Variance

Exclusive: 2007 Chrysler Sebring Revealed Date posted: 02-03-2006 DETROIT — Chrysler is preparing a full redesign of its midsize Sebring sedan for model-year 2007, with all-new sheet metal and a completely revamped cabin. The next-generation Sebring, which goes into production this fall, will be built on a new platform and reportedly will share some underbody components with several Mitsubishi vehicles, including the new Outlander and Lancer. The base Sebring this fall is expected to share the new global four-cylinder engines from the upcoming Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber, with an optional V6 also available. Chrysler is dropping the Sebring coupe but will introduce a redesigned Sebring convertible in spring 2007, using many of the same chassis and driveline components from the new Sebring sedan. What this means to you: Never competitive with Honda and Toyota, Chrysler hopes the next-generation Sebring sedan will finally give it more muscle in the midsize segment. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109179 --- Picture at link but I'll tell you right now that the title is misleading.

Please know what you're talking about if you're going to go off on a rant. Where on Earth are you getting that the hybrid system will add 600-1000 pounds? Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) do not have a memory. You're thinking of Nickel Cadmium batteries. Hybrid batteries in other cars have lasted well over 100K miles(I've heard as much as 200K miles). The NiMH are the most enviromentally-friendly battery type and the hybrid batteries can be recycled.

Geneva Preview: More Details Uncovered on Saab Sports Concept Date posted: 02-03-2006 DETROIT — With the Geneva Motor Show less than a month away, Saab insiders have begun to leak additional details about the concept sports car that will be unveiled on March 1. Described as a two-passenger coupe about the size of the Aston Martin DB9, the Saab two-door — which may or may not revive the old Sonett badge — is said to be a pure concept. Contrary to widespread speculation, it is not based on any existing General Motors platform and, unfortunately for Saab aficionados, there appear to be no immediate plans for production. However, Saab executives say the concept is significant because it points the way to the brand's future family design theme, or "form vocabulary," which is being developed at GM's European studios under the direction of design boss Bryan Nesbitt (of PT Cruiser and HHR fame). What this means to you: Saab's next concept may not reach production, but it will provide a strong clue as to the brand's future styling direction. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109166

IL Special Report: Inside the New Diesel Hybrids Date posted: 02-03-2006 PARIS — French automaker PSA Citroén has confirmed that it will have two diesel-electric hybrid vehicles in production by 2010. Inside Line had the opportunity to talk with executives behind the new cars and take a prototype out for a spin. The European love affair with diesel power looks set to continue with the announcement that PSA Peugeot-Citroén will have two diesel-electric hybrid cars on the market in four years. The cars promise to cut fuel consumption by 28 percent compared with a conventional diesel. According to PSA Executive Vice President of Innovation Robert Peugeot, a diesel-electric hybrid offers a number of advantages over a gas-electric hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius. "The performance of a gasoline hybrid is similar to that of a standard diesel engine," says Peugeot, "but it's much more expensive to produce. Only by combining hybrid and diesel technology can we achieve a major improvement in fuel-efficiency, without compromising performance." In contrast to the stand-alone Prius, PSA's diesel hybrid system will be incorporated into its existing lineup of compact cars. PSA has also opted to use a parallel hybrid system in place of the split transmission setup favored by Toyota. A parallel system is simpler and more cost-effective, but it makes it harder to harmonize the electric and internal combustion motors. The PSA Hybride HDi system mates the 90-horsepower, 1.6-liter HDi engine familiar to European customers with a 23-kilowatt electric motor. The gearbox is an automated manual, with a computer-controlled hydraulic actuator taking the place of a clutch and gearstick. The raw figures lend weight to Peugeot's argument. The C4/307 Hybride HDi's average consumption of 83.1 miles per metric gallon represents a 28-percent improvement on the standard HDi. The Prius achieves 65.7 mpg in the same conditions and emits more carbon dioxide — 104 g/km versus 90 g/km for the C4/307. Inside Line had the chance to drive the car on a private test track near Paris. Several modes are available to the driver. In "SEV," the car is propelled solely by its electric motor and can achieve around 40 mph with a range of about 3 miles. The "dynamic" option harnesses the potential of both power plants and compromises economy in favor of performance. The standard mode will be the most popular. At low speeds, such as in stop-and-go city driving, only the electric motor is used and the car is near silent. If greater acceleration is required, the HDi engine intervenes with impressive smoothness. Despite a 242-pound weight penalty, the hybrid car also outperforms its conventional sibling. The only concern surrounds the gearbox, which is unacceptably jerky. Peugeot promises that improvements are on the way. The company also accepts that the technology is currently too expensive. "We are a mass-market manufacturer and we need a three-fold reduction in costs to make the hybrid viable, but we are confident this can be achieved." In Europe, customers will be expected to pay a premium of around $1,500 for a hybrid car, compared with a standard turbodiesel. That would still make the Citroén C4 around $7,000 cheaper than the similarly sized Prius. These cars could be huge news in Europe where diesel models account for 50 percent of sales, but once again, the U.S. seems to be missing the diesel boat. What This Means to You: The future may belong to diesel, but that fate might take awhile to sink in around the States. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109163

The "Rev"erend: Pastor Sells Church to Buy BMW Date posted: 02-03-2006 MANTECA, California — BMW envy strikes some harder than others. Take the case of the Reverend Randall Radic, the 53-year-old former pastor of this town's First Congregational Church. According to the Associated Press, Reverend Radic pleaded guilty to embezzlement and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. His crime? Selling the town's oldest church last October for $525,000 and using a portion of the proceeds to buy a BMW. The press accounts declined to say what the pastor did with the rest of the money, or even what sort of Bimmer he was able to procure. Radic remains in the San Joaquin County Jail on $750,000 bail, according to the AP, and is scheduled to appear in court on March 16 for a formal sentencing and restitution hearing. What this means to you: They don't call this guy "Rev" for nothing! Think twice when they pass the collection plate this Sunday. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109173

WHISPERS: Will the Russians Ditch General Motors? Date posted: 02-03-2006 TOGLIATTI, Russia — Russian automaker Avtovaz, which is now controlled by Moscow, said it will build a new factory near its existing facility here on the Volga River and is reviewing its joint venture with General Motors. Known outside Russia for its clunky Fiat-based Ladas, the company has been in the process of updating its model range for more than a decade while struggling with chronic cash-flow problems. Avtovaz had a dream of cracking the U.S. market back in the 1970s but never got any closer than Canada. The automaker builds more than 700,000 cars a year and is far and away Russia's largest vehicle manufacturer. Avtovaz executives said the new factory will have an annual capacity of 450,000 vehicles and will take at least three years to complete. They also said the unprofitable GM venture, which builds the Chevrolet Niva compact SUV, may be shuttered. A news report from Reuters quoted a GM spokesman as saying: "We have [an] interest in making sure we maximize efficiencies in the relationship so that it is beneficial to both parties." What this means to you: Unlike the Chinese, it looks like the Russians are still a long way from selling cars in the U.S. market. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109172

And just think what the new Sentra sales will be if the current comparatively inferior Sentra can manage to have a near 20% increase in sales this month and sell near 10K units...

That'll happen when: 1) Your luxury flagship car looks too much like your mainstream midsize sedan... 2) You don't have the cachet of any of your main luxury rivals (BMW, MB, Lexus, Infiniti, Caddy)... 3) You lack a V8 option.

Cleaner look. Plus, sometimes door strips can cheapen the look of a car.

Interesting... I saw a rather unusual amount of half-ton pickup trucks and midsize SUVs towing stuff today...like seven on the highway. And a red XLR.

The exterior is ok... ...but I cannot stand this interior.

Mitsubishi Motors to form new tie-up with Malaysia's Proton Thu Feb 2, 12:31 AM ET TOKYO (AFP) - Struggling Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors will form a new tie-up with Proton that would help the embattled Malaysian carmaker develop new models, a newspaper reports. The tie-up will include a technology transfer, mutual supply of auto parts, including engines, and allow Proton to create new models, the Asahi Shimbun reported, quoting unnamed company sources. The tie-up could also pave the way for production of Mitsubishi vehicles in Proton plants, the daily said. Mitsubishi Motors president Osamu Masuko will visit Malaysia Friday to sign a statement of mutual agreement with Proton, it said. A Mitsubishi Motors spokesman declined comment on the report but said a press conference would be announced later. Proton has been desperate to woo a foreign partner to ensure its survival. Its share price plunged last month after Volkswagen quashed speculation it would seek a controlling stake. Mitsubishi, Japan's only loss-making major automaker, sold its seven percent stake in Proton in March 2004 as part of its efforts to come out of the red but still provides some production parts and components to the Malaysian company. The Japanese firm last month denied a report that emerged in Malaysia that the two companies would set up a new plant as a joint venture. Mitsubishi Motors has been struggling to return to profit following years of slumping sales caused by a series of defect cover-up scandals. Link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060202/bs_af...wN5bnN1YmNhdA--

Cadillac planning BLS-based entry-level station wagon for Europe By HARALD HAMPRECHT | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AutoWeek | Published 02/01/06, 4:46 pm et Cadillac will build a station wagon version of its European BLS entry-level sedan. General Motors' premium brand will start producing the BLS sedan next month at Saab's factory in Trollhattan, Sweden. Sales begin in March. Starting in mid-2007, a station-wagon version will be added to the line there, GM executives told Automobilwoche at the Detroit auto show this month. Automobilwoche is owned by Crain Communications Inc., which also owns Automotive News. "We are going to build a few thousand units of this version annually," said Carl-Peter Forster, GM Europe president. "This model is important for our factory in Trollhattan and for the Cadillac image," said Fritz Henderson, former chairman of GM Europe, who became GM's CFO on Jan. 1. The BLS station wagon is expected to debut no later than the Geneva auto show in March 2007. Cadillac plans to build 10,000 units annually of the lower-premium BLS, which is based on the Saab 9-3. Saab, a GM subsidiary, needs the BLS to boost volume at its underused Trollhattan factory. Two high-volume models -- the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 -- now are assembled there. Their successors will be built at GM subsidiary Opel's factory in Ruesselsheim, Germany. Cadillac also could build a third model at Trollhattan, a crossover, say company sources. Forster says Cadillac could sell 20,000 units in Europe by 2010, up from 2,000 units last year. "A luxury brand can't grow more quickly than that," Forster said. "It would not be healthy." Link: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...E/60130012/1041

Well, if you're considering that, I'd opt for an MX-6 instead. It's at least better-looking.

Toyota Gives Camry Buyers Fraichir Fabric By Christie Schweinsberg WardsAuto.com, Jan 31 2006 Fabric treated with a silk byproduct is standard on the high-end trim of Toyota’s new midsize sedan. OJAI, CA – A resource from Toyota Motor Corp.’s homeland is providing a fabric treatment that gives the new ’07 Camry sedan’s plain cloth seats a silkier, softer feel. Already found on some of Toyota’s microvans in Japan, cloth seats treated with the Fraichir process will be standard on 4-cyl. Camry XLE models sold in the U.S. Fraichir (pronounced fray-sheer) is a brand name used in women’s and children’s apparel in Japan for at least a decade. However, the history of its main ingredient goes back hundreds of years, Paul Williamsen, curriculum development manager-University of Toyota, tells Ward’s here during a media preview for the ’07 Camry. “It’s been understood that silk workers have much softer, gentler skin on their hands than workers in other industries,” Williamsen says. The uncommon softness comes from washing the silk, he says, unlike the washing of other textiles, namely cotton and linen, which causes hands to become rough and dry. Research by Japanese scientists revealed that washing the silk removes the byproduct sericin from the fabric into the water. Sericin, also known as serin, can be found in powdered form in high-end Japanese cosmetics and is a natural moisturizer. “It’s one of those things that has made Japanese women’s cosmetics very appealing worldwide, even by people who didn’t know why it was so much more comfortable to wear all day long,” Williamsen says. The Camry XLE’s door panels and seats treated with the Fraichir process have the same fabric thread count and composition as Camry’s standard seats, Williamsen says. “The fabric is a conventional automotive blend,” he says. “What’s special is the individual fibers are treated with the sericin silk byproduct before being dyed and woven. Fraichir is the trade name that describes the process of putting this coating permanently on the threads.” However, the coating does not add stain-fighting capabilities to the material. “The purpose of the treatment is just to enhance the feel,” Williamsen says, noting it generally reduces irritation in people with sensitive skin and provides comfort for long drives. Treating the car-seat fabric with the Fraichir process does add piece cost, although Williamsen cannot specify how much, which is why the process is available only on the top-trim level, he says. Williamsen believes it is the first time an auto maker has offered Fraichir-treated fabric in models sold in the U.S., even though the supplier of the material makes it available to other car companies. He says Toyota is considering offering the treated seat fabric in other Toyota vehicles in the U.S., depending on its appeal to Camry customers. Link: http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_toyota_gives_camry/index.htm

Isn't it interesting the funny little turns simple threads on C&G make?

SUBARU REPORTS JANUARY SALES -- Impreza sales up 17% over last year -- CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 1, 2006 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported January sales totaling 12,384 units. Sales of the Impreza line were up 17 percent from the same period last year. “Subaru is looking forward to continuing its trend of consecutive record sales in 2006,” said Fred Adcock, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. “We’ve got the product to do it, including the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca that will make its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show next week.” The Subaru B9 Tribeca recorded 1,421 units for the month of January. The Subaru Legacy model line posted a total of 4,796 units, with Subaru Outback posting 3,202 units for the month. Subaru Impreza posted a double digit gain with 2,550 unit sales, up seventeen percent, while Subaru Forester posted 3,331 units in January. Subaru Baja also recorded 286 units for the month. For a complete sales chart and additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit our media website at www.media.subaru.com. About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004. For additional information visit www.subaru.com. Link: http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/DotNet/...81-03f152e424dd

Can't blame you for not noticing... New New Beetle: Old New Beetle:

Mitsubishi Motors Reports January U.S. Sales CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported January sales of 7,469 units, an increase of 2.8% over January 2005 sales. The month was highlighted by outstanding sales performance of the all-new 2006 Eclipse coupe, 1,559 vehicles sold up 160% from prior year. "We are encouraged to get this year off to a good start, our fourth year-over-year increase in the last six months," said David Schembri, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Mitsubishi Motors North America. "We're further excited by the prospect of adding the all-new Eclipse Spyder convertible -- the 'attainable exotic' -- to our product mix. It will be on its way to dealerships this Spring." In addition to the success of the Eclipse coupe, Lancer sedan sales were 1,446, up 8.9 percent from January 2005. Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 570 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com. (No sales chart available.) Link: http://prnewswire.com/news/index_mail.shtm...04272656&EDATE=

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS JANUARY SALES – UP 28% New Jetta sedan up 47.9 percent and total Passat sales up 47.8 percent AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported January 2006 sales of 16,237, an increase of 28 percent as compared to the same period in 2005 when sales were 12,683. Also of note, the redesigned New Beetle continues its strong showing with sales up 13.3 percent. Link w/sales chart: http://media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9838

Kia Motors America Announces January Sales Sedona Leads Way and Predicts Another Strong Sales Year for Kia IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its second best January sales ever of 18,110 units, a 5.6-percent increase over the same period in 2005. The Sedona minivan was the leading seller at 5,484 units, a 42-percent increase over the previous month, receiving a boost in momentum from the recent, media-lauded launch of the all-new 2006 model. Both the Kia Sportage and Kia Spectra were strong sellers, with 3,211 and 2,803 units sold respectively. "Fresh on the heels of a record twelfth consecutive year of sales increases, we've begun 2006 with a bang and our second best January ever," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "And we plan to increase our brand momentum with the launch of six new products throughout the year, offering customers even more standard fun, safety and value than ever before." Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. For more information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com. MONTH OF JANUARY YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2006 2005 2006 2005 Optima 1,266 3,637 1,266 3,637 Rio 1,993 2,261 1,993 2,261 Sedona 5,484 2,506 5,484 2,506 Spectra 2,803 2,995 2,803 2,995 Sportage 3,211 27 3,211 27 Sorento 2,746 3,380 2,746 3,380 Amanti 607 2,348 607 2,348 Total 18,110 17,154 18,110 17,154 Link: http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?A...04272770&EDATE=

Hyundai January Sales Increase 16 Percent Over January 2005 FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 30,208 units for the month of January establishing a new January record. Sales were strengthened by the all new 2006 Sonata and XG350/Azera sedans, with sales growth for both models of more than 66 percent over January 2005. "We are very pleased with our record-setting January," said Mark Barnes, vice president, National Sales. "In addition to improved sales of the Sonata, customer demand for the entire Hyundai product lineup continues to gain momentum in the marketplace with our strong value and safety messages." 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, and a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection. CARLINE January 2005 January 2006 CY2005 CY2006 ACCENT 2,195 1,353 2,195 1,353 SONATA 7,006 11,643 7,006 11,643 ELANTRA 6,653 7,780 6,653 7,780 TIBURON 924 1,019 924 1,019 SANTA FE 4,737 2,986 4,737 2,986 XG350/AZERA 1,074 1,807 1,074 1,807 TUCSON 3,420 3,620 3,420 3,620 TOTAL 26,009 30,208 26,009 30,208 Link: http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?A...04272936&EDATE=

Toyota Reports January Sales 02/01/2006 Torrance, CA Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever January sales of 160,625 units, an increase of 14 percent over last year. "The year's off to a respectable start, with hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles leading the way," said Jim Press, TMS president and COO. "January's bright job-market outlook and the uptick in consumer confidence bode well for the industry, as do signs the economy has bounced back from the Gulf Coast hurricanes." The Toyota Division recorded best-ever January sales of 140,967, an increase of 14.9 percent. The Lexus Division posted January sales of 19,658 units, up 7.7 percent over last January. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars led the way with best-ever January sales of 77,638, up 11.9 percent. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted best-ever January sales of 7,654, up 37.5 percent. Scion reported best-ever January sales with 10,701 units sold. The xB urban utility vehicle recorded a best-ever January with 3,836 units, up 13.6 percent. The tC sports coupe had best-ever January sales of 4,807 units, up 25.4 percent. The xA subcompact posted a best-ever January with 2,058 units sold, an increase of 19.0 percent. Toyota Division light-truck sales reported a best-ever January of 63,329 units, an increase of 18.8 percent. The Tundra full-size pickup posted a best-ever January with 9,459 units sold, an increase of 8.5 percent. Sales of the Tacoma compact pickup truck recorded 12,410 units sold, up 31.5 percent over the same period last year. The all-new RAV4 posted best-ever sales of 9,382 units, a 120.4-percent increase. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported January sales of 2,263 units. Combined January sales of the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid totaled 8,748 units. Lexus Division Lexus passenger cars experienced a best-ever January with 10,979 vehicles sold, an increase of 36.9 percent. The all-new IS luxury sports sedans, which debuted in October, reported record January sales of 4,073 units, a 799-percent increase over last January. The IS 250 reported sales of 2,767, with the IS 350 selling 1,306 units. The GS 300 sedan posted sales of 1,699 units, a best-ever January, and a 291.5-percent increase over the same period last year. The GS 430 reported January sales of 279 units, a 310.3-percent increase over last January. Lexus light trucks earned January sales of 8,679 units. The RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported January sales of 1,477 units. The RX 330 and RX 400h posted combined January sales of 6,189 units. Sales of North American-built vehicles accounted for 59 percent of total January sales. There were 24 selling days both this month and the year-ago month. TOYOTA RETAIL SALES (INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII) January, 2006 ----- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- DSR % DSR % 2006 2005 CHG 2006 2005 CHG ECHO 6 321 -98.1 6 321 -98.1 COROLLA 24,887 24,174 2.9 24,887 24,174 2.9 CELICA 4 427 -99.1 4 427 -99.1 CAMRY 27,440 28,367 -3.3 27,440 28,367 -3.3 AVALON 6,946 1,491 365.9 6,946 1,491 365.9 MR2 SPYDER 0 112 -100.0 0 112 -100.0 PRIUS 7,654 5,566 37.5 7,654 5,566 37.5 SCION xA 2,058 1,730 19.0 2,058 1,730 19.0 SCION xB 3,836 3,377 13.6 3,836 3,377 13.6 SCION tC 4,807 3,833 25.4 4,807 3,833 25.4 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS. CAR 77,638 69,398 11.9 77,638 69,398 11.9 ES 330 3,333 4,487 -25.7 3,333 4,487 -25.7 LS 430 1,190 2,117 -43.8 1,190 2,117 -43.8 SC 430 405 462 -12.3 405 462 -12.3 GS 300 1,699 434 291.5 1,699 434 291.5 GS 430 279 68 310.3 279 68 310.3 IS 300 4,073 453 799.1 4,073 453 799.1 TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR 10,979 8,021 36.9 10,979 8,021 36.9 TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR 88,617 77,419 14.5 88,617 77,419 14.5 SIENNA 11,774 9,279 26.9 11,774 9,279 26.9 RAV4 9,382 4,256 120.4 9,382 4,256 120.4 4RUNNER 8,512 8,607 -1.1 8,512 8,607 -1.1 HIGHLANDER 8,748 8,947 -2.2 8,748 8,947 -2.2 LAND CRUISER 290 465 -37.6 290 465 -37.6 SEQUOIA 2,754 3,604 -23.6 2,754 3,604 -23.6 TOTAL SUV 29,686 25,879 14.7 29,686 25,879 14.7 4X2 TACOMA 7,390 5,511 34.1 7,390 5,511 34.1 4X4 TACOMA 5,020 3,924 27.9 5,020 3,924 27.9 TOTAL TACOMA 12,410 9,435 31.5 12,410 9,435 31.5 TUNDRA 9,459 8,715 8.5 9,459 8,715 8.5 TOTAL PICKUP 21,869 18,150 20.5 21,869 18,150 20.5 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT TRUCK 63,329 53,308 18.8 63,329 53,308 18.8 LX 470 544 788 -31.0 544 788 -31.0 GX 470 1,946 2,560 -24.0 1,946 2,560 -24.0 RX 330/400h 6,189 6,879 -10.0 6,189 6,879 -10.0 TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK 8,679 10,227 -15.1 8,679 10,227 -15.1 TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK 72,008 63,535 13.3 72,008 63,535 13.3 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 140,967 122,706 14.9 140,967 122,706 14.9 TOTAL LEXUS 19,658 18,248 7.7 19,658 18,248 7.7 TOTAL TOYOTA 160,625 140,954 14.0 160,625 140,954 14.0 MEMO: DOM. COROLLA 23,244 22,925 1.4 23,244 22,925 1.4 DOM. CAMRY 24,864 27,548 -9.7 24,864 27,548 -9.7 DOM. PICKUP 21,869 18,150 20.5 21,869 18,150 20.5 DOM. RX 330 3,354 4,016 -16.5 3,354 4,016 -16.5 SELLING DAYS 24 24 24 24 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 22,584 17,434 29.5 22,584 17,434 29.5 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 10,979 8,021 36.9 10,979 8,021 36.9 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 55,054 51,964 5.9 55,054 51,964 5.9 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 88,617 77,419 14.5 88,617 77,419 14.5 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT TRUCK 26,932 22,275 20.9 26,932 22,275 20.9 LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK 5,325 6,211 -14.3 5,325 6,211 -14.3 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT TRUCK 36,397 31,033 17.3 36,397 31,033 17.3 LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK 3,354 4,016 -16.5 3,354 4,016 -16.5 TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK 72,008 63,535 13.3 72,008 63,535 13.3 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 38,365 36,106 6.3 38,365 36,106 6.3 Memo: Lexus Sport Utility 8,679 10,227 -15.1 8,679 10,227 -15.1 SMALL VANS 11,774 9,279 26.9 11,774 9,279 26.9 PICKUPS 21,869 18,150 20.5 21,869 18,150 20.5 * NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES COROLLA 23,244 22,925 1.4 23,244 22,925 1.4 CAMRY 24,864 27,548 -9.7 24,864 27,548 -9.7 AVALON 6,946 1,491 365.9 6,946 1,491 365.9 SIENNA 11,774 9,279 26.9 11,774 9,279 26.9 PICKUP 21,869 18,150 20.5 21,869 18,150 20.5 SEQUOIA 2,754 3,604 -23.6 2,754 3,604 -23.6 RX 330 3,354 4,016 -16.5 3,354 4,016 -16.5 TOTAL 94,805 87,013 9.0 94,805 87,013 9.0 N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 59.0 60.6 59.0 61.7 SELLING DAYS 24 24 24 24 DSR = DAILY SELLING RATELink: http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?...YT2006020154538

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ANNOUNCES JANUARY SALES GARDENA, Calif. (February 1, 2006) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported 75,891 total sales in January, posting a slight 0.9 percent decrease over last year. The Nissan Division also posted a 0.1 decrease over last year while the fuel-efficient Murano celebrated its best January ever. While NNA’s luxury marque, Infiniti, posted a 7.5 decrease in sales, the all-new Infiniti M continues its success by posting strong sales and also observes its best January ever. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS •January sales for Nissan-brand vehicles of 67,834 units were down 0.1 percent when compared to last year with 67,871 units sold •Sentra (9,807 units sold) continues to post strong sales by reporting a 19.9 percent increase. •The 2006 Motor Trend Truck of the Year Nissan Xterra posted a solid 12.8 percent increase with 5,625 units sold. •Murano (6,988 units sold) had its best January ever with a 28.6 percent increase in sales. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS •Sales for Infiniti were down 7.5 percent from last January with 8,713 units sold •The all-new M continued its strong sales momentum with 1,892 units sold and posts its best January ever NNA INFORMATION •Combined January sales for Nissan and Infiniti totaled 75,891 units, a slight 0.9 percent decrease when compared to last year with 76,584 units. In North America, NNA’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on NNA and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com or by contacting the corporate media line at 310/771-5631. Link: http://nissannews.com/corporate/news/curre...201093616.shtml Release w/sales chart: http://nissannews.com/corporate/news/curre...60102_75525.doc

Audi of America Announces Sales Increase of 19.8% for the Month of January AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing the trend of sales increases from 2005, Audi of America, Inc. posted a 19.8% increase in sales for January 2006. Audi sold a total of 6,084 vehicles versus 5,077 vehicle sales in January 2005. Leading the sales gain for the month was the A6 with a total of 1,617, a 33.4% increase over last year. The A8 also had impressive gains with sales of 516 vehicles, a 44.5% increase over January 2005. "We are striving to make 2006 an all-time record-sales year for Audi of America," said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America. "With the addition of the A3 3.2 quattro premium compact and the upcoming Audi Q7 performance SUV, 2006 looks to be a very bright year for Audi." 2006 promises to be an exhilarating year for Audi of America. New vehicle launches for the 2007 Model Year include the Audi Q7 performance SUV, the ultra-high performance RS 4, the V10 FSI powered S6 and S8 sport-luxury sedans, and the newly redesigned A4 and S4 Cabriolet models. AUDI OF AMERICA, INC. JANUARY 2006 SALES Audi-US Snapshot ----- YEAR-TO-DATE ----- Jan-06 Jan-05 Jan-06 Jan-05 Yr/Yr % YTD YTD Yr/Yr % Actual Actual change Actual Actual change A3 824 - N/A 824 - N/A TT 82 264 -68.9% 82 264 -68.9% A4 2,563 2,670 -4.0% 2,563 2,670 -4.0% A4/S4 Cabriolet 479 387 23.8% 479 387 23.8% A6 1,617 1,209 33.7% 1,617 1,209 33.7% Allroad 3 190 -98.4% 3 190 -98.4% A8 / S8 516 357 44.5% 516 357 44.5% TOTAL 6,084 5,077 19.8% 6,084 5,077 19.8% Link: http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?A...04272542&EDATE=