Acura's January Sales Rise as Its Competitors Drop

Other Japanese Luxury Auto Brands Lag to Start 2012

PEABODY, MASS. (02/13/2012)(readMedia)-- Acura was the only Japanese luxury auto brand to see a rise in U.S. sales to kick off 2012, led by strong January sales of the TL luxury sedan at Acura dealerships. While Lexus and Infiniti saw their January sales drop by 4.56 percent and 8.22 percent respectively compared to last year, the 8,381 models sold by Acura last month represented a 5.28-percent increase for the brand over 2011.

Benefiting from a refresh for the 2012 model year, January sales of the Acura TL were up 43.4 percent year-over-year, with 2,283 cars sold. Though the TL led among Acura car sales, the Acura RDX crossover SUV was the lineup's top overall seller, moving 2,861 units. Meanwhile, the sporty TSX took third place out of all Acura models with 2,266 vehicles sold, a gain of 16.7 percent compared to January 2011.

"Acura doesn't rely on big incentives to sell its cars, so it doesn't get the hangover effect of holiday sales like other brands," said Joel Avery, general manager of Greater Boston Acura dealer Acura of Peabody. "Well-designed and well-built luxury cars don't need gimmicks; they tend to sell themselves."

Acura is expecting that combination of style and substance to propel sales of its all-new ILX luxury compact sedan and redesigned 2013 RDX SUV, both of which debuted as production-ready models at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show last week. Each model will provide an affordable option for luxury shoppers, offering fuel-efficient drivetrains as well as the high-quality interiors customers expect of vehicles in the luxury segment.

The 2013 Acura ILX will be available with three different drivetrains, including Acura's first-ever hybrid offering. The automaker says the new sedan will come with a well-appointed interior and include features like a Pandora internet radio interface, an SMS text message function and a standard Keyless Access System. With a compact chassis and Acura's signature grille, the ILX will be priced below the popular TSX as the entry point to the brand.

While the ILX will be completely new to the lineup, the RDX is a now familiar face, having been on sale since 2006. Among the big changes for the 2013 model year is a new V6 engine replacing the previous RDX's turbocharged four-cylinder, resulting in a 33-horsepower boost to a total of 273. Despite that added power, Acura claims that the RDX will have the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered luxury SUV in its class. For added utility, the new RDX will also get wider door openings, increased passenger and cargo space, and a power rear tailgate.

"It hasn't always been the case, but fuel efficiency and value have become important parts of a buyer's luxury-car equation, and Acura has taken the time to address both with the ILX and RDX," Avery noted. "These two vehicles will provide a luxury experience at a lower price, both in the showroom and at the gas pump. That's a win-win for Massachusetts motorists."

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.