.7 percent in 2015
• Honda CR-V maintains position atop SUV market with fourth straight annual record
• American Honda also sets all-time record for month of December

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported all-time record annual sales of 1,586,551 Honda and Acura vehicles for 2015, an increase of 3.0 percent to beat the previous record set in 2007. Honda and Acura truck sales also set a new annual record, gaining 9.7 percent on sales of 770,424. 

Honda Division sales topped last year`s record to set a new annual mark, rising 2.6 percent on sales of 1,409,386 units. Acura sales totaled 177,165, a 5.6 percent increase for the year and the division's best result since 2007.

"What better way to celebrate the "Year of Honda" than with an all-time automobile sales record," said John Mendel, executive vice president of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.  "We are grateful to our customers who embraced our entire product lineup and are the true power behind the Honda brand."

Honda

The Honda Division maintained its strong momentum through the end of 2015, grabbing both annual and December all-time records for the second straight year.  Core models CR-V, Civic and Accord all finished strong, with CR-V setting a new annual mark, while the Pilot and Odyssey continued to flex sales muscle.  The addition of the HR-V to the lineup also helped push the division to new annual heights.

• CR-V set a new all-time annual record, gaining 3.2 percent on sales of 345,647 as it maintains its position as best-selling SUV in America.
• Core models CR-V, Accord and Civic combined for over 1-million in sales for the third straight year.
• In addition to the new annual record, Honda Division sales set a new combined car & truck December mark of 134,070 units, rising 12.2 percent for the month.
• Both cars and trucks set individual December records as well. Car sales were up 13.3 percent on sales of 72,839 units, while trucks gained 11.0 percent with sales of 61,681 vehicles.

"While we are excited about the all-time sales record, we continue to have incredible momentum driven by the relentless cadence of new and successful products we introduced in 2015 that will give the Honda brand tremendous energy going into the new year," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. 

"With a similar pace of new products coming this year, we're anticipating a very robust 2016." 

Acura

The Acura Division enjoyed its best sales year since 2007, with strong performances from both sedans and trucks. The updated RDX set a new record and MDX recorded another year of sales over 50,000, despite limited inventory in last quarter of the year. Sedans also played a key role, with the TLX leading the way to take a larger share of the mid-luxury sedan segment. 

• One of the hottest players in a hot luxury SUV segment, the Acura RDX set an all-time annual sales record, climbing 13.7 percent on sales of 51,026 vehicles.
• MDX exceeded 50,000 sales for the fourth straight year and continues to be the best-selling luxury three-row SUV in America.
• TLX sales of 47,080 and a stronger performance from ILX as the gateway to the sedan lineup helped boost Acura sedan sales more than 18 percent in 2015.
• Acura enjoyed a fourth consecutive year of sales growth in 2015 with 177,165 vehicles sold, gaining 5.6 percent for the year.  
• Acura truck sales exceeded 100,000 for the second straight year.

"The Acura brand continues on its steady march, now four years strong— with both our sales and brand power gaining increasing momentum with both trucks and sedans," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura division. "Importantly for our future, Acura sedans continue to gain strength – which will be our critical focus in the next phase of our strategic plan."

USA RECALL - HONDA/ACURA - The Takata airbag issue just wont go away for Honda.

• Nationwide recall of passenger front airbag inflators expands to include approximately 127,000 inflators in 2003-2004 CR-V vehicles not previously subject to recall or safety improvement campaign
• No change to national recall of driver front airbag inflators
• Honda's national Takata airbag inflator recall repair completion rate is 47.1%

Honda announced today that it will expand a national recall (15V-370) to replace, free of charge, Takata passenger front airbag inflators installed in certain 2003-2004 CR-V models sold in the United States following a recent defect determination by Takata, the airbag inflator supplier. 

This expansion will add approximately 127,000 passenger front airbag inflators not previously subject to either a recall or safety improvement campaign.

Approximately 78,000 of the affected 2003-2004 CR-V vehicles included in existing passenger front airbag inflator recalls and Honda's voluntary safety improvement campaigns (14V-353 and 14V-700) will also transition into the new recall. 

The same free repair - replacement of the passenger front airbag inflator - will be completed under the new national action. This updated recall (15V-370) now includes approximately 3.4 million passenger front airbag inflators now requiring replacement in this action.

Models now included in 15V-370 (certain specific vehicles only):

• 2003-2007 Honda Accord
• 2001-2005 Honda Civic
• 2002-2004 Honda CR-V (all 2002 and certain 2003 CR-V previously included)
• 2003 Honda Element
• 2002-2003 Honda Odyssey
• 2003 Honda Pilot
• 2003 Acura MDX

NOTE: Today's announcement does not alter the nature or scope of the national driver front airbag inflator recall that was announced on May 28, 2015.

Honda has sufficient replacement parts suspplies to begin recall repairs of the added vehicles immediately, nationwide. Mailed notification to registered owners of vehicles affected by this recall will occur within 60 days. The most-updated available consumer information about this action can be obtained atwww.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (888) 234-2138.

American Honda continues to urge owners of Honda and Acura vehicles affected by the Takata airbag inflator recalls to get their vehicles repaired at authorized dealers as soon as possible. Vehicle owners can check their vehicles' recall status at www.recalls.honda.com for Honda owners or www.recalls.acura.com for Acura owners or by calling their authorized dealer

USA SALES NOVEMBER - HONDA/ACURA - Unfortunately the brands see a drop in sales for the month.

• Robust Honda and Acura truck sales continue on record annual pace
• Honda Pilot gains 19 percent as sales surpass 10,000 for the month
• Acura RDX sets new November sales record, climbing 7.4 percent on sales of 3,691
• All-new 2016 Honda Civic pushes 8.6 percent model gain as first customers take deliveries in mid-November
• Accord, Civic and CR-V remain on pace to top 1 million units for the year

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported November sales of 115,441 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 5.2 percent in a month with two fewer selling days and one less weekend vs. a record-setting November 2014. Honda Division sold 103,197 units, with car sales reaching 53,900 and truck sales totaling 49,297 for the month.  

Acura sales totaled 12,244, with sedan sales of 4,461 and trucks reaching 7,783 units in November.

Honda

Strong sales of the all-new Pilot and core Honda models kept Honda on track for an all-time annual sales record, with the Accord, Civic and CR-V on course to reach a combined one million units in sales for the third consecutive year.

• Pilot sales climbed strongly, rising 19 percent on sales of 10,975 units putting the all-new Pilot on the verge of its best sales year since 2006.
• Civic posted an 8.6 percent November increase on sales of 25,050 units, even as the production ramp up of the 2016 Civic Sedan continues at Honda plants in North America.
• Accord posted a November increase of 1.2 percent to 25,566 units, boosting YTD 2015 sales to 320,501 units.
• CR-V continued on pace as the industry's best-selling SUV, with sales of 25,931 units in November pushing its 2015 total over the 300,000-unit mark for the third consecutive year.

"It is incredibly gratifying to see our customers embrace the all-new Pilot and Civic," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "We are going to race to the finish in the effort to earn a record number of new customers this year."

Acura

Acura truck sales remain on pace for a record year with combined sales of MDX and RDX approaching the 100,000-unit mark for 2015, while Acura sedan sales are up more than 20% in 2015, topping 60,000 units for the first time since 2013.

• Acura's athletic RDX set a new November record, climbing 7.4 percent on sales of 3,691 vehicles.
• TLX sales of 43,572 units through the first 11 months of 2015 has now nearly tripled the 2014 combined sales total of the TLX and the outgoing TL and TSX models it replaced.

"With the Acura brand on track for our fifth consecutive year of increased sales and our best annual sales total since 2007 we continue to build strong momentum toward next year's celebration of Acura's 30th anniversary," said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura division. "We also recognize and embrace the challenges of an ultra-competitive luxury market as we sharpen our portfolio with products like the technologically advanced NSX and continue to build the brand with highly desirable vehicles throughout the lineup."