Acura is known for its performance-driven luxury cars. But many people still ask: who owns Acura? The answer lies in its close link with one of Japan’s biggest automotive giants. Let’s explore its origin, ownership, leadership, revenue, and the brands it controls.
History of Acura
Acura was launched in March 1986 by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. It was introduced as the first Japanese luxury car brand. Its debut models—the Legend and Integra—quickly found success in the United States. Acura was developed to compete with European and American luxury automakers. It was also Honda’s way of creating a high-end brand without diluting its core Honda identity.
In the 1990s, Acura expanded its model lineup and began gaining a loyal fan base. The brand became known for blending reliability with premium features and sporty performance. Models like the NSX, TL, and MDX became popular. Acura also played a big role in motorsports, which helped boost its performance image.
Who Owns Acura?
Acura is fully owned by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Honda is one of the world’s largest and most recognized automakers. It created Acura in 1986 as a luxury vehicle division to compete in higher-end segments, especially in North America.
Acura is not a spin-off or a joint venture. It is an internal brand and product line created and managed by Honda. Therefore, Acura has no separate incorporation or legal structure. All of Acura’s manufacturing, design, and distribution decisions fall under Honda’s centralized corporate management.
Was Acura Ever Acquired?
Acura was not acquired from another company. It was entirely developed in-house by Honda. In the 1980s, Japanese automakers were rapidly expanding into global markets. Honda identified an opportunity to serve luxury buyers in the U.S. who were looking for performance and comfort but also valued Japanese reliability.
To enter this market without diluting the core Honda brand, the company developed Acura as a separate brand identity. This move was inspired in part by Toyota and Nissan, who would later launch Lexus and Infiniti, respectively.
No mergers, acquisitions, or external investors were involved in Acura’s creation. It was a strategic brand decision made by Honda’s leadership to expand market reach.
Acura’s Legal and Operational Status
Acura does not have a separate stock listing. It is not an independent company and does not issue shares. It does not report its own financial statements either. Instead, Acura is included in Honda’s consolidated financials, which are published annually for shareholders and regulators.
All research, development, product engineering, and global strategy for Acura vehicles are handled by Honda’s internal divisions. Many Acura models are built in Honda’s manufacturing facilities in the U.S., such as those in Ohio and Alabama.
Relationship Between Honda and Acura
The relationship between Honda and Acura is similar to that of other global automakers and their luxury divisions:
- Toyota and Lexus
- Nissan and Infiniti
- Hyundai and Genesis
In these cases, the parent company uses shared technology and platforms but differentiates the luxury brand through design, marketing, and added features. Acura follows this model closely.
While the engineering roots of Acura vehicles are shared with Honda, the tuning, styling, and brand positioning are distinctly more premium. Acura models are designed to compete with BMW, Audi, and Lexus, rather than with Toyota or Hyundai.
Acura North America Operations
Acura is primarily focused on the North American market, which includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is also sold in parts of China and select global regions, but its brand presence is most dominant in the U.S.
Acura’s U.S. operations are managed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda’s North American subsidiary. Acura’s U.S. headquarters is located in Torrance, California. All U.S. sales, service, marketing, and brand strategy are handled from this hub.
Acura and Honda R&D
A significant part of Acura’s innovation comes from Honda R&D Co., Ltd., Honda’s research and development arm. Acura models often debut new technologies like Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), advanced safety features, and hybrid-electric systems that later trickle down to Honda models.
Acura’s performance vehicles, such as the NSX, are also developed with direct input from Honda’s performance and motorsports teams. These include Honda Performance Development (HPD) in the U.S. and Mugen, Honda’s long-time tuning partner.
Who Manufactures Acura Vehicles and Its Engines?
Acura vehicles are manufactured primarily by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., as it is the parent company of the Acura brand. Acura’s manufacturing process takes place in Honda’s global production facilities, with key plants located in North America, Japan, and other regions.
North American Manufacturing
A significant portion of Acura vehicles is produced in the United States, where Honda operates several key manufacturing plants. The main facilities involved in producing Acura vehicles include:
- Marysville, Ohio Plant: This plant is one of Honda’s most important and produces models like the Acura TLX and Acura ILX. It is also the site for Acura’s performance-oriented Type S models.
- East Liberty, Ohio Plant: This facility manufactures the Acura RDX and plays a vital role in Honda’s SUV production.
- Greensburg, Indiana Plant: It manufactures engines and other key components used in Acura vehicles, further enhancing Honda’s integration of manufacturing processes across its models.
Japanese Manufacturing
Some Acura models, particularly those sold in international markets, are manufactured in Japan. These plants include:
- Saitama Plant: This is a key site for manufacturing premium sedans, and it produces models like the Acura RLX (though production has been discontinued).
- Takanezawa Plant: Focuses on assembling vehicles and certain powertrains used in premium models.
These plants allow Honda to ensure quality control and optimize its manufacturing capabilities to meet global demand.
Engine Manufacturing for Acura
Acura engines are developed and produced by Honda’s internal engine manufacturing plants. Honda is known for its engineering precision, and the same engineering excellence is applied to the engines powering Acura vehicles. These engines are built with performance, efficiency, and sustainability in mind.
Types of Engines Used in Acura Vehicles
Acura uses a variety of gasoline, hybrid, and electric engines, developed and manufactured in-house by Honda. The engines are produced at Honda’s advanced facilities in the United States and Japan. These include:
- Inline-4 Engines: Used in models like the Acura ILX and Acura RDX, these engines focus on delivering a balance of fuel efficiency and performance.
- V6 Engines: Found in higher-end models like the Acura MDX and Acura TLX, the V6 engines deliver more horsepower and performance.
- Hybrid Powertrains: Some Acura models, including the Acura MDX Hybrid, are equipped with Honda’s hybrid systems, which combine gasoline engines with electric motors for enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
- Turbocharged Engines: Turbocharged inline-4 engines, like those in the Acura TLX Type S, offer high performance while maintaining good fuel economy.
Performance Engines and Development
For the performance-oriented Acura Type S models, including the TLX Type S and MDX Type S, Honda develops high-performance turbocharged engines. These engines incorporate cutting-edge technologies like dual VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) and turbocharging for superior power output, especially in the Type S variants.
Additionally, Honda Performance Development (HPD) plays a significant role in refining performance engines for Acura vehicles, with the aim of delivering track-inspired engineering to road-going models. HPD engineers focus on tuning and optimizing engine performance, especially in the Type S and NSX models.
Where Are Acura Engines Manufactured?
Acura engines are primarily produced at Honda’s engine plants in the U.S. and Japan:
- Anna Engine Plant (Ohio, USA): The Anna Engine Plant is one of Honda’s most important engine production facilities. It manufactures several engine variants used in Acura models, including the V6 engines for models like the MDX and RDX.
- Honda’s Takanezawa Plant (Japan): This plant plays a key role in producing inline engines, including those used in Acura’s hybrid models and lower-performance variants.
Advanced Engine Technologies for Acura
Honda’s advanced engineering technologies are pivotal in delivering the performance and efficiency that Acura customers expect. Some of the key technologies used in Acura engines include:
- i-VTEC: Variable valve timing technology for improved fuel efficiency and performance across the RPM range.
- Direct Fuel Injection: Found in many Acura models, this technology allows for more efficient fuel combustion, leading to better power delivery and fuel economy.
- Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD): A hallmark of Acura’s performance and handling capabilities, SH-AWD distributes engine power dynamically between all four wheels to optimize grip and handling, particularly in vehicles like the Acura MDX Type S and TLX Type S.
Who is the CEO of Acura?
As of 2025, Toshihiro Mibe serves as the President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., the parent company of Acura. Appointed in April 2021, Mibe has been instrumental in steering Honda—and by extension, Acura—towards a future centered on electrification, advanced mobility solutions, and sustainability.
Mibe’s tenure has been marked by ambitious goals, including Honda’s commitment to achieving 100% electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2040 and attaining carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities by 2050. Under his leadership, Honda announced a substantial investment of approximately $65 billion to accelerate its electrification efforts, aiming to introduce seven new EV models globally by 2030 and reduce manufacturing and battery procurement costs significantly.
With a background in powertrain development and a history of leading Honda’s R&D division, Mibe brings a wealth of technical expertise to his role. His vision encompasses not only vehicle electrification but also advancements in software, user experience, and autonomous driving technologies, positioning Honda and Acura at the forefront of the evolving automotive landscape.
Executive Leadership and Decision-Making Structure
While Acura operates as a distinct luxury brand, it does not have a separate CEO. Strategic decisions and overall direction for Acura are determined by Honda’s executive leadership. Key figures in this structure include:
- Shinji Aoyama: Serving as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President since April 2023, Aoyama plays a pivotal role in overseeing Honda’s global operations, including those related to Acura.
- Hironao Ito: As Chief Development Officer and Managing Executive Officer since 2024, Ito focuses on advancing Honda’s development initiatives, which encompass innovations pertinent to Acura’s product lineup.
This centralized leadership ensures that Acura’s strategies align with Honda’s overarching goals, particularly in areas like electrification, technological innovation, and market expansion.
Control and Decision-Making
Honda’s corporate governance structure centralizes decision-making, with the Board of Directors and executive officers setting the strategic direction for all brands under its umbrella, including Acura. This integrated approach ensures consistency across product development, marketing, and global operations.
While Acura maintains its unique brand identity, its operations are deeply integrated with Honda’s resources and strategic initiatives. This synergy allows Acura to leverage Honda’s technological advancements and global reach, ensuring that it remains competitive in the luxury automotive market.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Acura
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, Honda projected a revenue of ¥21.6 trillion (approximately $144 billion), indicating a continued upward trend. The company also anticipated a net profit of ¥950 billion (around $6.3 billion) for the same period.
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of approximately ¥20.43 trillion (about $136 billion), marking a 20.8% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by strong sales in various markets, including the United States, where Acura has a substantial presence.
Estimating Acura’s brand valuation involves considering its market presence, sales performance, and brand strength. Given its position in the luxury automotive segment and its contribution to Honda’s revenue, Acura’s brand value in 2025 is estimated to be in the range of $70 billion. This estimation reflects Acura’s standing as a key player in the luxury vehicle market.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Acura’s revenue and net worth from 2015-25:
| Fiscal Year (Ending March 31) | Revenue (Trillion ¥) | Revenue (USD, Approx.) | Net Worth / Equity (Trillion ¥) | Net Worth (USD, Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Est.) | 21.6 | $144 billion | 10.5 | $70 billion |
| 2024 | 20.43 | $136 billion | 10.0 | $67 billion |
| 2023 | 16.91 | $125 billion | 9.2 | $64 billion |
| 2022 | 14.55 | $117 billion | 9.3 | $81 billion |
| 2021 | 13.17 | $120 billion | 8.5 | $78 billion |
| 2020 | 14.93 | $137 billion | 8.6 | $79 billion |
| 2019 | 15.89 | $143 billion | 8.9 | $84 billion |
| 2018 | 15.36 | $144 billion | 8.7 | $81 billion |
| 2017 | 13.99 | $130 billion | 8.6 | $77 billion |
| 2016 | 14.60 | $129 billion | 8.5 | $75 billion |
| 2015 | 13.33 | $111 billion | 8.4 | $70 billion |
Brands Owned by Acura
Here’s a list of brands owned by Acura as of 2025:
| Sub-Brand / Line | Purpose / Identity | Notable Models | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type S | High-performance trim with enhanced power | TLX Type S, MDX Type S | Turbocharged engines, SH-AWD, sport suspension, performance brakes |
| A-Spec | Sport appearance package with tuned handling | ILX A-Spec, RDX A-Spec, TLX A-Spec | Sport styling, unique wheels, dark accents, improved interior and suspension |
| PMC Edition | Hand-built, limited-run exclusives | TLX PMC Edition, MDX PMC Edition | Built at Performance Manufacturing Center, special paint, serialized badges |
| NSX | Halo supercar, tech flagship | 2016–2022 NSX (2nd gen) | Hybrid-electric drivetrain, twin-turbo V6, SH-AWD, carbon-fiber construction |
| Future Electric NSX (Expected) | All-electric high-performance successor | Coming late 2025–2026 (rumored) | Likely all-electric, advanced battery system, next-gen SH-AWD |
Acura Type S
Type S is Acura’s performance-oriented sub-brand. Revived in recent years, it represents the highest-performing versions of Acura vehicles. As of 2025, models like the TLX Type S and MDX Type S are positioned to compete with BMW’s M series and Audi’s S line. These vehicles offer turbocharged engines, sport-tuned suspensions, and advanced SH-AWD systems.
Type S models are developed with input from Honda Performance Development (HPD), bringing track-inspired performance to the street.
Acura A-Spec
A-Spec is Acura’s sport appearance and handling trim line. Available on models like the ILX, RDX, and TLX, A-Spec versions feature aggressive styling upgrades, unique wheels, sport interiors, and tuned suspension. Though not as powerful as Type S, A-Spec trims cater to buyers wanting a sportier look and feel.
Acura PMC Edition
PMC Edition stands for Performance Manufacturing Center Edition. These limited-production vehicles are hand-assembled at Acura’s specialized Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, USA. The PMC Edition models showcase premium paint finishes, exclusive wheels, and limited production runs. Examples include the TLX PMC Edition and MDX PMC Edition.
These special editions are crafted using high-precision techniques similar to those used in assembling the NSX supercar.
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is a halo product and a symbol of Acura’s engineering capability. Though technically a model, the NSX has been treated almost like a sub-brand due to its separate production line, exclusive hybrid-electric powertrain, and supercar status. It was produced at the Performance Manufacturing Center and served as a technology flagship for the brand.
While Acura discontinued the second-generation NSX in 2022, reports suggest a new, all-electric NSX is in development, likely to debut in late 2025 or 2026.
Final Thoughts
So, who owns Acura?
The answer is simple—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Acura is Honda’s luxury division, created to serve premium car buyers, especially in North America. While Acura operates under its own branding, all business decisions are made by Honda.
Acura’s performance, innovation, and success are closely tied to Honda’s vision. As Honda moves toward electrification and global expansion, Acura is expected to grow alongside.
FAQs
Are Toyota and Acura the same company?
No, Toyota and Acura are not the same company. Toyota is a Japanese automaker, while Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Both companies are separate and distinct entities, though they both operate in the automotive industry. Toyota owns the Lexus luxury brand, while Honda owns Acura.
Is Acura American or Japanese?
Acura is a Japanese brand, created by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., which is based in Japan. However, a significant portion of Acura’s manufacturing and assembly is done in North America, particularly in the United States, where key models like the Acura TLX and MDX are produced. Acura operates under Honda’s global framework but primarily focuses on the North American luxury vehicle market.
Who is Acura owned by?
Acura is owned by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. Acura operates as Honda’s luxury vehicle division, catering to the premium automotive market, particularly in North America.
Do Acuras have Toyota engines?
No, Acura does not use Toyota engines. Acura vehicles are powered by Honda-designed engines. While Toyota and Honda are both major Japanese automakers, they develop their own engine technologies independently. Acura’s engines are crafted by Honda, using advanced engineering for performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
Is Acura a luxury brand?
Yes, Acura is considered a luxury automotive brand. It was established in 1986 by Honda to compete with other luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Acura is Honda’s high-end division, offering luxury cars and SUVs with performance-oriented features, advanced technologies, and premium materials.
Who makes Acura?
Acura is manufactured by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., which is responsible for both the design and production of Acura vehicles. The brand represents Honda’s luxury and performance-focused vehicle lineup, and its models are assembled in various Honda plants, mainly in North America and Japan.
Who owns Acura SUV?
The ownership of an Acura SUV depends on the individual who has purchased or leased the vehicle. Acura offers a range of SUVs, including the Acura MDX, Acura RDX, and the upcoming Acura ZDX. These vehicles are owned by consumers who purchase them through dealerships or financing options.
Who owns Acura MDX?
Similar to the Acura SUV question, the Acura MDX is owned by the individual or entity that purchases the vehicle. Acura MDX is a luxury crossover SUV manufactured by Honda under the Acura division. It is available for sale through dealerships, and ownership transfers to the buyer after purchase.
Who manufactures Acura?
Acura is manufactured by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Honda designs and produces Acura vehicles, with major production plants located in North America (Ohio, Indiana) and Japan. Acura, as Honda’s luxury division, offers premium vehicles that are assembled using Honda’s engineering expertise and manufacturing facilities.
Is Acura owned by Honda?
Yes, Acura is 100% owned and controlled by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. It is Honda’s luxury vehicle division.
Does Acura operate independently?
No, Acura is not a separate company. It operates under Honda’s corporate structure with shared platforms and resources.
Are Acura cars different from Honda?
Yes, while many Acura models are based on Honda platforms, they have different styling, features, and performance tuning aimed at the luxury market.
Is Acura a Japanese brand?
Yes, Acura is a Japanese luxury brand created by Honda. It was first launched in the U.S. and remains most popular in North America.