William Maley

Chevrolet and GMC Make GM the Hottest Retail Automaker in the Industry GM’s retail market share increased one percentage point in the first quarter of 2016 to an estimated 16.4 percent Chevrolet’s hot hand continues: March retail sales up 7 percent year over year; first quarter retail share up about one percentage point Best March retail sales for GMC since 2005, up 13 percent Best first quarter retail sales for Buick since 2004 Rental deliveries down 14,000 units year over year, or 33 percent Commercial deliveries up for 29th consecutive month DETROIT – General Motors (NYSE: GM) delivered 193,524 vehicles in March to individual or “retail” customers, up 6 percent year over year, driven by a 7 percent increase at Chevrolet and a 13 percent increase at GMC. The strong performance of these two brands has helped GM grow retail deliveries every month since April 2015. Despite significant reductions in daily rental units, total sales were up one percent. GM’s first quarter sales results versus a year ago underscore the company’s momentum: Retail deliveries were up 7 percent, with cars up 14 percent and trucks up 8 percent; total sales were equal to a year ago Retail market share was up a full percentage point Commercial deliveries were up 9 percent and have increased year over year for 29 consecutive months Sales to Government customers were up 23 percent Daily rental sales were down approximately 43,000 units year over year, or about 36 percent Chevrolet has been the main engine of growth. The brand’s retail sales were up 10 percent in the first quarter versus a year ago, and its retail market share was up full point year over year to an estimated 11 percent. “The strong retail and Commercial sales GM has been delivering are the result of a multi-year strategy to strengthen our brands, attract new customers and grow profitably,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “We are growing retail sales faster than the industry, and we are doing it with disciplined incentives and inventories, and lower rental deliveries. Our business is very healthy, and we are going to manage it with conviction to keep it that way.” GM North America President Alan Batey discussed how GM is growing its retail sales and bucking industry trends around fleet sales, incentives and inventories at a March 23 investor conference hosted by Bank of America/Merrill Lynch. Among the highlights: GM’s focus on higher margin retail and Commercial sales is enabled by strategic reductions in daily rental deliveries, which will continue through 2016. GM is able to maintain Average Transaction Prices (ATP) above the industry average thanks to disciplined incentive spending, smart product bets in the car and crossover segments, and the industry’s most successful truck strategy. Well-managed inventory levels support disciplined incentive spending. GM’s customer loyalty rates have surpassed pre-recession levels. These strategies will help GM make the most of today’s strong – and sustainable – industry: “The underlying strength of the U.S. economy is very positive for auto sales,” said Mustafa Mohatarem, GM’s chief economist. “We expect historically low interest rates, strong employment, rising wages and stable fuel prices to continue for the foreseeable future. The Fed’s decision to delay interest rate hikes should extend the current sales cycle, and allow the auto industry to continue to lead the overall U.S. economic recovery, as it has throughout the current cycle.” March Retail Sales Highlights vs. 2015 (except as noted) Chevrolet Car sales were up 8 percent led by the all-new Malibu, which was up 65 percent, along with the Camaro up 23 percent, the Spark up 4 percent and the Volt up 202 percent. The Malibu had its best first quarter since 1980, and approximately 85 percent of sales in March were the all-new model, which is the fastest-selling car in its segment with a “days-to-turn” of 24 days. Truck sales were up 6 percent, with the Colorado up 44 percent, the Suburban up 54 percent, Tahoe up 29 percent and Silverado up 2 percent. The Suburban had its best March sales since 2008, and the Colorado had its best March since 2005. In the crossover market, the Trax was up 39 percent and the Traverse was up 12 percent. GMC The brand had its best March since 2005, with sales up 13 percent. The Yukon and Yukon XL had their best March since 2008, up 31 percent and 22 percent, respectively. Canyon was up 15 percent and the Sierra was up 27 percent. Buick The brand had its best first quarter sales since 2004, up 9 percent, driven by the Regal and Encore. The all-new Cascada convertible is exceeding expectations with more than 800 deliveries in March, its first full month on sale. Encore deliveries were up 28 percent in March, driving the crossover’s 27th consecutive month of year-over-year retail sales growth. The vehicle now accounts for more than one-third of Buick deliveries. Buick had its highest-ever conquest sales in March, at 46 percent of sales. Cadillac Escalade deliveries were up 12 percent. The first-ever CT6 is now arriving in dealer showrooms. Cadillac ATPs were the highest in its competitive set, at approximately $55,000, up about $1,700. Average Transaction Prices (ATP)/Incentives (J.D. Power PIN estimates) GM’s ATPs, which reflect retail transaction prices after sales incentives, were $35,800 in March, up more than $1,500 from February and about $5,000 above the industry average. GM’s incentive spending as a percentage of ATPs was 10.0 percent in March, well below domestic competitors and the industry average of 10.8 percent. Fleet and Commercial GM’s fleet mix in March was approximately 23 percent of total sales, in line with the company’s full-year guidance of 20 percent. Commercial sales grew 13 percent, Government sales were up 55 percent and daily rental deliveries were down 33 percent. GM’s daily rental mix of total sales was 11 percent. Industry Sales GM estimates that the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles in March was 17.1 million units. Through the first quarter, GM estimates the light vehicle SAAR was 17.4 million units.

FORD POSTS BEST MARCH U.S. SALES IN 10 YEARS, BEST FIRST-QUARTER RESULTS SINCE 2006 Ford Motor Company U.S. sales of 254,711 vehicles for March up 8 percent versus last year; first quarter sales total 645,626 vehicles – up 9 percent Ford brand SUVs reach best first quarter sales start in company history, best March sales since 2001 – March Edge sales up 49 percent, Escape grows 8 percent and Explorer gains 4 percent Ford F-Series sales up 9 percent, for best March and first quarter start in a decade; commercial vans produce best March sales in 38 years, led by record Transit sales Lincoln sales grew 11 percent, thanks to the brand’s best March performance for sport utility vehicles since 2001; Lincoln brand SUVs up 27 percent in first quarter DEARBORN, Mich., April 1, 2016 – Ford Motor Company sold 254,711 vehicles in the U.S. in March – an 8 percent gain versus a year ago – while first quarter sales of 645,626 vehicles were up 9 percent. This represents the company’s best sales performance for March and first quarter since 2006. Total Ford brand SUVs are off to their best start in company history, with first quarter total sales of 188,100 – up 15 percent versus a year ago. March SUV sales also were up 13 percent with 72,872 SUVs sold, marking the best March performance in 15 years. For the month, Edge was up 49 percent, Escape was up 8 percent and Explorer was up 4 percent. F-Series sales exceeded 70,000 in March, with 73,884 trucks sold. 2007 is the last time F-Series broke the 70,000 mark this early in the year. F-Series sales rose 9 percent versus last year, marking their best March performance since 2006. For the quarter, F-Series sales totaled 186,121 – up 5 percent. "Customers continue buying high-end SUVs and trucks, helping the Ford brand increase its average transaction prices by more than $1,600 per vehicle in March – nearly double the industry average,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We have been seeing solid sales momentum in the first quarter across our entire portfolio, with car, SUV and truck sales up across the board." Cars were up 1 percent, SUVs grew 16 percent and trucks rose 9 percent to start the year. Commercial van sales also rose in the first quarter totaling 58,738 vehicles, representing a 22 percent increase versus a year ago. Commercial van sales for the month tallied 24,330 vehicles for America’s top-selling commercial vehicle brand, fueled by Transit, up 53 percent, with 14,895 sales – Ford’s best commercial van month in 38 years. With 36,022 vans sold in first quarter, Transit van sales are up 57 percent to start the year. Lincoln sales were up 11 percent in March, while average transaction prices for the brand were up more than $2,100 – almost four times the rate of growth of the overall luxury segment. Much of the growth came from 6,428 Lincoln SUV sales – a 28 percent gain. First-quarter Lincoln SUV sales increased 27 percent, marking Lincoln SUVs best sales performance for March and the first quarter since 2001.

FCA US LLC Reports March 2016 U.S. Sales Increased 8 Percent; Best March Sales Since 2006 Jeep® brand sales up 15 percent; best March sales ever Jeep Compass sales up 53 percent; best March sales ever Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Renegade and Jeep Cherokee post best March sales ever Dodge brand sales up 11 percent; Dodge Journey logs best March sales ever Ram pickup truck, Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City post best March sales ever April 1, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 213,187 units, a 8 percent increase compared with sales in March 2015 (197,261 units), and the group’s best March sales in a decade. The Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in March compared with the same month a year ago. The Jeep brand’s 15 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any FCA US brand during the month. “Strong Jeep and Ram brand sales gave us a fast start to the important spring selling season and extended our year-over-year monthly sales gains to six full years,” said Reid Bigland, Senior Vice President - Sales, FCA - North America. “As consumers continue to shift their buying preference toward utility vehicles and trucks, they are walking directly into the FCA wheelhouse.” Eight FCA US vehicles set records in the month of March, including the Jeep Compass, which posted its best March sales ever. In addition, Dodge Journey, the Ram pickup truck, Ram ProMaster Van, Ram ProMaster City, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Renegade each posted their best March sales ever. On the brand side, the Jeep brand recorded its best March sales ever. FCA US finished the month of March with an 82-day supply of inventory (644,474 units). U.S. industry sales figures for March are internally projected at an estimated 17.1 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). Jeep Brand Jeep brand sales were up 15 percent in March, the brand’s best March sales ever and its 30th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep brand has set a sales record in every month dating back to November 2013. Sales of the Jeep Compass were up 53 percent, its best March sales ever. In addition, the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Renegade each recorded their best March sales ever. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were up 10 percent for its best March sales in 11 years. Sales of the Jeep Renegade, the newest entry in the brand’s product lineup, were up 837 percent in its first month of year-over-year comparisons. The Jeep brand expanded its Grand Cherokee lineup with the introduction of a new Trailhawk model – the most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever – at last month’s New York International Auto Show. The brand also introduced the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit, bringing a new exterior appearance, a plush new interior and even more standard premium features to consumers looking for the ultimate premium full-size SUV. Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 11 percent last month, the brand’s best March sales since 2014 and its fourth consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Dodge Journey were up 8 percent, its best March sales ever. In addition, the Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, Dodge Viper and Dodge Durango each posted year-over-year sales gains in March. The Grand Caravan’s 117 percent increase was the largest percentage sales gain of any Dodge brand vehicle in the month and its best March sales since 2014. The Durango’s 25 percent increase was its best March sales performance since 2005. Following an enthusiastic reception from its Hellcat and SRT owners, the Dodge brand is expanding the popular Go Mango heritage exterior paint color to its entire Charger and Challenger lineups. Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales, which include the Ram pickup, Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City, were up 11 percent in March, the brand’s best March sales since 2004. Ram pickup truck, Ram ProMaster and Ram ProMaster City each logged its best March sales ever. The Ram Truck brand last month unveiled the 2016 Ram 1500 Yellow Rose of Texas edition, a new, Texas-only addition to its half-ton lineup, at the Dallas-Fort Worth Auto Show. The Yellow Rose of Texas edition, which is distinguished by its Stinger Yellow paint package, will be offered in half-ton 4x2 and 4x4 crew cab versions of the Ram 1500 Lone Star. Ram Lone Star models are exclusive to the Texas retail sales market. Chrysler Brand Sales of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan were up 148 percent in March, the minivan’s best March sales in nine years. Chrysler 300 sales were up 21 percent, the full-size sedan’s best March sales since 2012. Chrysler brand sales were down 13 percent in March, compared with the same month a year ago. The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan will begin arriving in Chrysler dealerships this month, followed by the Pacifica Hybrid in the fall. The Pacifica delivers unparalleled levels of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling – all at a price that bests key competitors. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lineup features five highly equipped models, starting at $28,595 U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), not including destination. FIAT Brand FIAT brand sales, which include the Fiat 500, Fiat 500L and 500X, were down 24 percent in March, compared with the same month a year ago. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth is the latest addition to the Fiat 124 Spider lineup, offering added performance features for a sportier, more spirited driving experience. The 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth was revealed last month during the New York International Auto Show. After a thorough, in-depth evaluation by the staff at Autotrader.com, the 2016 Fiat 500X earned a Must Test Drive award in March. Month Sales Vol % CYTD Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Compass 8,282 5,420 53% 20,574 14,406 43% Patriot 9,837 11,849 -17% 28,747 29,692 -3% Wrangler 17,710 17,524 1% 41,741 42,118 -1% Cherokee 19,170 19,033 1% 49,534 48,213 3% Grand Cherokee 18,506 16,815 10% 47,050 43,377 8% Renegade 8,832 943 837% 21,951 943 2228% JEEP BRAND 82,337 71,584 15% 209,597 178,749 17% 200 6,176 19,190 -68% 17,973 49,152 -63% 300 6,474 5,359 21% 15,917 12,907 23% Town & Country 13,586 5,489 148% 31,616 19,874 59% CHRYSLER BRAND 26,236 30,038 -13% 65,506 81,933 -20% Dart 5,349 9,572 -44% 16,868 25,115 -33% Avenger 0 186 -100% 0 647 -100% Charger 9,817 8,828 11% 27,746 26,218 6% Challenger 5,369 6,110 -12% 16,039 15,957 1% Viper 52 50 4% 138 175 -21% Journey 9,986 9,222 8% 26,421 23,982 10% Caravan 12,925 5,960 117% 33,712 16,918 99% Durango 7,651 6,121 25% 19,585 14,499 35% DODGE BRAND 51,149 46,049 11% 140,509 123,511 14% Ram P/U 44,874 41,595 8% 113,367 101,511 12% Cargo Van 0 582 -100% 1 2,623 -100% ProMaster Van 3,302 2,342 41% 8,394 5,549 51% ProMaster City 1,814 504 260% 4,551 723 529% RAM BRAND 49,990 45,023 11% 126,313 110,406 14% Alfa 4C 53 73 -27% 169 217 New ALFA ROMEO BRAND 53 73 New 169 217 New 500 1,490 3,276 -55% 3,778 7,995 -53% 500L 533 1,218 -56% 1,267 3,043 -58% 500X 1,399 0 New 3,964 0 New FIAT BRAND 3,422 4,494 -24% 9,009 11,038 -18% TOTAL FCA US LLC 213,187 197,261 8% 551,103 505,854 9% TOTAL CAR 34,780 52,644 -34% 98,628 138,383 -29% TOTAL TRUCK 178,407 144,617 23% 452,475 367,471 23%

Mercedes is going a bit overboard with the number of AMG models it offers. At the moment, you have a choice of 38 models that have gone through the AMG treatment. But Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG says more are coming. "We're going to expand our portfolio to 48 different models by the end of the year," Moers told Automotive News. The obvious question is 'WHY?' It comes down to growth. Sales of AMG models rose 40 percent to 68,875 vehicles. This is most likely due to the introduction of less-expensive models such as the CLA45 and GLA45. We wouldn't be surprised if there are '43' models such as the C43 Coupe and E43 that are part of these expansion plans. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

1971 Buick Rivera GS (7.5L V8) 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 (8.3L V10) 1966 Ford Galaxy 7 Liter (7.0L V8) HSV W427

Sergio Marchionne isn't the only person who is interested in doing a midsize truck for Ram. Speaking with The Detroit News, Jeep and Ram Trucks' CEO Mike Manley says he sees an opportunity. “I think there’s opportunity there in the U.S. if you look at what’s happened in the mid-size segment here – significant growth last year. I think that space is big enough, certainly, to have two offerings there,” said Manley. One of the two offerings is the upcoming Jeep Wrangler pickup due next year. Manley said he doesn't believe there will be overlap in terms of buyers who want the Jeep or a possible Ram truck. Manley admitted that Ram could use a Fiat platform for a new midsize truck. A possible candidate for this is the new Fiat Toro pickup sold in South America, although it is quite small. The Toro is about 20 inches shorter than the Chevrolet Colorado. Source: The Detroit News View full article

Aventador, mostly because of this.

At the end of my Lexus NX 300h review last year, I said this, “You’re better off sticking with the regular NX 200t and having that extra $5,000 going towards some options.” Recently, I had the chance to put part of that ending line to the test as a 2016 Lexus NX 200t F-Sport came in for week’s evaluation. The NX F-Sport follows the formula of other F-Sport models with a more aggressive look. Up front is a new mesh grille insert and a lower air dam to give it some aggression. Lexus has also fitted a set of 18-inch wheels to fill in the wheel wells. I have complained previously about how the F-Sport package looks ridiculous on the RX. But the on the NX, the exterior changes of the F-Sport package work. Lexus used the new NX to introduce their first turbo engine; a 2.0L turbo-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up with a six-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. Our tester came with all-wheel drive. Despite what numbers say, the turbo 2.0L doesn’t feel that fast. From a stop, the engine doesn’t have the immediate rush of power that the current crop of turbo engines. You have to wait till the engine goes above 2,000 rpm before the rush happens. Not helping matters is the six-speed automatic that prioritizes fuel economy over performance. The transmission is quick to upshift, but seems somewhat hesitant to downshift when it comes to making a pass. This powertrain needed more time in the engineering department to make it a strong point, not a weak link. Aside from the exterior bits, the F-Sport package for the NX also includes a sport-tuned suspension. It does make some difference in the corners as body motions are kept in check and the vehicle changes direction very well. Disappointingly, the steering still feels rubbery. Being an F-Sport, you would think Lexus would make some improvements to steering to make it feel more natural. As for the daily grind, the F-Sport suspension will let in a few more bumps into the cabin. Road and wind noise are kept to very acceptable levels. Considering what I know now, I’m not sure that I would recommend the NX 200t. It is a better value than the hybrid and it still retains a number of items that I liked - distinctive design and well-appointed interior. But the turbo engine sours the experience as it suffers from a bad case of turbo lag. As for the F-Sport package, it sharpens up the exterior and does make the NX slightly more capable around corners. The steering needs a bit more work. If Lexus can reduce the amount of turbo lag and improve the steering, then the NX might have a fighting chance. As it stands, you’re better off looking at the Germans or the Lincoln MKC. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the NX 200t, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Lexus Model: NX Trim: 200t F-Sport Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC 16-valve with Dual VVT-iW Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 235 @ 4,800 - 5,600 Torque @ RPM: 258 @ 1,650 - 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/27/24 Curb Weight: 4,050 lbs Location of Manufacture: Base Price: $38,365 As Tested Price: $46,440 (Includes $940.00 Destination Charge) Options: Premium F-Sport Package - $2,045.00 Navigation Package - $1,875.00 LED Headlamps without Auto High Beams - $1,160.00 Pre-Collision System w/All-Speed Cruise Control - $900.00 Electrochromic (Auto-Dimming) Outer Mirrors with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Reverse Tilt, Heated, Memory - $660.00 Qi-Compatible Wireless Charger - $220.00 Heated Perforated Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters - $150.00 Electrochromic (Auto-Dimming) Rear View Mirror with and Lexus Homelink Garage Door Opener - $125.00 View full article

Tesla has been fighting tooth and nail to sell their vehicles direct to consumers in the U.S. But six states - Arizona, Connecticut, Michigan, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia - have banned direct sales. Tesla is trying to change this with a combination of new legislation, applying for dealer licenses, and other items. However, Tesla is ready to take this issue to federal court with an interesting legal argument. The Wall Street Journal reports that Tesla's legal staff has been looking into a 2013 federal appeals court ruling in New Orleans dealing with coffins. What?! The case dealt with the St. Joseph Abbey in Louisiana trying to sell monk-made coffins to help alleviate a shortage due to Hurricane Katrina. But the state had laws that restricted coffin sales to those who were licensed by the Louisiana Board of Funeral Directors. The court sided with the abbey saying they could sell the coffins without having a funeral directors license. “It is widely accepted that laws that have a protectionist motivation or effect are not proper. Tesla is committed to not being foreclosed from operating in the states it desires to operate in, and all options are on the table,” said Todd Maron, Tesla’s chief counsel. But could this argument work? Northwestern University law professor John McGinnis says it could. Using this case could shine a spotlight on how laws affect the sale of certain items such as cars. “Until now, these decisions have been in niche areas of the economy. With Tesla behind it, it would go into something as economically important as the structure of the industry for retailing cars,” said McGinnis. The timing is what intrigues us the most. Tomorrow night, Tesla will be revealing the Model 3 - their mass-market car. Reservations for this new model will also open. Source: The Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) View full article

Nissan's first attempt at a hybrid crossover - the Pathfinder Hybrid - was a disaster in terms of sales and was pulled from the lineup last year. But the Japanese automaker is giving it another try. Car and Driver discovered that the EPA reveal the existence of a Murano Hybrid by publishing fuel economy numbers for the front and all-wheel drive versions. Nissan currently sells the Murano Hybrid in China where it uses a 2.5L supercharged four-cylinder and electric motor, the same powertrain found in the Pathfinder Hybrid. For those interested, the Murano Hybrid is rated at 28 City/31 Highway/29 Combined for the front-wheel drive model and 26 City/30 Highway/28 Combined for the all-wheel drive model. Nissan wouldn't comment if the Murano Hybrid is coming to America. But considering the EPA has certified it, there is a chance it will come. Source: Car and Driver, EPA View full article