Acura Division posted record year-end sales of 170,469, according to sales figures released Jan. 4 by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Acura 2001 sales were up 19.5 percent from 2000, and broke the previous year-end sales record of 143,708 set in 1991.

"Thanks to our strongest lineup ever, Acura Division posted record-breaking sales in all but one month this year," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, sales. "With the 2002 NSX debuting tomorrow and the new 2003 3.2 CL sports coupe going on sale in March, we are confident that our momentum will continue in 2002."

According to Honda, the Acura 3.2 TL enjoyed its strongest year ever, with sales of 69,484 making it the best-selling luxury sedan in its class for the third straight year. The MDX luxury SUV was a strong seller for Acura in its first full year of production with sales of 40,950 units. In July, Acura sales got a boost with the introduction of the all-new RSX sports coupe, which was named to Car & Driver magazine’s 10 Best Cars list in December. During its first six months on the market, the demand for the RSX, which replaced the Integra, was strong with sales totaling 16,401, according to Honda Motor Corp.