Honda and Acura Divisions to Separate

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has made a huge announcement stating that the sales and marketing operations for the Honda Division and Acura Division will

Before the change, company functions were not split by brand, meaning the same people worked on sales and marketing for both Honda and Acura. Many critics have maintained that Acura’s ability to become a truly unique and premium brand was being hampered by Honda and its more budget-friendly line of vehicles. American Honda says it hopes the realignment will add increased clarity for both brands.officially be separated. The new company structure is effective starting on April 1, marking a bold new direction for both car brands.

“Our goal is to accelerate the already strong sales growth of the Honda and Acura brands through a more cohesive strategy, with a heightened focus on the unique needs of luxury and mainstream customers. These moves will more completely align the major activities for the Honda and Acura brands under dedicated brand leaders to take advantage of new opportunities in the marketplace with greater speed and efficiency,” said John Mendel, the future head of the American Honda Auto Division, which will be over the Acura and Honda brands. American Honda Motor Co. has announced other executive changes to cover the sales and marketing functions for Honda and Acura.

Executives have said the division has been considered for some time, but it was concluded that now was the best time to execute on those plans. “The best time to make a change is when you’re in a position of strength and we are not only coming off a great sales year, we are continuing to create new opportunities with a series of new and exciting Honda and Acura models,” said Mendel.