Acura Design Studio Opens in California
May 24, 2007

Honda opened the doors today on its new Acura Design Studio in Torrance, California. The doors are likely to close quickly as the $15 million studio begins developing new concepts and designs for Honda’s luxury brand.

"This Acura Design Studio will help conceive and design the future of Acura," said Toshihiko Nonaka, president of Honda R&D Americas (HRA), at the opening. "Our goal here is to create emotional designs that create a strong and distinct image for Acura products."

A number of Acura models, including the MDX and TL, have been designed, developed and engineered by HRA. Today, nearly two-thirds of all Acura vehicles sold in America are researched, designed, developed and assembled exclusively in North America. Moving Acura design activities into a state-of-the-art independent studio will provide a clearer focus to advance the unique character of the Acura brand, the automaker said.

The studio is outfitted with state-of-the-art design technologies, including a computer-generated virtual simulator that enables designers to display virtual vehicles in a one-to-one ratio. The work layout is designed to improve collaboration with interior and exterior design areas parallel to each other.

The building is also designed to be highly energy efficient. It is expected to be certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Posted by Michelle Krebs at 11:18 AM under Companies , Technology | Comments (1) | digg this | Seed Newsvine