Acura on Wednesday revealed an upgraded three-row MDX crossover as the Honda luxury brand plans new production capacity to meet demand.
The 2017 Acura MDX, unveiled at the New York Auto Show, will hit showrooms in the late summer. A hybrid version will hit later this year.
One of the biggest aesthetic differences is what Acura calls a "diamond pentagon grille" that debuted on the Acura Precision concept vehicle at the Detroit auto show in January.
The MDX is particularly crucial for Acura because it's the brand's best selling vehicle for seven consecutive years — and as consumers embrace crossovers and SUVs, it's crucial for automakers to maintain a fresh lineup.
It's the "most aggressive refresh we’ve ever done with the car," John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, told reporters. "It’s a pillar of our sales, marketing and brand, if you will."
The problem — albeit a good one to have — is that Acura can't get enough units of the MDX and RDX crossovers.
The brand recently announced plans to add production capacity at its plant in Ohio. It will continue building the model in Alabama, too.
Mendel said Wednesday that he believes he could sell 10,000 to 15,000 additional units annually of the MDX and RDX crossovers with additional manufacturing capacity.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.
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