(May 3, 2013) LINCOLN, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley joined more than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) on My 2 to celebrate the start of mass production of the all-new 2014 Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

HMA is now the exclusive global production source of the Acura MDX, along with key Honda light truck models, including the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot sport utility vehicle and the Ridgeline pickup. HMA also builds the V-6 engines that power each model.

"Today, we celebrate a new Alabama-made vehicle, fueled by the pride of Honda associates who are committed to exceeding the expectations of our Acura customers," said Tom Shoupe, HMA president. 

Designed, engineered and developed in the U.S., the seven-passenger Acura MDX has long been a benchmark vehicle in its segment and Acura's top-selling vehicle for the past year. Built on a completely new platform, the redesigned 2014 MDX offers improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, class-leading fuel economy and enhanced dynamic performance.

"What a beautiful vehicle we have created together," said Jim Keller, chief engineer for the 2014 Acura MDX at Honda R&D in Raymond, Ohio. "Today we celebrate not a finish line, but a starting line. Our race is just beginning, and to win this race takes a constant and committed focus on quality and on the customer."

The 2014 MDX, which will go on sale at Acura dealers nationwide in the coming weeks, is also designed to achieve the highest available safety ratings, and will be offered for the first time in a more affordable and even more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration. Pricing information will be announced closer to the on-sale date.