Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Honda Motor Companys North American–based subsidiary American Honda Motor Company. The brand has been available in the United States and Canada since March 1986, marketing luxury, performance, and high-performance vehicles. The creation of Acura coincided with the introduction of a Japanese Honda dealership sales channel, called Honda Clio, which sold luxury vehicles, joining previously established Honda Verno, followed by Honda Primo the following year. Acura holds the distinction of being the first Japanese automotive luxury brand.