Redesigned RDX crossover feeds optimism at Acura

Acura General Manager Jon Ikeda says the redesigned RDX compact crossover is appearing at just the right time for the brand, and dealers sound more confident that Acura can achieve its goal of energizing its lineup and improving perceptions in the luxury market.The 2019 RDX will hit the market midyear. It's the first RDX designed and engineered entirely in the U.S., and the first Acura to fully feature an edgier design direction previewed in 2016 that brand executives see as the signal of a more aggressive, performance-oriented image. The production version of the RDX debuted last week at the New York auto show.HighlightsBrand executives see the arrival of the redesigned RDX crossover as a turning point.Discussions focused on ways to improve dealer profitability.Recovery in sedan sales is providing relief.Speaking after Acura's make meeting at the NADA Show, Ikeda described the dealer mood there as optimistic. He said the brand discussed how it wants to work with retailers to increase profitability.The RDX comes with an array of gadgets, including a new natural language voice recognition system to control navigation and other functions and an available 10.5- inch color head-up display."We don't have to just talk about value and deals," Ikeda said. "We can sell this from an emotional perspective."While Acura looks ahead to the RDX, its sedan lineup is showing encouraging signs. ILX sales increased 22 percent in February and are up 8.9 percent in the first two months of the year. The TLX had a 16 percent sales bump in February. TLX sales are trending 15 percent higher through February."Sedans, we know the weak spots," Ikeda said. "The numbers we need to be at, we're there right now. While the segment's all down, we're picking up share with all three models: RLX, TLX and ILX. If we can get momentum on our RDX and MDX, we think, especially with the new RDX coming, we're going to have a strong lineup going into the summer."Dealer Jim Smail of Smail Auto Group in Greensburg, Pa., is confident in the brand's direction."I think the brand is going to be a true premium brand to contend with," Smail said after the make meeting. "The introduction of the RDX at the New York auto show is going to be a game changer for the segment and Acura particularly. As that moves forward, it's going to show the direction of Acura and where we're going."Acura has some pretty firm goals, but they're going to make them."

Redesigned RDX crossover feeds optimism at Acura

Featured Stories