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ReprintsAcura upscale shift inspires 'great faith in the future'
Ralph Kisiel
Automotive News
February 18, 2008 - 12:01 am ET
SAN FRANCISCO — Acura dealers can expect a "huge shift" in the next year that will move the brand closer to tier 1 luxury brands such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. That was one of the messages that dealers heard during a 45-minute Acura make meeting here. "In the next year there will be a huge shift toward tier 1, and the dealer body is excited about that shift," said Valerie Voyles, CEO of the Ed Voyles Automotive Group in metro Atlanta. "With the new products coming, we're moving forward a great deal. We have great faith in the future."
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The Acura TL and TSX sedans are being redesigned for the 2009 model year and arrive this year. Acura's flagship, the RL, was just revealed during the Chicago Auto Show with a "minor model change," said Dick Colliver, American Honda Motor Co. sales boss. Acura is Honda's luxury brand. Based on these sedan changes and Acura's pledges of new models, "we have great faith in the future," Voyles said. "We're not up there with Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but a big shift is coming," Voyles said. "You'll see more separation of the brands (Acura and Honda), with more Acura-only product." Colliver said Acura dealers will learn more product details at the dealership meeting in New Orleans in April. He predicted that "the face of Acura will be completely different in five years." |
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