More on Honda R&D Americas (HRA)

Established in Torrance, California in 1975 to conduct local market research and design activities, today Honda R&D Americas (HRA) has the capability of "complete product creation" - developing all-new vehicles starting from market and technology research and design styling through engineering design, fabrication and testing, local parts procurement and mass production preparation. Formally incorporated in 1984, HRA over the past 30 years has steadily expanded the size and scope of its operations to encompass the full range of research, design and development activities for Honda and Acura automobiles as well as Honda motorcycles and Honda power equipment products.

Major U.S. R&D facilities:

Los Angeles Center (Torrance, CA) - established in January 1975, the Los Angeles Center is responsible for market research, concept creation and styling design through three separate studios. The center is also playing a critical role in the development of alternative fuel technologies and operates two of the world's most advanced hydrogen fueling stations.

• Honda Design Studio (Torrance, CA) - plays a leading role in market research, concept creation and vehicle design of future Honda automobile and motorcycle/ATV models.
• Acura Design Studio (Torrance, CA) - plays a leading role in market research, concept creation and vehicle design of future Acura models.
• Advanced design Studio (Pasadena, CA) - focused on the conception and creation of future design concepts.

Ohio Center (Raymond, OH) - established in July 1985, the Ohio Center is responsible for technology research and complete vehicle design and development including body, chassis, interior, electrical, engine application and safety engineering, as well as support of North American and global manufacturing operations and component suppliers. It also operates one of the industry's most sophisticated Automotive Safety Research facilities, established in October, 2003.

North Carolina Center (Swepsonville, NC) - established in August 1993, the North Carolina Center is responsible for design, testing and prototype development and supplier support for Honda power equipment products made in North Carolina.

Transportation Research Center (East Liberty, OH) - purchased by Honda in January 1988, TRC was an existing vehicle research and testing facility originally developed by the state of Ohio. Comprehensive vehicle testing is conducted at the facility's laboratories and test courses including a 7.5-mile banked oval, numerous on-road and off-road dynamic test tracks.

Honda Proving Center of California (Mojave Desert, CA) - established in June 1990, HPCC is responsible for comprehensive vehicle testing including a 7.5-mile oval track and numerous on-road and off-road test courses.

HRA Vehicle Development History:

Vehicle	Model Detail
1989 Honda Accord SEi	HRA performed design styling and local parts procurement for many of the exclusive components of the "Special Edition" vehicle
1991 Accord Wagon	First HRA developed "derivative model". Based on the 1990 Accord Sedan for North America and export to Japan and Europe
1993 Civic Coupe	First Civic Coupe. A "derivative" model based on the 1992 Civic hatchback.
1994 Accord Wagon	First HRA simultaneously developed "derivative model" based on the 1994 Accord Sedan.
1997 Acura CL 2.2 (Coupe)	First all-new vehicle development by HRA and the first to be led by an American engineer
1997 Acura CL 3.0 (Coupe)	First vehicle to receive all new high-output V6 engine
1997 Acura 1.6EL	New Acura model developed exclusively for Canadian market.
1998 Accord Coupe	First Accord Coupe with exclusive exterior styling
1999 Acura 3.2TL	Second all-new Acura model development by HRA.
2001 Acura 3.2CL	Third all-new Acura model with application of new 6-speed manual transmission for V6 engine
2001 Acura MDX	Acura's first original SUV - 2001 Motor Trend SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year.
2001 Civic Coupe	First small car to earn NHTSA five-star safety rating in frontal and side impact (NCAP) crash test ratings
2002 Acura TL	Introduction of high performance TL "Type-S" model
2003 Honda Pilot	Honda's best-selling SUV - five-time Car and Driver 5 Best Truck.
2003 Honda Element	Innovative SUV with flat cargo floor and 'B-pillarless' wide-opening side doors.
2004 Acura TL	America's best selling luxury sedan 2004 and 2005.
2006 Honda Ridgeline	Honda's first-ever and highly innovative pickup truck. 2006 Motor Trend, North American and Canadian Truck of the Year
2006 Accord Sedan and Coupe	Mid-model refresh of 2003 Accord. First time HRA is responsible for global launch of new model including coordination of production launch in 8 plants worldwide
2006 Civic Coupe and Civic Si	Sporty 2-door coupe and high-performance Si versions of 8th generation Civic - 2006 North American, Canadian and Motor Trend Car of the Year
2007 Acura MDX	Track-tuned at the famed Nurburgring racetrack in Germany, this 2nd generation MDX features bold styling, cutting-edge technology and ample SUV utility, to skillfully balance performance with functionality

Today, approximately 30 percent of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in America and 50 percent of all U.S. light truck sales are products researched, designed and developed in America. These include some of the company's most innovative and trend-setting cars and light trucks including the Acura MDX and Acura TL, and the Honda Pilot, Element, Ridgeline truck and Civic Coupe and Si.

I thought the RDX is also a HRA product?

[Source] AcuraNews