Acura Kicks Off Production of Redesigned 2014 MDX in Alabama

Peabody, 05/16/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

The Acura MDX SUV has been the best-selling model in the Acura lineup for several years, and with the emergence of a new-generation 2014 model, it will now be built exclusively in the United States instead of Canada. With the first model rolling off the assembly line in Lincoln, Ala., earlier this month, the 2014 MDX takes advantage of a new platform and powertrain to become lighter, faster and more fuel efficient.

The body of the 2014 Acura MDX is built with more than 55 percent advanced lightweight materials, dropping 275 pounds compared to the outgoing generation while increasing rigidity for an improved ride. Those weight savings combine with a new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine to raise fuel economy to 27 mpg on the highway in all-wheel-drive models and 28 mpg on the highway in the new, more affordable front-wheel-drive model. Despite a slight drop in output to 290 horsepower, the 2014 MDX is actually faster than the model it replaces.

"Acura has refined the characteristics of the MDX that make it a best-seller, like its comfort and versatility, while leaping ahead by six miles per gallon in highway fuel economy," said Joel Avery, general manager of Acura of Peabody, an Acura dealership in Massachusetts. "The fact that the MDX can make those strides in fuel efficiency while actually becoming faster and more dynamic on the road is a big testament to Acura's engineers."

Acura hopes that the new MDX's arrival in the coming weeks will bring an added boost to its already surging sales. Last month, the brand posted a 14 percent sales increase compared to April 2012, moving 13,899 units in the United States. A large portion of those gains was fueled by record April sales of Acura's luxury crossovers.

Featuring similar styling to the 2014 MDX, the more compact Acura RDX has seen consistent success since going on sale last year as a redesigned 2013 model. April marked the 12th consecutive monthly sales record for the compact crossover, with 4,088 models finding new homes. Year-to-date, sales of the Acura RDX are up by an impressive 171 percent compared to the same time period last year.

"Buyers have responded emphatically to RDX's more sophisticated styling and its new V6 engine, and we expect a similar reaction to the new MDX," added Avery. "The Acura RDX has actually been the brand's best-seller so far this year, but the MDX will make a big push to retain its title once the new model arrives."

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.