Honda received’t usher in its premium Acura model provided abroad to focus on a rising variety of premium-pitched Chinese language arrivals equivalent to BYD’s Denza and MG’s IM Motors in Australia.
Acura was established in 1986, three years earlier than Toyota launched Lexus and Nissan launched Infiniti. It additionally preceded Mazda’s Eunos, Efini, and aborted Amati manufacturers.
Whereas Lexus stays on sale, Acura has by no means got here to Australia. That’s regardless of Infiniti being provided between 2012 and 2020 and Eunos being launched as a standalone model right here in 1992 earlier than being folded into Mazda in 1996.
Hyundai has since launched Genesis as a Lexus rival, however now Chinese language automotive firms are getting in on the act with luxurious manufacturers of their very own, together with BYD’s Denza due in Australia by the tip of 2025.
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Above: Acura Integra
MG has additionally simply launched premium autos, formally beneath the ‘IM Introduced by MG Motor’ banner however bought inside MG showrooms.
The expansion of premium manufacturers hasn’t prompted new Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph, who took the reins in April 2025, so as to add Acura to that checklist.
“[Bringing Acura] right here would require substantial dedication of assets in creating a model – you’ve bought to have model consciousness earlier than individuals store,” Mr Joseph informed CarExpert.
“Candidly, I believe our precedence ought to be on increasing the potential of Honda and ensuring that we’ve accomplished every part we are able to with the Honda model earlier than we’d take into account taking up a further model right here in Australia.”
Above: First and second generations of Acura/Honda NSX
The Acura title was utilized to some key Honda fashions previously, together with the second-generation NSX – which was additionally manufactured within the US – and fashions such because the Integra sports activities automotive and Legend.
All of those autos have been bought beneath the Honda title in Australia and different locations, equivalent to the UK (UK), however with Acura badges in North America.
Likewise, Acura’s MDX was bought right here throughout its first era as a Honda. Subsequent North American-built Acuras have been produced solely in left-hand drive nonetheless, ruling them out for our market.
“Acura has been in different markets over time – after all the States – and Acura is fairly strong in Canada as properly,” Mr Joseph added.
“Now we have had Acura in China for a time, however that didn’t work as we hoped it could – China is tough as a result of lots of these merchandise needed to be imported from North America, and that’s a problem.”
Acura launched its first electrical car (EV), the ZDX, in 2024. It shares a platform with Normal Motors autos such because the Cadillac Lyriq bought right here.
Above (clockwise from left):ADX, RDX, MDX, ZDX
The lineup in any other case consists of a trio of petrol-powered crossover SUVs, in addition to the Honda Civic-based Integra liftback. Acura lately swung the axe on its BMW 3 Collection-rivalling TLX sedan.
Following Japanese and Korean automakers’ introductions of luxurious manufacturers, it’s now Chinese language manufacturers stepping into this area.
BYD has Denza and Yangwang in China, whereas Geely has Zeekr along with international premium manufacturers it has acquired like Volvo and GWM is planning an much more upscale model to take a seat above its Wey marque.
Chinese language manufacturers surged in Australia over the primary half of 2025, with BYD turning into the primary to interrupt into the highest 5 greatest sellers in June, with Denza anticipated so as to add to its progress when it launches later this yr.
Lexus, in the meantime, was twenty first total between January and June, trailing key rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz however forward of Audi and Volvo.
Honda is on monitor for its greatest full-year consequence since 2021 (17,562) if it might probably match its 8068 gross sales to the tip of June, which equates to 16,136.
