Acura's 2020 target eyes fast growth in the world's largest car market

With cutting-edge designs and sportiness, the all-new TLX-L is tailored for the Chinese market. CHINA DAILY

Zheng Heng, executive vice-president of Sino-Japanese joint venture Guangqi Honda, which markets both Honda and Acura cars, said the premium marque aims to sell 100,000 vehicles in China annually by 2020, up from 8,143 last year.

Acura's sales in China are expected to hit 20,000 cars this year, he said.

"In the meantime, we plan to introduce one new Acura model every year," he told China Daily. Acura will launch an all-new TLX-L mid-sized sedan on Friday in Shanghai, which is the United States-born brand's second locally-made model in China after the CDX compact SUV. The brand will offer a locally made RDX mid-sized SUV next year in China, he said.

The all-new TLX-L, developed fully in accordance with Chinese customer needs, has many upgrades in terms of cutting-edge designs, sportiness and comfort, according to Zheng.

"It will not only expand Acura's lineup but further boost its brand competitiveness in China. It targets buyers in pursuit of quality, unique style and individuality," he said.

With the slogan of "precision crafted performance", Acura aims to be a "young, sporty, fashionable and reliable" premium car brand in China, Zheng added.

The TLX-L is 4,981 millimeters long, 1,854 mm wide and 1,447 mm high.

It has a 2,900 mm wheelbase, which is 125 mm longer than its predecessor and offers more legroom for passengers in the back.

The model, equipped with a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, produces a maximum output of 153 kilowatts and offers a peak torque of 247 Newton meters.

It will go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Lexus IS.

The TLX-L also comes with a slew of technical features, such as PAWS (precise all-wheel steer), AHA (agile handling assist) and IDS (intelligent distribution system).

Zheng said Acura will recruit more dealerships in China to boost sales in the coming years.

The number will reach 150 by 2020, up from 70 at present, he said.

Acura also has several imported models available in China, such as the MDX large-sized SUV and NSX super sports car.

Industry analysts say current small players such as Acura still have much room to expand in China's luxury car market, which is expected to remain on the fast track powered by the country's steady economic growth and customers' mounting demand for luxury products. Luxury car sales in China surged by 16 percent to 2.16 million vehicles last year, with almost three-fourths grabbed by the three German titans－Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.