MARKHAM, Ontario (February 14, 2012) – Twenty-five years ago today, the Acura brand was launched in Canada. It was the beginning of a bold and successful brand venture – the first Japanese luxury nameplate had arrived in Canada.

Created to bring performance, elegant design, advanced technology and higher levels of customer service to the luxury import market, Acura has grown from 20 dealers selling just two models in 1987 (Legend and Integra), to the current network of 50 retailers selling six distinctive Acura vehicles. The line up now includes three utility vehicles (MDX, RDX and ZDX) and three sedans (RL, TL and TSX). To date, more than 400,000 Acura luxury cars and trucks have been sold in Canada.

“When we look back at Acura’s history in Canada, we can take great pride in the many things we’ve accomplished,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc.  “We’re pleased to be celebrating this anniversary year with two exciting new vehicles coming this spring and additional models over the next several years that herald a dynamic future, firmly rooted in our core values of innovation, technology, luxury, and value, all built on a foundation of dependability, quality and reliability.”

On Thursday, Acura will unveil three important vehicles at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto – the long-awaited Acura NSX Concept, the all-new Acura ILX sedan and the completely redesigned Acura RDX. The RDX is scheduled to be in dealerships in early April, with the all-new ILX entry-luxury sedan planned to arrive later in the spring.

“The NSX Concept, all-new ILX sedan, and redesigned RDX have been designed from the ground up with Acura DNA,” said Chenkin. “And what better way to celebrate Acura’s 25th anniversary here in Canada than by showing Canadians what’s next.”

Acura’s history of ‘firsts’ in Canada over the past 25 years

YEAR    ACURA FIRST
1987    First Japanese luxury brand to in Canada
1990    First all-aluminum production automobile (1991 Acura NSX)
1990    First Japanese ‘Supercar’ (NSX)
1996    First manufacturer to build an exclusive-to-Canada luxury car (1997 Acura EL)
1996    First luxury import brand to design, engineer and assemble a model in North America (1997 Acura CL Coupe)
1996    First in-dash satellite-linked navigation system (1996 Acura RL)
1997    First 4-channel ABS system
1999    First dual-stage driver and passenger side airbags
2001    First 3-row luxury SUV (MDX)
2002    First Variable Valve Timing system (VTEC®)
2003    First Drive-By-Wire™ (DBW) throttle system
2003    First standard DVD-Audio surround sound system (2004 Acura TL)
2003     First standard Bluetooth wireless telephone interface (2004 Acura TL)
2003    First use of ‘acoustic’ windshield glass (2004 Acura MDX)
2004    First brand to offer XM® Satellite Radio as standard equipment
2004    First brand to offer Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® technology as standard equipment
2004    First Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE™) body structure
2004    First torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD®)
2004    First application of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system (2005 Acura RL)
2004    First use of acoustic windshield glass
2004    First standard DVD-Audio Surround System
2005    First to offer Active Noise Cancellation
2008    First IIHS Top Safety Pick-rated model line-up
2009    First brand with NHTSA 5-star crash safety ratings for all models

Acura is the technology advanced performance division of Honda Canada Inc. Six vehicles (TSX, RDX, TL, RL, ZDX and MDX) are marketed under the Acura brand. Both the Acura ZDX and MDX are produced at the Honda of Canada Mfg. facility in Alliston, Ontario.

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The commercial is called “Transactions” and you can view the extended version of this ad below as well as several hilarious extras that didn’t make it into the final ad.

Transactions Extended Version

Web Extras

Check them out below and see what’s in store for Acura in the future.

According to Jeff Conrad, Vice President and General Manager of Acura “Over the next 24 months the Acura brand will unleash a series of new models that will remake our product line-up and shake up the luxury market…  Acura will once again defy conventional wisdom to become one of the top luxury brands by creating luxury vehicles based on our own unique values.”

Acura ILX Concept

The Acura ILX Concept is a precursor to an all-new Acura luxury compact sedan which is scheduled for a spring 2012 launch.

The line-up of ILX models will include an entry-level model powered by a 2.0 litre inline 4-cylinder engine, a high-performance model with a 2.4-litre inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and finally a 1.5-litre gas-electric hybrid powertrain which will be Acura’s first ever hybrid.

Like all Acura models the ILX will have a long list of standard features, different trim levels, a technology package, multiple transmission choices and excellent standard safety features.

Acura RDX

The 2013 Acura RDX was shown as a prototype and is the second generation of Acura’s five-passenger crossover SUV.  It will feature a new engine, transmission and all-wheel drive system which will provide both advanced performance and fuel efficiency.

Scheduled to launch in spring of 2012 the 2013 Acura RDX will have a 3.5-litre 273 horsepower V6 engine.  The 2013 RDX also makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter.  It also features a new, lighter all-wheel-drive system providing the required safety and performance with increased efficiency.

The exterior incorporates a sleeker, more aerodynamic body, a longer wheelbase and wider track, all-new Amplitude Reactive Dampers and a new motion adaptive electronic power steering system.

The interior has the upscale look and luxury feel expected by Acura customers and features sweeping new shapes, matte surface trim and generous use of leather.

Acura NSX Concept

The NSX Concept features several new technologies for Acura including Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system which can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering.

“The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura’s idea to create synergy between man and machine,” said president and CEO of Honda Takanobu Ito, “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

To read the full press release from Acura click here

The 2012 Acura TL offers updated styling front and rear, fuel economy, improved performance and upgraded technology.  According to NADAguides.com the new 2012 Acura TL presents a compelling vehicle option for consumers looking for performance luxury sedans.

The 2012 Acura TL made quite an impression on the analysts at NADAguides.com.  Minor front and rear end refinements along with noticeable interior enhancements have greatly improved the design and made the vehicle more desirable in consumers’ eyes.

The addition of a new 6-speed Sequential Sportshift automatic transmission provides both smooth and ample power as well as improved performance and fuel economy.  In addition, the 2012 Acura TL has also bee named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and this was after the organization implemented more stringent testing guidelines.

Troy Snyder, Director of Product Development at NADAguides says, “The TL is a driver’s car, from the cockpit-like interior where everything is easily and intuitively accessible to the powerful and responsive six-speed automatic transmission.  The 2012 Acura TL possesses the perfect combination of styling, comfort and performance earning it our first Featured Vehicle of the Month spot for 2012.”

Jeff Conrad, the Vice President and General Manager of Acura Sales also says “Acura is honored to be recognized as NADAguides.com Featured Vehicle of the Month. For the 2012 model year, Acura focused on taking the already innovative TL and refining it even further to ensure it remains a leader among luxury sports sedans and an automobile that will continue Acura’s legacy of ground-breaking style, performance, refinement and value. With new styling, a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and a host of other improvements, the TL offers everything that the luxury performance sedan buyer wants.”

You can read the entire press release by clicking here.

This information has to be clearly written in the sales contract and you should be told about it before you sign.

Consider buying from a registered dealer.

Avoid curbsiders – imposters who pose as private individuals but are actually in the business of selling damaged or defective cars to unsuspecting consumers.

Private citizens selling their own vehicle are not required to disclose information about the vehicle’s history.

Buying from a registered dealer provides increased consumer protection.

If you have any questions about consumer protection when buying a vehicle, please contact the Consumer Protection Office at 945-3800 in Winnipeg; tool free in Manitoba at 1-800-782-0067; or via email at consumers@gov.mb.ca.

The end result: $6,253

Two Schools that benefited from the donation were George V and Salisbury Morse. Each school plans on using the funds differently. George V hopes to purchase smart boards and iPads for their Early Years Project. Whereas Salisbury Morse is hoping to help more students get involved with their spring play.

Hopefully we receive an invite!

After a month of collecting food for Winnipeg Harvest the Dilawri Group delivered over 1,200 pounds of non-perishable food items. Over the last month Crown Acura and every other store in the Dilawri Group filled a vehicle in their showroom with donations for Winnipeg Harvest collected from both staff members and customers.

On Monday December 19, 2011 the Dilawri Group’s very own Santa lead the convoy of vehicles to Winnipeg Harvest and dropped off the results of their hard work just in time for Christmas.

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the Dilawri Feeds Winnipeg campaign. Next year let’s double the amount of food we raised.

All 2012 Acura models have an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure which enhances occupant protecting and crash compatibility in frontal crashes.  The design accomplishes this by using a network of connected structural elements which distribute crash energy more evenly through the front of the vehicle and reduces the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

All Acura models also include a variety of other safety features such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags along with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seats with integrated active head restraints, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning systems and load limiters, Daytime Running lights (DRL) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

You can read Acura’s official press release here.

Chrysler performed better with its new models such as the Chrysler 200, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee.  The Chrysler brand moved up in the survey however its ranking is based on just two models.

General Motors dropped after an improvement last year as did the Buick and Cadillac brands.  Chevrolet held its position and GMC dropped one spot.

The upper levels of Consumer Reports’ survey continued to be dominated by Japanese models which took the top nine spots.  The Japanese models were led by Scion, Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Honda and Toyota.  96% of the Japanese models that Consumer Reports had data for rated average or better in predicted reliability.  24 Japanese models earned the highest rankings.

The biggest improvement came from Mazda which moved up eight spots from last year.  All of its models were rated above average.

You can read the entire article from Consumer Reports here.