Acura Aims for Chinese Production by 2016
Acura, the luxury division of Honda, is aiming to begin production of its vehicles in China by 2016. The move is part of a larger effort by Honda to expand its presence in the world’s largest automotive market.
Background
Acura was founded in 1986 as Honda’s luxury division. The brand has since become one of the most successful luxury automakers in the United States, with a wide range of vehicles from sedans to SUVs.
Honda has been selling vehicles in China since the early 1990s, but the company has yet to make a major impact in the market. In 2013, Honda sold just over 500,000 vehicles in China, compared to over 2 million vehicles sold in the United States.
Plans for Chinese Production
In order to increase its presence in the Chinese market, Honda has announced plans to begin production of Acura vehicles in China by 2016. The company has not yet revealed which models will be produced in China, but it is likely that the popular MDX and TLX models will be among the first.
Honda has also announced plans to invest $1.2 billion in its Chinese operations over the next three years. The money will be used to expand production capacity and develop new models for the Chinese market.
Competition
Acura will face stiff competition in the Chinese market from other luxury automakers. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi all have a strong presence in the market, and they are all investing heavily in new models and production capacity.
In addition, Chinese automakers such as Geely and BYD are also making a push into the luxury market. These companies are offering vehicles that are competitively priced and feature the latest technology.
Marketing Strategy
In order to compete in the Chinese market, Acura will need to develop a strong marketing strategy. The company will need to focus on building brand awareness and creating a strong image for its vehicles.
Acura will also need to focus on developing vehicles that are tailored to the Chinese market. This could include features such as advanced safety systems, fuel-efficient engines, and luxury amenities.
Outlook
Acura’s plans to begin production in China by 2016 are ambitious, but the company has the resources and the expertise to make it happen. If Acura can develop a strong marketing strategy and create vehicles that appeal to Chinese consumers, it could become a major player in the luxury market.