Acura launches independent Financial Services

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed)
Apr 27th 2009 at 10:01PM

Imagine going to buy a new luxury automobile and signing the same forms as you'd fill out if you were buying a lawn mower or an outboard motor? Doesn't seem right. And Honda agrees. Its luxury brand Acura may have been around a few years longer than either Lexus or Infiniti, starting the Japanese luxury revolution in the late 80's, but until now the financing of its automobiles has been handled by the same American Honda Finance Corporation. But no more, as the automaker has announced the formation of Acura Financial Services. The new subsidiary will be responsible for the financing of all new Acuras, and forms just the latest in a series of steps which Honda is taking to turn Acura into a luxury marque on the same level as Mercedes-Benz or Audi, to say nothing of Lexus or Infiniti.

PRESS RELEASE

Dedicated Acura Financial Services Launched
New Acura-Branded Financial Services Created to Enhance Luxury Client's Experience

TORRANCE, Calif. - 04/23/2009

American Honda Finance Corp. (AHFC) this week launched Acura-branded financial services to better satisfy the needs of Acura dealers and customers. The creation of Acura Financial Services (AFS) marks a major milestone in Acura history. This is just the first step of a multifaceted effort to further enhance customer service and raise the brand image for Acura, the luxury nameplate that pioneered the launch of Japanese luxury automobiles in the U.S.

"With our most recent ranking in the top two, three and four positions in the luxury lease segment of the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study, the timing is perfect to utilize our years of experience and expertise to create financial services that will meet the needs of Acura clients," said Stephen E. Smith, senior vice president of AHFC. "The creation of separate Acura-branded financial services parallels other moves to strengthen and differentiate the Acura luxury brand."

About American Honda Finance Corporation

American Honda Finance Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the captive finance provider of consumer financial products for Honda and Acura automobiles, sport utility vehicles, trucks, minivans, Honda motorcycles, Honda power equipment, and Honda marine products. In addition, AHFC also provides Honda and Acura dealerships with vehicle floorplan programs, real estate, construction and capital loans, revolving lines of credit and inventory insurance.

About Acura

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. Acura also recently unveiled a prototype of the ZDX, an all-new luxury four-door sports coupe, at the New York International Auto Show that will go on sale this fall.

For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For more financial services information, please visit www.acurafinancialservices.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com.

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