Variance

American Honda Reports 2006 Record March Sales Honda Division Posts Best-Ever March TORRANCE, Calif., April 3 -- With strong light truck and robust sales of the all-new 2006 Civic, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted record March results of 128,806 Honda and Acura vehicle sales, an increase of 0.2 percent over March 2005. Light trucks for American Honda also posted record March results with sales of 56,786, up 1.8 percent. Year-to-date American Honda total vehicle sales of 333,844 are up 8.3 percent on a daily selling rate basis. The Honda Division posted its best March and third consecutive record month with sales of 111,282 cars and light trucks, an increase of 1.2 percent over year-ago results. Civic sales of 28,969 reflect a 14.0 percent March increase. In its second best month since launch, Ridgeline sales of 5,344 rose almost 38 percent, helping the division post record March sales of 52,104 trucks, up 2.7 percent over year-ago results. The Odyssey and Pilot also posted record March sales, up 2.0 percent and 7.4 percent respectively. Honda sold a total of 2,892 hybrid vehicles, including 2,232 Civic Hybrids and 581 Accord Hybrids. Year-to-date Honda hybrid sales of 9,102 are up 0.9 percent. "Honda's March sales numbers show that consumers are still embracing the light truck segment amid the prospect of rising energy costs," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "Consumers are, however, seeking light trucks with higher fuel economy, and Honda's numbers reflect that." The Acura Division posted strong March sales of 17,524 with record March sales of 3,355 for the TSX. The TL luxury performance sedan was Acura's best-selling model with March sales of 6,767 and year-to-date sales of 16,804. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com and www.acura.com. American Honda Vehicle Sales For March 2006 Month-to-Date Year-to-Date March March DSR** March March DSR** 2006 2005 % Chg. 2006 2005 % Chg. American Honda Total 128,806 128,548 0.2% 333,844 308,182 8.3% Total Car Sales 72,020 72,784 -1.0% 189,803 172,975 9.7% Total Truck Sales 56,786 55,764 1.8% 144,041 135,207 6.5% Honda Total Car Sales 59,178 59,198 0.0% 156,985 138,229 13.6% Honda Total Truck Sales 52,104 50,751 2.7% 131,208 121,539 8.0% Acura Total Car Sales 12,842 13,586 -5.5% 32,818 34,746 -5.5% Acura Total Truck Sales 4,682 5,013 -6.6% 12,833 13,668 -6.1% Domestic Car Sales* 57,709 58,744 -1.8% 157,957 140,393 12.5% Honda Division 50,942 51,527 -1.1% 141,153 122,488 15.2% Acura Division 6,767 7,217 -6.2% 16,804 17,905 -6.1% Domestic Truck Sales* 44,081 42,125 4.6% 111,690 100,216 11.4% Honda Division 39,399 37,112 6.2% 98,857 86,548 14.2% Acura Division 4,682 5,013 -6.6% 12,833 13,668 -6.1% Import Car Sales 14,311 14,040 1.9% 31,846 32,582 -2.3% Honda Division 8,236 7,671 7.4% 15,832 15,741 0.6% Acura Division 6,075 6,369 -4.6% 16,014 16,841 -4.9% Import Truck Sales 12,705 13,639 -6.8% 32,351 34,991 -7.5% Honda Division 12,705 13,639 -6.8% 32,351 34,991 -7.5% MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION Honda Division Total 111,282 109,949 1.2% 288,193 259,768 10.9% Accord* 29,623 33,075 -10.4% 76,954 77,371 -0.5% Memo: Accord Hybrid 581 1,862 -68.8% 1,715 3,522 -51.3% Civic* 28,969 25,414 14.0% 78,479 59,255 32.4% Memo: Civic Hybrid 2,232 2,896 -22.9% 7,177 5,418 32.5% S2000 507 653 -22.4% 1,342 1,516 -11.5% Insight 79 56 41.1% 210 85 147.1% FCX 0 0 0 2 Odyssey* 16,529 16,201 2.0% 39,204 38,829 1.0% Pilot* 12,966 12,071 7.4% 33,866 31,533 7.4% CR-V 12,705 13,639 -6.8% 32,351 34,991 -7.5% Element* 4,560 4,965 -8.2% 12,144 12,178 -0.3% Ridgeline 5,344 3,875 37.9% 13,643 4,008 240.4% Acura Division Total 17,524 18,599 -5.8% 45,651 48,414 -5.7% RSX 1,591 1,872 -15.0% 4,150 4,643 -10.6% CL* 0 0 0 1 TL* 6,767 7,217 -6.2% 16,804 17,904 -6.1% TSX 3,355 3,107 8.0% 9,233 7,991 15.5% RL 1,117 1,376 -18.8% 2,602 4,159 -37.4% NSX 12 14 -14.3% 29 48 -39.6% MDX* 4,682 5,013 -6.6% 12,833 13,668 -6.1% Selling Days 27 27 75 75 * Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced parts. ** Daily Selling Rate Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/04/03/002894.html

Mercedes-Benz USA Reports 2006 Best March Sales Ever MONTVALE, N.J., April 3 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its highest March on record with sales of 21,417 new vehicles, an increase of 17.9 percent over last March, bringing year-to-date total sales to 51,242 new vehicles, a 17.1 percent increase compared to the first quarter of 2005. Passenger car sales of 16,756 units, showed an increase of six percent (955 units) over March 2005. Highlights include E-Class sedan and wagon sales of 3,884, an increase of 7.6 percent over last March, and CLK-Class coupe and convertible sales of 2,551, a 33.8 percent increase from March 2005, making this the model line's best March ever. As a group, sales for Mercedes vehicles in the luxury light truck segment -- M-, R- and G-Classes -- had a significant 96 percent increase over March 2005. In May, Mercedes will continue to expand its presence in the luxury light truck segment with the introduction of the GL-Class, the first European full-sized luxury SUV. Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA sold 3,926 vehicles in March, bringing annual sales for the year to a total of 10,451 units. In 2005, MBUSA achieved its twelfth consecutive year of sales growth by setting the highest sales volume in its history with 224,421 new vehicle sales. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/. March March Monthly YTD YTD Yearly Model '06 '05 % 2006 2005 % C-CLASS 3,906 4,901 -20.3% 9,980 12,469 -20.0% E-CLASS 3,884 3,608 7.6% 8,659 8,929 -3.0% S-CLASS 3,335 1,384 141.0% 7,618 3,476 119.2% CL-CLASS 43 99 -56.6% 156 361 -56.8% SL-CLASS 771 940 -18.0% 1,841 2,452 -24.9% CLK-CLASS 2,551 1,906 33.8% 5,588 4,590 21.7% SLK-CLASS 1,122 1,170 -4.1% 2,442 3,113 -21.6% CLS-CLASS 1,111 1,759 -36.8% 2,844 3,895 -27.0% R-CLASS 1,915 n/a n/a 5,070 n/a n/a M-CLASS 2,740 2,283 20.0% 6,857 4,207 63.0% G-CLASS 39 112 -65.2% 187 284 -34.2% GRAND TOTAL 21,417 18,162 17.9% 51,242 43,776 17.1% Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/04/03/002895.html

BMW Group Reports 11 Percent Increase in First Quarter 2006 Sales BMW Brand Sales Jump 14 Percent Year-To-Date WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., April 3 -- The BMW Group (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported year-to-date sales of 72,588 vehicles, an 11 percent increase over the 65,536 sold in the first quarter of 2005. The BMW Group also reported an increase of 17 percent in March sales, for 28,352 vehicles over the 24,276 vehicles reported in March 2005. BMW Brand Reports Sales Year-to-date, sales of BMW brand vehicles were up 14 percent, as the company reported sales of 63,103 vehicles compared to 55,352 vehicles sold in first quarter of 2005. March sales jumped 22 percent for a total of 24,501 vehicles compared to 20,149 reported last March. BMW Automobile Sales BMW's automobile sales rose 31 percent in March, to 18,966 versus 14,475 in the same month a year ago. First quarter sales were up 23 percent, to 49,884 automobiles compared to 40,427 in the first three months of 2005. BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales March sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are off slightly, down 2 percent to 5,535 vehicles over the 5,674 sold last March. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are down 11 percent, to 13,219 vehicles compared to the 14,925 sold in the first three months of 2005. Certified Pre-Owned BMW experienced its strongest month ever for Certified Pre-Owned BMW sales. The company reported sales of 8,137 CPO sales in March 2006, almost 1,400 vehicles higher than the previous record set in April 2005, and an increase of 24 percent over March 2005. Year-to-date, CPO sales were up 20 percent, to 20,262 over the 16,878 reported in the same period in 2005. MINI Brand MINI Automobiles MINI USA reported March sales of 3,851 automobiles, down 7 percent from the 4,127 cars sold in March 2005. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 9,485 automobiles, 7 percent less than the 10,184 cars reported in the first quarter of 2005. BMW Group In America BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 Roadster and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car centers, 334 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: http://www.bmwgroupna.com/ http://www.bmwusa.com/ http://www.bmwmotorradusa.com/ http://www.miniusa.com/ http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/ BMW Car Sales Report for March 2006 2006 2005 March 18,966 14,475 Year-to-Date 49,884 40,427 Model Year-to- Year-to- March Date March Date 2006 2006 2005 2005 325i (E90 & E46) 4,181 12,026 2,704 9,105 325Ci 346 858 396 1,035 325Ci convertible 454 1,018 673 1,499 325i sports wagon 0 4 64 231 325xi (E90 & E46) 1,355 4,296 552 2,106 325xi sports wagon (E90 & E46) 232 611 68 275 330i (E90 & E46) 1,526 3,999 965 2,638 330Ci 202 532 240 710 330Ci convertible 481 1,108 556 1,207 330xi (E90 & E46) 894 2,430 735 1,580 M3 273 562 402 929 M3 convertible 149 335 200 454 3 Series 10,093 27,779 7,555 21,769 Z4 2.5i Roadster (US) 36 180 616 1,264 Z4 3.0i Roadster (US) 372 491 375 645 Z4 Roadster 3.0si (US) 167 184 0 0 Z4 M Roadster (US) 145 145 0 0 Z4 720 1,000 991 1,909 525i (E60) 1,355 3,167 1,500 4,239 525xi (E60) 495 1,655 0 0 530i (E60) 1,283 3,086 1,617 4,582 530xi (E60) 794 2,433 0 0 530xi sports wagon (E60) 261 812 0 0 545i (E60) 0 6 830 2,196 550i (E60) 702 1,698 0 0 M5 (E60 & E39) 375 1,242 0 2 5 Series 5,265 14,099 3,947 11,019 645Ci 0 21 323 887 650i coupe 288 714 0 0 645Ci convertible 0 16 548 1,412 650i convertible 629 1,390 0 0 6 Series 917 2,141 871 2,299 745i 0 0 405 1,147 745Li 0 0 668 2,162 750i 489 1,079 0 0 750Li 1,439 3,671 0 0 760i 7 17 18 34 760Li 35 97 19 83 7 Series 1,970 4,864 1,110 3,426 Z8 1 1 0 2 Z8 Alpina 0 0 1 3 Z8 1 1 1 5 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (light trucks) Sales Report for March 2006 2006 2005 March 5,535 5,674 Year-to-Date 13,219 14,925 Model Year-to- Year- March Date March to-Date 2006 2006 2005 2005 X3 2.5i 30 128 609 1,443 X3 3.0i 3,043 5,915 2,396 5,692 X3 3,073 6,043 3,005 7,135 X5 3.0i (US) 1,811 5,380 1,904 5,541 X5 4.4i (US) 554 1,519 661 1,955 X5 4.8is (US) 97 277 104 294 X5 2,462 7,176 2,669 7,790 MINI Sales Report for March 2006 2006 2005 March 3,851 4,127 Year-to-Date 9,485 10,184 Model Year- Year-to- March to-Date March Date 2006 2006 2005 2005 MINI Cooper 926 2,781 1,246 3,239 MINI Cooper S 1,942 4,298 1,657 3,923 MINI Cooper Convertible 258 752 639 1,619 MINI Cooper S Convertible 725 1,654 585 1,403 Total MINI 3,851 9,485 4,127 10,184 Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/04/03/002882.html

Mazda Announces March 2006 Sales IRVINE, Calif., April 3 -- Mazda North American Operations today released the following sales figures for March 2006: Mazda North American Operations - March 2006 Month-To-Date Year-To-Date March March % March March % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Mazda3 8,087 9,455 (14)% 21,732 21,728 0% Mazda5 1,703 -- N/A 5,061 -- N/A Mazda6 7,215 6,791 6% 19,215 18,248 5% MX-5 Miata 2,000 680 194% 4,362 1,769 147% RX-8 1,582 2,489 (36)% 2,917 4,917 (41)% Protege -- -- N/A 1 1 0% 626 -- -- N/A -- 2 N/A MPV 1,526 1,452 5% 4,223 4,513 (6)% B-Series Truck 490 1,188 (59)% 1,282 2,285 (44)% Tribute 2,911 4,098 (29)% 8,478 10,556 (20)% Total Vehicles CARS 20,587 19,415 6% 53,288 46,665 14% TRUCKS 4,927 6,738 (27)% 13,983 17,354 (19)% TOTAL 25,514 26,153 (2)% 67,271 64,019 5% MEMO: IMPORT CAR 13,372 12,624 6% 34,073 28,415 20% IMPORT TRUCK 1,526 1,452 5% 4,223 4,513 (6)% IMPORT TOTAL 14,898 14,076 6% 38,296 32,928 16% DOMESTIC CAR 7,215 6,791 6% 19,215 18,250 5% DOMESTIC TRUCK 3,401 5,286 (36)% 9,760 12,841 (24)% DOMESTIC TOTALS 10,616 12,077 (12)% 28,975 31,091 (7)% Note: Protege and 626 are discontinued vehicles. Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/04/03/002873.html

Hyundai Sets March Record With 41,766 Sales FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 3 -- Hyundai Motor America today announced March sales of 41,766 vehicles, a new record for the month. Hyundai ended the first quarter with a total of 105,988 vehicle sales, six percent ahead of last year's record pace. Hyundai's new sedans continued their momentum through March. Sonata sales grew by 53.8 percent and combined Azera/XG350 sales grew by 76.0 percent over last March. "We are excited to close out the first quarter of the year on such a strong note," said Mark Barnes, Hyundai's vice president of National Sales. "The Sonata had one of its strongest months since its redesign last year, and Azera continues to show tremendous growth each month." All Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection. Following is the sales breakdown for March 2006: CARLINE MAR/2006 MAR/2005 CY2006 CY2005 ACCENT 2,181 3,934 4,765 9,247 SONATA 17,487 11,373 42,871 28,141 ELANTRA 9,665 10,697 25,785 26,835 TIBURON 1,547 1,686 3,663 3,860 SANTA FE 4,058 6,405 10,452 16,089 XG350/AZERA 2,401 1,364 6,260 3,783 TUCSON 4,427 4,604 12,192 12,057 TOTAL 41,766 40,063 105,988 100,012 Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/04/03/002880.html

Toyota Reports March Sales 04/03/2006 Torrance, CA April 3, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported all-time best-ever monthly sales of 217,286 units, up 6.9 percent over the same period last year. TMS passenger cars led the way in sales with best-ever March sales totaling 117,299 units, an increase of 0.6 percent over last March. TMS light trucks posted all-time best-ever monthly sales of 99,987 units, a 15.5 percent increase. "March was no slam dunk for the industry, but sales bounced back from February's ho-hum pace, despite the erratic weather," said Jim Press, TMS president and COO. "With a near four-year high for consumer confidence, improved labor-market outlooks and a bevy of new products, the outlook remains bullish." The Toyota Division recorded best-ever March sales of 189,694, an increase of 6.7 percent. The Lexus Division posted best-ever March sales of 27,592 units, up 8.3 percent over last March. Toyota Division Toyota Division's passenger cars posted March sales of 103,501 units. Camry recorded best-ever March sales of 38,981 units, an increase of 1.9 percent. Making its U.S. debut in mid-March, the Yaris sub-compact posted strong sales of 1,339 units. Scion reported best-ever March sales of 14,248 units. The tC sports coupe had best-ever March sales of 6,368 units, up 2.1 percent. The xA subcompact posted a best-ever March with 2,820 units sold, an increase of 20.5 percent. Toyota Division light-truck sales reported an all-time best-ever month of 86,193 units, an increase of 16.8 percent. Sales of the RAV4 reached an all-time best-ever of 13,494 units, up 116.5 percent over the same period last year. The all-new FJ Cruiser, which debuted in late March, posted strong March sales of 2,784 units. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported March sales of 2,987 units. Combined March sales of the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid totaled 11,622 units. Lexus Division Lexus passenger cars experienced best-ever March sales of 13,798 units, an increase of 9 percent. The IS luxury sport sedans reported an all-time best-ever sales month of 5,210 units, a 1086.8 percent increase over last March. The IS 250 reported sales of 3,821, with the IS 350 recording 1,389 units. Lexus light trucks earned best-ever March sales of 13,794 units, an increase of 7.6 percent over last March. The RX luxury utility vehicles posted combined March sales of 10,971 units, an increase of 20.5 percent over last March. The RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported March sales of 2,470 units. Sales of North American-built vehicles accounted for 57.1 percent of total March sales. There were 27 selling days both this March and March of 2005. Link w/sales data: http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?...YT2006040381437

Nissan North America Announces Best Fiscal Year Ever [April. 3, 06] – For the Second Year in a Row, NNA Sells Over One Million Units – GARDENA, Calif. (April 3, 2006) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) closed fiscal year 2005 (FY05) with its best sales ever, making company history by reporting 1,075,097 total fiscal year-end sales, up 6.1 percent over FY04. This marks the second straight year NNA surpassed the million unit mark in a fiscal year. March sales total 103,095 units, a 2.6 percent decrease over last year. For the calendar year, NNA sales total 263,227, a 0.6 percent decrease versus 2005. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS · March sales for Nissan-brand vehicles of 91,209 units was down 1.1 percent compared to last March · Murano had its best month ever with 8,787 units sold · Pathfinder had another strong month with 8,489 units sold, a 15.6 percent increase, and its best March ever · Titan also saw continued strong sales with 8,328 units sold, up 1.5 percent and was its best March ever · For the calendar year, Nissan division sales total 234,040, a 0.6 percent increase INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS · March sales for Infiniti were down 12.5 percent from last March with 11,886 units sold · The all-new Infiniti M continued its strong sales momentum with 2,629 units sold, representing its best March in history · For the calendar year, Infiniti sales total 29,187, down 9 percent NNA INFORMATION · Combined fiscal year sales for Nissan and Infiniti totaled 1,075,097 up 6.1 percent over last year’s record breaking year of 1,013,295 units · For the month of March, NNA sales totaled 103,095, a 2.6 percent decrease over March 2005 · For the calendar year, NNA sales total 263,227 a 0.6 percent decrease versus 2005 Link w/sales data (.doc file -- data not on web page yet): http://nissannews.com/corporate/news/curre...60304_66030.doc

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS MARCH SALES New models contribute significantly to increase of 23.8 percent AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported March sales of 20,730 units, a 23.8 percent increase over prior year sales. The new Jetta sedan continues to be the volume car for Volkswagen, selling 9,587 cars, up 39.6 percent as compared to last year’s sales of 6,869. GTI sales posted its best month in over 20 years, selling 2,127 total units of which 2,073 were the all-new GTI, which launched just last month. Passat sedan also showed a considerable increase with sales of 3,946, an increase of 64.8 percent. Year to date, Volkswagen sales are up 24.3 percent as compared to last year. Below is a breakdown of the model line for the Volkswagen brand for March, 2006: Link w/sales data: http://media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9874

HIGHEST SALES YET FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S NEW MID-SIZE SEDANS; FORD'S F-SERIES SETS THE PACE FOR FULL-SIZE TRUCKS *Ford Motor Company's March U.S. sales totaled 291,146. *Highest sales yet for new mid-size sedans – Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr. Combined sales in March were 17,157, up 28 percent from February. *Ford's F-Series posts third consecutive sales increase. March sales were 84,168, up 5 percent from year ago. *All-new Explorer Sport Trac debuts with higher-than-expected sales. *Lincoln , bolstered by new Zephyr and Mark LT, achieves higher sales in March and first quarter. *Land Rover dealers report record sales for the sixth consecutive month. DEARBORN, Mich., April 3 - U.S. customers purchased or leased 291,146 cars and trucks from Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo dealers in March, down 5 percent from a year ago. In the first quarter, the company's sales totaled 740,838, down 3 percent. Sales for the company's new mid-size sedans – Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr – continued to grow as each of the cars posted their highest monthly sales to date. Combined sales totaled 17,157 in March, up 28 percent from February. "The Fusion, Milan and Zephyr are helping us to carve out a larger share of the market among mid-size car buyers," said Al Giombetti, vice president Ford and Lincoln Mercury marketing and sales. "These cars are helping our dealers to retain our owners and capture new ones in one of the largest segments in the industry." Ford's F-Series truck also has gained market share in another important segment, the full-size pickup market. In March, F-Series sales totaled 84,168, up 5 percent compared with a year ago and the highest March sales since 2000. It was the third month in a row of higher sales for America's best-selling vehicle. Through March, F-Series sales totaled 199,801, up 6 percent. Another full-size pickup, Lincoln's Mark LT posted its second highest sales month (1,543) in March. Through February, the company gained three full points of share in the full-size pickup segment. In March, the all-new Ford Explorer Sport Trac arrived in dealer showrooms and sales totaled almost 1,500. When the original Sport Trac was introduced in early 2000, it was the industry's first sport utility truck (SUT). The new Sport Trac offers consumers truck capability, including a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, with the comfort and convenience of a 4-door Explorer. Overall, sales for the 4-door Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer were lower than a year ago reflecting lower fleet deliveries. Retail sales for these new models were equal to a year ago. Lincoln, bolstered by the all-new Zephyr sedan and Lincoln Mark LT full-size pickup, posted a sales increase in March and higher sales for the first quarter. Land Rover dealers reported record sales for March and the first quarter. Sales totaled 4,153 for the month (up 39 percent) and 11,299 for the quarter (up 34 percent). March was the sixth consecutive month of record sales for Land Rover. FORD MOTOR COMPANY MARCH 2006 U.S. SALES March Month % March CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Sales By Brand Ford 241,642 252,636 -4.4 615,900 624,577 -1.4 Mercury 18,915 21,457 -11.8 47,646 55,306 -13.9 Lincoln 13,446 12,938 3.9 32,504 31,662 2.7 Jaguar 1,866 3,545 -47.4 5,124 8,707 -41.2 Volvo 11,124 11,614 -4.2 28,365 32,152 -11.8 Land Rover 4,153 2,982 39.3 11,299 8,444 33.8 Total Ford Motor Company 291,146 305,172 -4.6 740,838 760,848 -2.6 Memo: Cars and Trucks Cars 104,775 107,834 -2.8 278,423 270,043 3.1 Trucks 186,371 197,338 -5.6 462,415 490,805 -5.8 Total Ford Motor Company 291,146 305,172 -4.6 740,838 760,848 -2.6 FORD BRAND MARCH 2006 U.S. SALES March Month % March CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Crown Victoria 5,358 7,500 -28.6 16,545 17,614 -6.1 Five Hundred 7,726 9,375 -17.6 22,962 22,300 3.0 Taurus 20,262 20,887 -3.0 51,833 55,114 -6.0 Fusion 10,703 0 NA 29,845 0 NA Focus 16,171 17,726 -8.8 42,251 46,666 -9.5 Mustang 16,117 17,926 -10.1 40,692 42,261 -3.7 Thunderbird 0 1,546 -100.0 469 3,062 -84.7 GT 204 44 363.6 555 55 909.1 Total Ford Cars 76,541 75,004 2.0 205,152 187,072 9.7 Freestyle 6,078 6,191 -1.8 16,842 15,922 5.8 Escape 15,675 16,921 -7.4 42,268 44,099 -4.2 Explorer 17,157 24,858 -31.0 46,716 62,586 -25.4 Expedition 8,220 9,489 -13.4 20,828 26,296 -20.8 Excursion 250 1,461 -82.9 965 3,432 -71.9 Freestar 4,187 9,307 -55.0 15,532 23,522 -34.0 Econoline/Club Wagon 17,886 16,742 6.8 41,156 42,466 -3.1 Ranger 9,809 10,764 -8.9 22,378 26,612 -15.9 F-Series 84,168 80,527 4.5 199,801 189,408 5.5 Low Cab Forward 357 0 NA 875 0 NA Heavy Trucks 1,314 1,372 -4.2 3,387 3,162 7.1 Total Ford Trucks 165,101 177,632 -7.1 410,748 437,505 -6.1 Total Ford Brand 241,642 252,636 -4.4 615,900 624,577 -1.4 LINCOLN AND MERCURY BRAND MARCH 2006 U.S. SALES March Month % March CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Grand Marquis 5,787 7,913 -26.9 16,489 20,328 -18.9 Montego 2,225 2,297 -3.1 6,107 5,280 15.7 Sable 0 4,048 -100.0 0 9,898 -100.0 Milan 3,236 0 NA 7,630 0 NA Total Mercury Cars 11,248 14,258 -21.1 30,226 35,506 -14.9 Town Car 4,344 5,238 -17.1 10,209 11,820 -13.6 LS 1,418 2,595 -45.4 3,365 6,923 -51.4 Zephyr 3,218 0 NA 7,784 0 NA Total Lincoln Cars 8,980 7,833 14.6 21,358 18,743 14.0 Total Mercury and Lincoln Cars 20,228 22,091 -8.4 51,584 54,249 -4.9 Mariner 4,964 3,053 62.6 9,997 8,218 21.6 Mountaineer 2,373 3,265 -27.3 6,339 8,973 -29.4 Monterey 330 881 -62.5 1,084 2,609 -58.5 Total Mercury Trucks 7,667 7,199 6.5 17,420 19,800 -12.0 Navigator 2,405 2,722 -11.6 5,994 7,258 -17.4 Aviator 518 1,814 -71.4 1,554 5,062 -69.3 Mark LT 1,543 569 NA 3,598 599 NA Total Lincoln Trucks 4,466 5,105 -12.5 11,146 12,919 -13.7 Total Mercury and Lincoln Trucks 12,133 12,304 -1.4 28,566 32,719 -12.7 Total Mercury and Lincoln Vehicles 32,361 34,395 -5.9 80,150 86,968 -7.8 Total Lincoln Brand 13,446 12,938 3.9 32,504 31,662 2.7 Total Mercury Brand 18,915 21,457 -11.8 47,646 55,306 -13.9 JAGUAR BRAND MARCH 2006 U.S. SALES March Month % March CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change XJ 486 850 -42.8 1,380 2,333 -40.8 S-TYPE 660 1,023 -35.5 1,849 2,441 -24.3 X-TYPE 514 1,435 -64.2 1,429 3,362 -57.5 XK 206 237 -13.1 466 571 -18.4 Total Jaguar 1,866 3,545 -47.4 5,124 8,707 -41.2 VOLVO BRAND MARCH 2006 U.S. SALES March Month % March CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change S40 2,356 2,166 8.8 6,129 6,381 -3.9 V50 372 466 -20.2 1,072 1,460 -26.6 V40 0 1 NA 0 2 NA S60 2,339 2,462 -5.0 6,269 6,320 -0.8 V70 464 659 -29.6 1,296 1,972 -34.3 XC70 1,331 1,264 5.3 3,247 3,410 -4.8 C70 11 274 -96.0 85 697 -87.8 S80 598 1,166 -48.7 1,712 3,183 -46.2 XC90 3,653 3,156 15.7 8,555 8,727 -2.0 Total Volvo 11,124 11,614 -4.2 28,365 32,152 -11.8 LAND ROVER BRAND MARCH 2006 U.S. SALES March Month % March CYTD % 2006 2005 Change 2006 2005 Change Range Rover 991 867 14.3 2,762 2,515 9.8 Range Rover Sport 1,667 0 NA 4,329 0 NA LR3 1,489 1,797 -17.1 4,189 4,611 -9.2 Discovery 1 124 -99.2 1 627 -99.8 Freelander 5 194 -97.4 18 691 -97.4 Total Land Rover 4,153 2,982 39.3 11,299 8,444 33.8 Link: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?...6&make_id=trust

Another N.A. plant for Toyota? Count on it Mark Rechtin | | Automotive News / April 3, 2006 - 6:00 am LOS ANGELES -- Expect still another Toyota assembly plant in North America. Toyota Motor Corp.'s North American planning group is evaluating the company's North American sales plan for 2010 and beyond. The group's early conclusion: More manufacturing capacity will be needed beyond the five assembly plants operating and two under construction. "We have been consistent, conservative and steady. But it does make sense" to add capacity beyond what the company has already announced, says Steve Sturm, vice president of North America planning for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. Among possibilities being explored is a plant in Mexico to produce the Yaris budget car, Sturm says. The Yaris replaced the Echo this year at the bottom of the Toyota brand's lineup in America. It also is sold in Canada and Mexico. Toyota is betting on more than its own momentum for sales gains. The arrival of 64 million Generation Y'ers means the size of the U.S. vehicle market should explode by 2010, Sturm says. "These kids are getting new cars, not used cars," he says of the group born from 1977 to 1994. "More cars are being added to the family fleet. The immigrant population is growing and buying cars." More engines, too Sturm declined to offer details about Toyota's production targets. In 2005, the company produced 1.56 million units in North America, 63 percent of its North American sales. Its goal is to produce in each region at least 60 percent of its sales. (See story at right.) Plans suggested by the North American planning group must be approved by Toyota headquarters in Japan, he says. Sturm says the planning group is exploring a broad expansion of powertrain production. "Our engine and drivetrain manufacturing needs to grow in proportion with new assembly plants," Sturm says. Over the past decade, Toyota's North American sales have grown by an average of 8 percent annually. If things continue at that rate, Toyota's sales growth will outpace its local production growth. Toyota will gain volume from its existing products becoming more popular and from new vehicles. Consulting firm CSM Automotive forecasts Toyota will manufacture close to 2.1 million units in North America in 2010. Plants already under construction or previously announced will handle most of this increase. Mike Jackson, director of North America vehicle forecasts for CSM, said Toyota might expand some existing factories, such as plants in San Antonio and Baja California, Mexico. Yaris plant? If Toyota were to build another Mexican assembly plant, it likely would produce the Yaris subcompact and other new vehicles from the same platform for all North American markets. Toyota now builds the Yaris for America in Japan. Mexico got its previous-generation Yaris from France, which made it prohibitively expensive, Sturm says. Starting with the new-generation Yaris this year, Mexico is getting the car from Japan. Toyota probably won't build Scions in Mexico even though some Scions might share underpinnings with the Yaris, Sturm says. "We need to be close to the (Japanese) nest for Scion, to be near the engineering resources to make the quick changes and retooling necessary to keep Scion fresh," Sturm said. Toyota is still new to the Mexican retail market, arriving in 2002. Last year Toyota sold just 35,318 units in Mexico, up from 23,876 in 2004. Toyota produced 23,670 units in Mexico last year. Mexico's market leader is General Motors at 249,714 units, followed closely by Nissan. Link: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...B/60331082/1003

Kia's new U.S. plant is no windfall for U.S. suppliers Lindsay Chappell | | Automotive News / April 3, 2006 - 6:00 am When Kia Motors Corp. opens its $1.2 billion vehicle assembly plant in Georgia in 2009, the largest companies supplying the parts are more likely to be named Mobis or Dongwon than Magna or Dana. Instead of looking for new suppliers in the United States, Kia will piggyback onto the largely Korean supply chain that opened last year in Alabama to serve Kia's sister company, Hyundai Motor Co. Kia has told Georgia officials that it envisions only five or six new supplier plants being necessary to support the Georgia auto plant. U.S. companies have reason to compete for Korean business. When Kia opens the assembly plant the combined U.S. output of the two Korean affiliates will reach 600,000 vehicles a year. That would help some companies offset lost production from General Motors and Ford Motor Co., which together plan to close 26 North American plants over the next six years. Alabama economic development officials say privately that some supplier plants there already have been told to expand for the project in Georgia. Kia will build its factory only 90 miles from Hyundai's plant in Montgomery, Ala., just two miles across the Georgia line. "It's pretty clear that Kia sees an efficiency of scale in just using the supply chain Hyundai has already created," says Mike Wall, an analyst with CSM Worldwide in suburban Detroit. "But we've been telling U.S. suppliers that there is still some opportunity in this deal. Not as Tier 1 suppliers, but in trying to work with the Tier 1s that are operating in Alabama." Salivating suppliers For a select few U.S. companies, the outlook is promising. "We'd never be so cocky as to believe the business is in the bag, but we do have a good leg up," says Frank Pierce, vice president of North American sales and marketing for ArvinMeritor Inc. Last year the suburban Detroit exhaust and chassis supplier opened two Alabama plants to supply Hyundai, one of them a joint venture with Korea's Sejong Industrial Co. "We don't know yet what the opportunity will be for us at Kia, but we're talking to both Kia and Hyundai in Korea," Pierce said. "We're part of their sourcing strategy, but it's by no means a gimme." Other North American companies that already are part of the Hyundai chain include interior parts makers Lear Corp. and Johnson Controls Inc. and wheel assembler T&WA Inc. But the rest of the U.S. parts industry will find Kia in little mood to take on the unnecessary risk of unfamiliar suppliers. Erecting a full-scale auto plant in a new market with new workers will be risky enough. Officials who worked with Kia to pick its Georgia site say Kia wanted to be near Hyundai's Alabama suppliers. Kia's plant will be almost a replica of Hyundai's Montgomery plant. Kia's Mister Fixit To oversee the project, Kia relied on the closest thing it has in North America to a seasoned veteran: Ahn Byung Mo. It was Ahn, the 1990s president and CEO of Kia Motors America, who was dispatched by Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong Koo to find a plant site for Hyundai in Alabama. Hyundai and Kia are both owned by Korea's Hyundai Automotive Group. Just before the Hyundai plant in Alabama began production last year, Ahn again quietly disappeared with no explanation. Unbeknownst to his U.S. colleagues, he was chosen to lead Hyundai's second U.S. investment: a twin Kia factory. Reserved and soft-spoken, Ahn is in some ways the typical Hyundai Group Korean executive. He avoids the press, sidesteps public events and discourages invitations to speak. During the construction of the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, where he surprised many by taking the No. 2 position of executive vice president, he routinely declined invitations from eager city officials to speak about the project. During the Kia plant site search, he sometimes dispersed welcoming committees in favor of small one-on-one meetings. But it was clear to many that when it came to making decisions, he represented the chairman. Site officials say that Ahn himself discovered the Kia factory location in West Point while driving from the Montgomery factory to Atlanta, 150 miles away. In the end, it would be Ahn's site that Georgia packaged and delivered, with state and local incentives of more than $400 million. Like the Alabama Hyundai plant, Kia's plant will have two vehicle production lines and an engine plant. It will rely heavily on automation and buy large component modules mostly from established Korean suppliers. Though barely known in North America, the diversified Mobis is one of the world's largest auto parts producers. Its 2005 revenues topped $7.70 billion, and the company is forecasting sales this year of $8.32 billion. Kia owns an 18.2 percent stake in Mobis, and Mobis in turn owns 14.6 percent of Hyundai Motor Co. In a regulatory filing in Korea last year, Hyundai said it also is studying a plan to acquire Mando Corp., Korea's No. 2 parts maker. Mando supplies brakes to the Alabama plant. Hyundai's startup launched a supply chain of 35 parts plants in Alabama, most of them Korean-owned or Korean joint ventures with U.S or European companies. Among those: a Mobis-owned cockpit module plant, a door systems plant operated by Dongwon Autopart Technology, and a tailgate and hood supplier, SMART LLC. One new local supplier, according to a Georgia official who worked on the project, will be a large logistics plant that will sequence incoming parts for delivery to the Kia production line. Kia has not chosen a logistics company, but odds are good that it will be Seo Jee-yeon Glovis. Glovis is a Hyundai-owned logistics firm that Chairman Chung's son, Chung Eui-son, took public on the South Korean stock market in December. The company already operates two logistics and warehouse buildings for the Hyundai plant in Alabama, employing about 400 people. The younger Chung, who is both president of Kia and the largest shareholder in Glovis, has handled many of the details for the Georgia auto plant. It was he who signed the documents to make the new U.S. investment official this month in Seoul with his father attending. Link: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...E/60331076/1003

New CAFE rules could backfire Automakers may have an incentive to build bigger trucks Harry Stoffer | | Automotive News / April 3, 2006 - 6:00 am WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration insists that its new fuel economy rules will force SUVs, pickups and minivans to get better gasoline mileage. But skeptics wonder whether the Law of Unintended Consequences will overtake that goal. Critics say the new standards could encourage automakers to build bigger trucks, potentially wiping out the promised fuel savings. That's because the standards set different fuel economy targets for different-sized light trucks. The classifications are based on the area bounded by a truck's four wheels, called its "footprint." The bigger the footprint, the lower the mileage requirement. The new rules also impose a unique fuel economy standard on each automaker, based on its product mix. They amount to the biggest structural change in the 30-year history of the federal corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, program. For example, the rules set a target for the Hummer H3 of 24.16 mpg by the 2011 model year. That's 4 mpg more than the EPA estimate of the H3's current fuel economy. Such an improvement likely would require changes in the H3's powertrain, aerodynamics and weight. But if Hummer were to add two inches of track width and four inches of wheelbase to the H3, the vehicle's fuel economy target would drop by about 1 mpg. Claybrook weighs in "The complex new sliding scale and the secrecy of automakers' product plans will submerge any accountability for achieving fuel savings in an oil slick of confusion," says Joan Claybrook, president of the consumer group Public Citizen and a former head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The new rules, she says, give car companies an incentive "to cut out more efficient vehicles altogether." John Johnson is an engineering professor at Michigan Technological University. He sat on a National Research Council panel that in 2001 proposed changes to CAFE along the lines that U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta announced last week. Johnson says he doesn't advocate manipulation of truck sizes but expects that to happen. That is how automakers respond to regulation, he says. "You try to figure out how to optimize the rules for you," Johnson told Automotive News. The new standards for light trucks will take effect for the 2008 model year. Overall, they require fuel economy improvements of about 10 percent, to an average of 24 mpg in 2011. For 2006, the light-truck standard is 21.6 mpg; for 2007 it's 22.2 mpg. The car standard stays at 27.5 mpg. A Ford Escape, with a footprint of 43.5 square feet, will have a fuel economy target of 27.32 mpg, NHTSA says. A Ford F-150 SuperCab, with a footprint of 75.8 square feet, has a target of 21.81 mpg. NHTSA projects that BMW, which mostly builds small and medium-sized SUVs, will have to meet a 2011 truck fleet standard of 25.8 mpg. For General Motors, which makes more large trucks, the standard would be 23.2 mpg. No backstop Roland Hwang, vehicles policy director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, says his group and others asked Bush administration officials for a "backstop" provision. It would have required a certain level of improvement by each automaker, regardless of product mix. "They rejected that, of course," Hwang says. With lax standards and no backstop, he says, "there is a danger and an incentive to continue to upsize the fleet." Chris Preuss, GM's public policy spokesman, says his company is unlikely to enlarge vehicles just to meet the new fuel economy standards. He notes that automakers will not have to make every vehicle hit its CAFE target. Instead, Preuss says, fuel economy standards still will be based on averaging. A company can continue to build a higher volume of a vehicle that exceeds its target to offset sales of a vehicle of another size that misses its target, he says. GM "will meet our obligation" to comply with CAFE, Preuss says. Acting NHTSA Administrator Jacqueline Glassman estimates that the new rules will add about $200 to the customer's cost of a vehicle in 2011. A consumer would recover that amount in four years from fuel savings, she says. Steve Kratzke, NHTSA's associate administrator, was a key developer of the regulations. He says there could be safety benefits if automakers move wheels farther out to the corners of new vehicles. Researchers say that vehicles with wider stances are less prone to roll over. Link: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...3/1003&refsect=

Mitsubishi tests new small car in U.S. Kathy Jackson | | Automotive News / April 3, 2006 - 6:00 am LOS ANGELES - Mitsubishi, eager to expand its U.S. lineup, is testing a small car in California. Two i cars arrived in March and will be driven in the Los Angeles area. The i car is sold in Japan. "We will drive it to get customers' comments," says Hiroshi Harunari, the new boss of Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. "We will study things like which size engine is suitable for the U.S." Harunari, a 33-year Mitsubishi veteran, was chosen by the parent company to bring new products, leadership and consistency to the U.S. unit. Yet Harunari, 57, the fourth CEO of the U.S. division in three years, has never lived in the United States. He takes over at a time when sales are slipping and Mitsubishi's marketing voice is weak. He is a close confidant of Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Says Masuko: "This (changing CEOs) is not good for either the dealers or the customers. We need consistency here and in Japan. That's why Harunari will be here for a long time. Mr. Harunari will not be back for a while." His predecessor, Rich Gilligan, now has the title of co-CEO and is still working at the company. Masuko and Harunari, who took the U.S. job in December, were interviewed at Mitsubishi's headquarters here. Harunari did not say when or if the i car would come to this country, but he says it has possibilities. It has a major shortcoming for U.S. drivers: a tiny 660cc turbocharged engine. It sells in Japan for $11,142 and gets about 40 mpg. "I think this would be a good niche for us to get into," says Ted Terp, chairman of the Mitsubishi National Dealer Advisory Board. It would join a growing budget-car segment that includes the Chevrolet Aveo, three Scion nameplates, and the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa, which both go on sale this spring. In the first two months of this year, Mitsubishi's U.S. sales fell 21.8 percent to 15,445 compared with the same period of 2004. Dealers are clamoring for better incentives and advertising. Harunari, who has been with Mitsubishi since 1973, knows sales and marketing. He worked with Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Europe for about 15 years, spent several years in the strategy department in Tokyo and was named head of overseas operations, including the United States, in April 2005. Terp says he asked Harunari, "Why did you come to this mess? "He said everything in his 30-plus years at Mitsubishi had been a challenge, and if he can right the ship in North America he will be looked at as a hero." Link: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...0/1003&refsect=

Meh. The ES is a nice enough car but I'd rather Toyota's own Avalon over this (for one).

Well... -It's sitting awfully low to the ground. -The grille is pretty radically designed. -The headlights have a "concept" look to them. -The placement of the rear license plate surround looks pretty high up. I mean it could be one of those "90% production-ready" concepts but I'm pretty sure it's a concept. I don't mean to sound like a downer, BTW. I'm just looking at it from a practical stance.

Keeping in mind it's a concept (in all likelihood), it looks good (maybe shrink the grille down). I would advise people to avoid setting themselves up for a large disappointment when a toned-down production version appears. The interior looks production-ready, though. (From whatever you can make out of it...)

Don't they say chicken pox can be fatal when you're older?

The Accord Hybrid (as well as the Toyota Highlander and Lexus hybrids) is more performance than economically oriented. Plus the Escape, Camry, and Civic Hybrids are the cheapest hybrids with "normal" counterparts, so they're of more relevance to the mainstream buyer.

Well, that was fun but back to normal now.

Well, corvette_dude729's pretty super-pissed at me since my...um, latest article... (See sig...)

I think its too bright. Doesn't suit the Corvette.

I've seen the light and am moving forward.

GM to build a new plant in Mexico Jamie LaReau | | Automotive News / March 30, 2006 - 8:15 am DETROIT -- General Motors will start construction on a new assembly plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, sometime in May. GM will build compact and sub-compact vehicles at the new facility to be sold only in Mexico, says Carlos Gelista, director of public relations and government relations for GM Mexico. The plant, which should be running sometime in 2008, will assemble about 30 vehicles per hour and employee about 1,800 people, Gelista says. The cost to construct and equip the new plant will be between $600 million to $650 million. Part of that will be paid by the Mexican government, but Gelista declined to say how much. Link: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...1/1078&refsect=

That happened way before the Fit came along...

I've said it before; I'll say it again: Looks too much like a fat ML.