Snowdrifts Provide a Fertile Backdrop for Acura MDX

PEABODY, MA (02/14/2011)(readMedia)-- This winter, Acura drivers are choosing the SUV over the sedan. The Acura MDX, responsible for almost 40% of overall sales, was the company's best-selling vehicle in January and led the luxury automaker to a 12th straight month of double-digit sales growth.

Interest in Acura's luxury SUV has also been good news for Greater Boston Acura dealer Acura of Peabody, where the popularity of models like the MDX has brought high customer traffic, allowing the dealership to increase its share of the regional luxury car market by 25% in January.

"It's not like we're out in the woods here. We've got tremendous competition from luxury carmakers right up the road," said Joel Avery, general manager of Acura of Peabody. "The MDX may be bringing customers through the door, but our greatest success is due to our dedicated sales and service staff. We were just recognized for that dedication when we received the 2010 Acura Precision Team Dealer of Distinction award. It's only given to a few select Acura dealerships nationwide, and this is the sixth time we've earned this honor."

For Greater Boston Acura shoppers seeking a model with strong winter capabilities, sophisticated style and elite driving performance, the MDX is an attractive option. With significant snowfall snarling commutes and making every trip on the roads a challenge, auto buyers throughout New England are more focused on winter performance than in years past.

"You can't avoid the snow this winter. A vehicle's ability to handle these extreme conditions has become one of the most important factors for our customers," Avery added. "The MDX has winter handling that most luxury vehicles lack, as well as the style and features that luxury buyers demand. In a new MDX, Acura drivers will get through the New England winter with confidence and in comfort."

Sitting 8.2 inches off the road, the 2011 MDX's ample ground clearance gives drivers an immediate advantage when snow coats the roads and snowbanks make it hard to see cross traffic at intersections. Road-gripping all-wheel drive ships standard in the luxury SUV, which helps drivers maintain control and stability on icy roads and driveways after the daily melt-freeze cycle.

The benefits of the MDX's all-wheel drive may be most obvious when the system pulls the SUV out of a deep snow drift, but its advantages are not limited to winter roadways. Precision steering and suspension systems work in tune with the all-wheel drive in dry weather to give drivers extra stability and control at higher speeds on winding New England roads.

The 2011 MDX is equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that's practical in rough weather and powerful and fun when roads are dry and clear. Variable valve timing and electronic lift control increase the vehicle's horsepower at high RPMs, while an advanced throttle system adjusts the throttle response to current road conditions. In Sport mode, drivers can use paddle shifters to maximize the vehicle's 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, turning routine trips into exhilarating drives.

"There are some fun roads waiting underneath that snow," Avery said. "As the snow melts, the MDX will shift from a luxurious winter guide to a refined, high-performance powerhouse, and drivers will be able to fully experience what this luxury SUV can do."

About Acura of Peabody:

A six-time winner of the Acura Precision Team Dealer of Distinction award, Acura of Peabody continues the tradition of superior customer service that has made it a top destination for Massachusetts Acura sales, service and parts for more than a decade. They offer an extensive inventory of new and used Acura models, backed by a service center with the most 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, Peabody, MA, or call them at 888-825-7965.