kirk
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I wouldn't pay anything until the proper ED powertrains are in installed.
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NealX
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TraXtaR614 wrote:
I just visited a Acura dealership in The Bay Area CA. sales guy confirmed this thread. 0 ILX sales since they got the shipments in. RDX - SOLD OUT as soon as they get off the truck. Only one there was a demo car that wasn't for sale, the only other one on the lot was spoken for... win some lose some i guess.
i saw a ILX- tech, was rather impressed with the styling. i'd say it looks very svelte, sexy and sleek. interior seems quite nice, a step under the TSX but nice nonetheless. I told the sales guy i think they would probably sell ok if it started around 23k-24k. Actually thinking about buying one, but hard to justify the 32k price when a TSX can be had with $3000k off sticker. Who would buy an ILX for 32k when you can buy a base TSX for $27k???? i asked him if that was why ILX's arent moving... haha. then i told him i might wait a few months (after SLOW ILX sales) and come back and try to deal. guess what the sale guy said? "would deal NOW" they seem pretty desperate on the ILX TBH... How much under sticker would you guys offer for an ILX???
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That is especially surprising. I'd think the Bay area is the the type of GenY hotspot that this car may be specifically "targeted" toward. Their supposed ideal customer = The Metro.
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NealX
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Oh, and have all we ILX proponents and H/A enthusiasts done our due diligence and taken the time to visit our local Acura dealer this past weekend?
We know that DCR was busy, but I patiently await your reports...
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Hondu
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Neal wrote:
Oh, and have all we ILX proponents and H/A enthusiasts done our due diligence and taken the time to visit our local Acura dealer this past weekend?
We know that DCR was busy, but I patiently await your reports...
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My local dealer has five of them. One hybrid, four base models. Only two colors to choose from, black or gray. They are priced from $30-35K (hybrid is $35K). Have no real desire to test drive or even window shop one, once I found out the drivetrains.
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Powered by Honda
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Neal wrote:
Oh, and have all we ILX proponents and H/A enthusiasts done our due diligence and taken the time to visit our local Acura dealer this past weekend?
We know that DCR was busy, but I patiently await your reports...
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I'll go since i have 1 near me...but can I say "im from the ToV i'd like to know your sales for the ILX so far?"
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NealX
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Just be yourself. You, like you are here, ;-)
"How's it been selling?"
"How well do you think it fits within your lineup?"
"What have your customers been saying."
When things are looking somewhat down, people are much more willing to share. Friendly recon.
Climb all over the thing. Read the brochure. And consider it within the context of the New Acura.
Your review is just as important as anyone else's.
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Colin
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Neal wrote:
That is especially surprising. I'd think the Bay area is the the type of GenY hotspot that this car may be specifically "targeted" toward. Their supposed ideal customer = The Metro.
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Neal, I've said this many times before, I don't necessarily believe the the marketing 'propaganda' when they talk about demographics. It's been suggested to me that real goal of any marketing campaign is the market to the customers 'self image' of who they are. Understanding this, you market to 'older' clients by appealing to their youthful self image.
What do you think? Could it be that the 'actual' target is much older, maybe a boomer who has had (or does have) other faster, larger cars in his garage but is looking for something smaller with better mileage that is still full featured?
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330R
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I guess the Bay Area doesn't have very many boomers with a youthful self image, then, either.
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NealX
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^I agree with you completely.
I think what "throws me" a bit is seeing all the pie charts, bullet points and analysis statements (which are separate from how it manifests itself in an advert) which have been historically quite off the actual mark.
It's as if the analysis is intentionally skewed to support an ideal that doesn't actually exist. And the "ideal" being somewhat flawed to begin with - it can only fall harder.
I'm certainly one for skewing imagery to support an ideal, but I hope to achieve a certain level of honesty too. Except that the consequences for them are obviously much higher...
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ClementZ
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Nothing.
Especially when I could get an Si with a LSD for a similar price.
The ILX had potential, but Acura burned themselves with the trims and the prices.
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atomiclightbulb
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Neal wrote:
Oh, and have all we ILX proponents and H/A enthusiasts done our due diligence and taken the time to visit our local Acura dealer this past weekend?
We know that DCR was busy, but I patiently await your reports...
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This weekend, no.
But there is an Acura dealer near my office so I went there on my lunch break today and had a look at the ILX on their showroom floor. It was a 2.0L Tech. Didn't have time for a test drive, but I'll get to it eventually.
My gut reaction to the ILX is that it looked smaller than I expected, but that it was sporty and fun looking. It's sleek and well-proportioned. The long-ish hood, and the way the roofline slopes into the short trunk deck makes it almost coupe-like to my eye, but this aesthetic does have a cost for the interior. Details are well done. The grille, projector headlights, and tails are distinctive without being obnoxious. I would have liked slightly less wheel well gap, but it's not that big a deal.
The ILX exterior puts the 9G Civic to shame. The ILX's sheet metal is expressive, while the Civic's is dull by comparison. The ILX gets the details right, while the Civic's black plastic "fake window" under the A-pillar looks cheap. Finally, I'm glad Acura threw out the overused traditional Hoffmeister kink, which sweeps up at the wrong angle on the Civic (doesn't align with the door crease).
The inside is nice, but feels a bit closed in. Quality is fine and blows the Civic away in materials, layout, and overall appearance. Most everything about the controls just feels right for a Honda/Acura. I'm not sure exactly, but something about bringing the windshield forward, and the aggressive roofline, makes the cabin feel a but more crunched than the 8G and 9G Civic. The Civics both feel "airy" in the classic Honda fashion, while the ILX is more snug. This isn't a problem in the front, but the rear bench is not great for taller adults, and there is noticeably less headroom and less leg room in the rear versus Civic. I am not that tall, but I see what Neal and Jeff were saying about the rear seats. Thankfully, the rear bench is flat, as one would expect from a Civic-based vehicle.
Here's what I think based on the above:
The 2.0L model is a chick car. In this form, it's "cute" and "sporty", and much more so than the previous generation Scion Tc or the FG1 Civic Coupe (non-Si). It's exactly the kind of car that a female well-to-do university student, or young professional would want. It has the coupe-like look, but the convenience of two doors in back for small children. This is a great car to get a customer hooked so they will buy an RDX when need more space.
Outside of the 2.0L, the ILX has a lot of potential. With the proper wheels and accessories, it could look a lot more aggressive. With a proper powertrain and suspension setup, I think it could be much much more than a chickmobile. The basic elements are there: good proportions, nice details... with 225-240 HP, an HFP-like (I guess it would be AFP for Acura) suspension, and Limited-Slip differential, I think it would be a worthy successor to the FG2/FA5. Bigtime missed opportunity.
Notyper mentioned the sport version of the Infiniti G37. Most Infiniti G are essentially grand tourers with automatics, but having a sport trim with all the best features keeps enthusiasts in the brand and makes for good press. Acura should have done the same with the ILX.
What do I think it's worth:
Base model: 24.2k MSRP, or 25k incl. destination.
Premium 2.0L: 26.2k MSRP, or 27k incl. destination.
Tech 2.0L: 28.2k MSRP, or 29k incl. destination.
Just my gut feeling is that as it stands, Acura has overpriced the ILX by 2k. It's pushing up against the TSX too much for a gateway model.
My prediction: A more legendary chick car than the Scion Tc. But it doesn't have to be that way going forward.
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FiSH-Chan
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atomiclightbulb wrote:
My prediction: A more legendary chick car |
Funny how all the ads so far show guys driving one.
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330R
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FiSH-Chan wrote:
atomiclightbulb wrote:
My prediction: A more legendary chick car |
Funny how all the ads so far show guys driving one.
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If I'm reading these purported skewed marketing intentions correctly, then perhaps the car is actually targeted towards older chicks who want to be in touch with their inner dude?
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FiSH-Chan
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330R wrote:
If I'm reading these purported skewed marketing intentions correctly, then perhaps the car is actually targeted towards older chicks who want to be in touch with their inner dude?
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LOL!
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superchg2
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With a tweak here and a tweak there, they could have made the 2.4 pretty tasty (like leaving in the Si's LSD), but as it stands the ILX is nowheresville.
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NealX
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I had a chance to again visit my local Acura dealer here in PHX this morning - Sunday, June 17th - and had an extended conversation with a very kind and pragmatic sales manager.
As of this time they have sold ZERO ILXs in any trim or model.
Just a few notes of import communicated to me - unbiased, unsolicited:
Biggest (initial) challenge continues to be getting potential buyers in to the show room to look at the car. They are unable to sit down with a potential buyer because no potential buyers are coming to the store expressing an interest.
Those who have looked at the car have commented that "it is not sexy enough" for the price of entry. There are "better options" at this price point.
The asking price is perceived as too high.
Hybrid mileage is not strong enough to justify the asking price.
Those outside of the "GenY" fold have already had their RSXs and G1 TSXs so this car offers no appeal to them.
An AT and/or Tech of the 2.4 could improve sales but the challenge of getting the buyers "in the door" would remain.
The perceived, overall quality of the ILX is very high (despite the price) but that is not being communicated to the potential buyer.
Key features associated with a "premium brand" are absent from the ILX. (not specific, here)
Broadcast and web marketing are putting too much emphasis on the image/self-perception of the buyer rather than communicating the quality of the car - and that the car is shown too little within those adverts.
A GenY buyer is not inclined to "reward themselves" with an Acura branded vehicle, even if their "great first job" salary would allow it.
The next generation Accord with its room, features, technology and updated styling could present an attractive option for buyers looking for more space, etc. at a more attractive price.
#2 man Acura has made the rounds locally to discuss the challenges facing local sales and what aggressive strategies may have to be implemented to increase awareness and ultimately sales, including dealer incentives, cash and aggressive leasing programs in the sub $300/mo range.
To date, nation-wide sales are within the 300-400 range. Dallas metro area may be doing better than others
Dealers are committed to selling this car once an effective marketing strategy and pricing/leasing scheme comes in to being that addresses the real-world conditions the sales associates are encountering "in the trenches, day to day." That "sweet spot" has not yet been found.
Acura of Peoria has sold 3 ILXs to date. (PHX is the 5th largest city in the U.S.)
A return to the "classic names" of Acura (eg: Legend, Integra, Vigor) would no doubt drive more traffic to dealerships based on name recognition and past/positive association alone.
RDXs continues to sell "right of the truck" and has had little if any impact on MDX sales.
TSX wagon interest and sales have dropped dramatically. A small window of opportunity existed when interest was very high. Unfortunately that momentum was snuffed out when the tsunami and floodings severely impacted JP production....
FYI. HTH. FWIW.
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superchg2
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Neal wrote:
#2 man Acura has made the rounds locally to discuss the challenges facing local sales and what aggressive strategies may have to be implemented to increase awareness and ultimately sales, including dealer incentives, cash and aggressive leasing programs in the sub $300/mo range.
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Thanks for the update, and Happy Father's Day Neal!
Why Honda/Acura didn't look at these potential challenges before they spent millions of dollars bringing the ILX to market is baffling.
Acura's own TSX is a very fine car, and already occupies almost the same price range, but with more room and power, standard.
Perhaps Honda/Acura instead should have spent more dollars on making the various 9G Civic's top notch at the git-go, at the same time as they were throwing the ILX concept into the trash bin.
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Powered by Honda
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hahah ILX. Hopefully Honda gives this thing the axe just like they did with the EL and the CSX.
RIP Acura EL
RIP Acura CSX
soon
RIP Acura ILX
hopefully the next attempt at an entry luxury car wont be so fail.
Maybe call it Acura Integra haha but most likely the next gen in 5 years will be all new Acura BLX or ALX
with mroe "dynamic, sporty, aggressive dynamics!"
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THX17201
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Neal wrote:
A return to the "classic names" of Acura (eg: Legend, Integra, Vigor) would no doubt drive more traffic to dealerships based on name recognition and past/positive association alone.
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The names Legend, Vigor and Integra invoke so much more emotion that 3 letters...
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hondadude
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I think a hatchback is very, very important particularly in this class of car. I've been a big proponent of Honda selling the European 9th-gen 5 door hatchback here. Such a beautiful car inside and out. Hyundai is now another major automaker selling a compact hatchback vehicle here in the Elantra. Honda better wake up and get with the program here. American Honda Motor Co is behind the curve once again! The new 9th-gen Euro Civic would really reinvigorate the Honda lineup and specifically the U.S. Civic lineup and Acura should use a variation of the European Civic and call it Integra.
The hatchback is back and here to stay. I see way more Focus hatchbacks driving around than sedans, at least here in the Norcal Bay Area. For crying out loud the original Civic and Accord were hatchbacks and stayed that way a very, very long time. Hopefully Erik Berkman will be our savior and decide to sell the Civic hatchback here. They can manufacture it at the Civic plant in Indiana.
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owequitit
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Neal wrote:
Just a few notes of import communicated to me - unbiased, unsolicited:
Biggest (initial) challenge continues to be getting potential buyers in to the show room to look at the car. They are unable to sit down with a potential buyer because no potential buyers are coming to the store expressing an interest.
Those who have looked at the car have commented that "it is not sexy enough" for the price of entry. There are "better options" at this price point.
The asking price is perceived as too high.
Hybrid mileage is not strong enough to justify the asking price.
Those outside of the "GenY" fold have already had their RSXs and G1 TSXs so this car offers no appeal to them.
An AT and/or Tech of the 2.4 could improve sales but the challenge of getting the buyers "in the door" would remain. |
It's almost as if some people called it. Oddly, an enthusiast focused vehicle/version would have gone a long way toward getting people into the showroom, even if they ended up walking out with a 2.0AT, because it would have seemed more interesting. Not to mention that enthusiast buzz would have driven interest outside of enthusiast groups.
It is good to see the comments around here about price/content/ performance were dead on, and it is good to see that I can still pick out a good product when I see one (also knew the RDX would do very well).
| Broadcast and web marketing are putting too much emphasis on the image/self-perception of the buyer rather than communicating the quality of the car - and that the car is shown too little within those adverts. |
When a product is effectively unmarketable (because it doesn't appeal to anyone), this is what you are left having to sell. The number one indicator of Honda's disconnect from reality is that they still believe the product should sell itself, and yet they totally fail to provide product that is capable of doing so (outside of their relatively few successes these days). If the car was what it SHOULD have been (nothing that would have been outlandish either, contrary to the people whining about people not liking it), then they wouldn't have needed all the fancy marketing to sell the stupid thing.
A return to the "classic names" of Acura (eg: Legend, Integra, Vigor) would no doubt drive more traffic to dealerships based on name recognition and past/positive association alone.
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This is a great idea, but the product would have to back it up. If it didn't live up to Acura expectations from 20+ years ago, then it would work for a short while to initially cause an increase in showroom traffic, but would ultimately fail, because despite whatever scheme is designed to get people in, the product still has to sell itself.
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330R
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But wait! What's this?
Things are looking up... opens thread...
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atomiclightbulb
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330R wrote:
But wait! What's this? |
Tyson is sure taking a lot of punishment from the ToV membership, but I wouldn't mind getting a free ILX. I wouldn't take the accessories though. I've never been a fan of body kits or spoilers for cars that probably don't benefit from them in some performance metric.
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330R
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atomiclightbulb wrote:
Tyson is sure taking a lot of punishment from the ToV membership, but I wouldn't mind getting a free ILX. I wouldn't take the accessories though. I've never been a fan of body kits or spoilers for cars that probably don't benefit from them in some performance metric. |
I noticed he steered clear of the ugly body side moldings.
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sadlerau
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The really sad part is that this is actually a good looking car, unlike some of the rubbish that Honda/Acura has served up recently!
Is there hope that Acura's marketing/product development types will ever get their heads out of their collective ar$$es??
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TurkMan71
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I like the front of this car more than the back.
...yea I can't believe I said that either. It's been a long time since I said that about an Acura.
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owequitit
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330R wrote:
But wait! What's this?
Things are looking up... opens thread...
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His ILX looks fantastic with those wheels. I would have pushed for a TL SH-AWD 6MT though. Or at least an auto with an umber interior...
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