If there's a downturn in the auto market, Honda doesn't know about it.

While U.S. car makers closed factories and announced layoffs last year, American Honda Motor sold nearly 1.5 million vehicles, thanks to gas-friendly cars such as Civic and Accord, said Richard Colliver, American Honda's executive vice president.

Honda has stayed with a formula adopted in the '70s: Offer dependable, fuel-efficient cars, said Colliver, here to celebrate the opening of Bob Lindsay Acura.

Acura is Honda's luxury brand - akin to Toyota's Lexus line - but with a difference, said Colliver.

"Lexus provides that softer ride - what Cadillac used to be. It's a great car, but Acura is more sporty," he said.

"Acura is in transition. We're moving the brand to a higher level over the next five years," said... // Norwich Bulletin

If there's a downturn in the auto market, Honda doesn't know about it.

While U.S. car makers closed factories and announced layoffs last year, American Honda Motor sold nearly 1.5 million vehicles, thanks to gas-friendly cars such as Civic and Accord, said Richard Colliver, American Honda's executive vice president.

Honda has stayed with a formula adopted in the '70s: Offer dependable, fuel-efficient cars, said Colliver, here to celebrate the opening of Bob Lindsay Acura, 7500 N. Allen Road, where the public grand opening starts at 9 a.m. today.

Acura is Honda's luxury brand - akin to Toyota's Lexus line - but with a difference, said Colliver. "Lexus provides that softer ride - what Cadillac used to be. It's a great car, but Acura is more sporty," he said.

"Acura is in transition.... // Peoria Journal Star