Acura RDX Churns Out Eighth-Straight Record Sales Month in December

PEABODY, MASS. (01/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Awards and accolades look nice in the trophy case, but what really determines a redesigned vehicle's success is whether or not it makes a measurable impact on the sales floor. The 2013 Acura RDX crossover continues to do just that following its launch in May 2012, selling 4,024 units in December 2012 month for a 155-percent increase year-over-year. December marked the eighth-consecutive month that the RDX has set a monthly sales record.

Featuring a sleeker, more aerodynamic exterior, the 2013 Acura RDX offers a more dynamic ride with the help of a new engine, a new six-speed automatic transmission and the option of an advanced all-wheel-drive system. The standard 3.5-liter V6 powerplant produces 273 horsepower while returning up to 28 mpg on the highway, good for increases of 33 horsepower and four miles per gallon compared to its four-cylinder predecessor. Inside, the compact crossover benefits from a new, sweeping interior design with extensive use of leather, noise-reduction technologies and more leg and shoulder room.

"Buyers are continuing to move toward smaller crossovers for improved fuel efficiency and overall practicality, but the RDX stands out from the rest because it provides those things while delivering smart luxury and sophisticated style," said Joel Avery, general manager of Acura of Peabody, a Massachusetts Acura dealership. "The new RDX is extremely quiet and comfortable inside, and it has a responsive ride that feels more like a luxury sports sedan than an SUV."

Acura used the lessons learned from its new RDX to develop the next generation of its best-selling MDX midsize crossover, which debuts in concept form next week at North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Like the RDX, the 2014 Acura MDX is expected to don a subtler front "beak" grille, as well as sculpted creases along its flanks. The vehicle will also be more aerodynamic for improved gas mileage, and publications like Motor Trend have indicated that an efficient 310-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 will be the standard engine.

Though the 2014 MDX likely won't go on sale until next fall, the current generation continues to be a fast mover at dealerships. Acura sold 5,069 units of the MDX in December 2012 for a 10-percent increase compared to the same month in 2011. With the help of popular models like the MDX and RDX, the luxury auto brand's overall sales jumped by 22 percent year-over-year last month, and its final tally for all of 2012 ended up 27 percent higher than its total in 2011.

"Acura has really nailed down the formula for creating an appealing upmarket crossover in recent years, giving equal attention to versatility, performance, luxury and style," added Avery. "The new generations of the MDX and RDX enhance that formula by boosting fuel efficiency and featuring designs and drivetrains that are more engaging than ever before."

About Acura of Peabody:

Thanks to a complete commitment to the Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC) philosophy from the sales, parts and service teams, this dealership has the best customer satisfaction and retention rates of any Acura dealership in the Northeast. They offer an extensive inventory of new and used Acura models, backed by a service center with the highest customer loyalty in the Northeast. Visit their website at www.acuraofpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/acuraofpeabody, visit their Acura showroom and service center at 233 Andover Street in Peabody, Massachusetts, or call them at 888-825-7965.