VenSeattle

BMW Group Reports April Sales WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., May 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) US sales up 9.6 percent in April. Year-to-date sales are down 4 percent. WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) today reported April vehicle sales of 31,448, an increase of 9.6 percent from the 28,692 vehicles sold in the same month of 2007. For the first four months of 2008, BMW Group sales are still down 4.0 percent, to 99,977 vehicles versus the 104,125 sold January through April of 2007. Among other factors, April sales results were positively affected by new products all launched this spring (BMW M3, BMW X6, BMW 1 Series, MINI Clubman). BMW Brand Sales BMW brand sales were up 5.6 percent, to 26,735 vehicles compared to 25,310 vehicles sold in April 2007. Year-to-date, BMW reported sales of 85,100 vehicles compared to the 92,670 reported in the same period a year ago, a decline of 8.2 percent. BMW Automobile Sales Monthly sales of BMW brand automobiles increased 3.2 percent in April, to 20,930 versus 20,290 in 2007. Year-to-date, BMW automobile sales are down 6.7 percent to 67,083 versus 71,906 reported in the same period last year. BMW Sports Activity Vehicles Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were up 15.6 percent for the month, to 5,805 vehicles compared to the 5,020 reported in April 2007. Year-to-date, BMW SAV sales are down 13.2 percent to 18,017 vehicles from 20,764 in 2007. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported a 39.4 percent increase in April sales, to 4,713 cars compared to 3,382 cars sold in the same period a year ago. MINI USA also reported sales of 14,877 for the first four months of 2008, an increase of 29.9 percent over the 11,455 sold in the same period a year ago. Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, April 2008 April April % YTD YTD % 2008 2007 2008 2007 BMW brand 26,735 25,310 5.6 85,100 92,670 -8.2 BMW passenger cars 20,930 20,290 3.2 67,083 71,906 -6.7 BMW light trucks (SAVs) 5,805 5,020 15.6 18,017 20,764 -13.2 MINI brand 4,713 3,382 39.4 14,877 11,455 29.9 TOTAL Group 31,448 28,692 9.6 99,977 104,125 -4.0 BMW Certified Pre-Owned BMW Certified Pre-Owned CPO sales were up 25.4 percent in April, to 9,237 over the 7,368 reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 34,461 automobiles, an increase of 30.7 percent, compared to the 26,376 vehicles reported in the first four months of 2007. 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 of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, 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 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sport Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 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.bmwmotorcycles.com http://www.miniusa.com http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com Sales BMW of North America, LLC, April 2008 YTD YTD April 08 April 07 % April 08 April 07 % 1 Series 1125 0 2621 0 3 Series 11,401 13,142 -13.2% 38,414 46,335 -17.1% Z4 Roadster and Coupe 1,021 911 12.1% 2,680 2,817 -4.9% 5 Series 4,783 3,592 33.2% 15,673 14,720 6.5% 6 Series 1,006 802 25.4% 2,422 2,723 -11.1% 7 Series 1,594 1,843 -13.5% 5,273 5,311 -0.7% BMW passenger cars 20,930 20,290 3.2% 67,083 71,906 -6.7% X3 1,777 2,307 -23.0% 5,967 8,981 -33.6% X5 3,373 2,713 24.3% 11,395 11,783 -3.3% X6 655 0 655 0 BMW light trucks (SAVs) 5,805 5,020 15.6% 18,017 20,764 -13.2% BMW brand 26,735 25,310 5.6% 85,100 92,670 -8.2% Cooper Hardtop 3,083 2,716 13.5% 10,250 9,282 10.4% Cooper Convertible 651 666 -2.3% 1,880 2,173 -13.5% Cooper Clubman 979 0 2,747 0 MINI brand 4,713 3,382 39.4% 14,877 11,455 29.9% TOTAL BMW of North America, LLC 31,448 28,692 9.6% 99,977 104,125 -4.0%

Toyota Reports April Sales TORRANCE, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release TORRANCE, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported April sales of 217,700 vehicles, a decrease of 4.5 percent from last April. "Smaller vehicles are going over big," said TMS President Jim Lentz. "With oil prices at record levels, compact cars and hybrids continue to lead the way." The Toyota Division posted April sales of 194,350, a decrease of 2.7 percent from last April. The Lexus Division reported April sales of 23,350 units, a decrease of 17.1 percent from the year-ago month. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded April sales of 121,097 units, up 7.2 percent over the same period last year. Passenger-car sales were led by Camry, which posted April sales of 40,016 units. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 6,678 units in April, up 40 percent over April 2007. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted best-ever April sales of 21,757 units, an increase of 53.8 percent over last April. Yaris reported best-ever April sales of 11,434 units, up 45.9 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division light truck sales were down 15.7 percent, with April sales of 73,253 units. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup, reporting April sales of 15,587 units. The Tundra full-size pickup posted April sales of 13,350 units. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 10,008 units in April. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported April sales of 2,578 units. Sequoia posted sales of 2,675 units for the month, up 24 percent over the same period last year. Scion posted April sales of 11,260 units, up 41.5 percent versus the year ago month. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with April sales of 4,220 units, an increase of 232.1 percent over last April. The tC sports coupe, in its fourth model year, posted April sales of 4,119 units. The xD reported all-time best-ever sales of 2,913. Lexus Division Lexus passenger cars reported April sales of 13,766 units, a decrease of 22.1 percent from April 2007. Passenger-car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with April sales of 5,439 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported combined sales of 4,550 units. The LS flagship luxury sedan reported combined sales of 1,992 units. Sales of the GS luxury sport sedan reported combined April sales of 1,568 units. Lexus Division light trucks reported April sales totaling 9,584 units, down 8.6 percent from the year-ago month. The all-new LX 570 enjoyed sales of 799 units, an increase of 207.3 percent. The RX luxury utility vehicle posted combined April sales of 7,160 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,624 units for the month, up eight percent over the year ago month. TMS Hybrids TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 101,334 units. TMS posted April sales of 32,841 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 42 percent from last April. Toyota Division posted sales of 31,013 hybrids while Lexus Division posted sales of 1,828 hybrids. There were 26 selling days this month, as compared to 24 selling days last April. Public Web sites: http://www.toyota.com http://www.lexus.com http://www.scion.com TOYOTA RETAIL SALES (INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII) April, 2008 -- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- DSR % DSR % 2008 2007 CHG 2008 2007 CHG YARIS 11,434 7,232 45.9 41,811 26,418 56.7 COROLLA 32,435 32,289 -7.3 99,482 120,484 -18.2 CAMRY 40,016 37,911 -2.6 147,018 143,774 1.3 AVALON 4,195 5,791 -33.1 17,004 25,426 -33.8 PRIUS 21,757 13,056 53.8 64,664 52,738 21.4 SCION xA 8 1,454 -99.5 31 6,799 -99.5 SCION xB 4,220 1,173 232.1 15,890 9,673 62.7 SCION tC 4,119 5,333 -28.7 14,409 20,426 -30.1 SCION xD 2,913 0 - 8,816 0 - TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS. CAR 121,097 104,239 7.2 409,126 405,740 -0.2 ES 5,439 6,544 -23.3 20,599 24,594 -17.1 LS 1,992 3,182 -42.2 7,914 11,745 -33.3 SC 217 341 -41.3 860 1,295 -34.2 GS 1,568 1,887 -23.3 6,138 7,104 -14.4 IS 4,550 4,363 -3.7 16,516 16,772 -2.5 TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR 13,766 16,317 -22.1 52,027 61,510 -16.2 TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR 134,863 120,556 3.3 461,153 467,250 -2.3 SIENNA 11,215 12,773 -19.0 45,514 47,732 -5.6 RAV4 12,773 14,495 -18.7 47,002 55,900 -16.7 FJ CRUISER 2,682 4,587 -46.0 12,557 20,632 -39.7 4RUNNER 4,490 7,093 -41.6 19,996 31,030 -36.2 HIGHLANDER 10,008 10,122 -8.7 43,676 41,505 4.2 LAND CRUISER 473 191 128.6 1,690 873 91.7 SEQUOIA 2,675 1,991 24.0 10,525 8,929 16.7 TOTAL SUV 33,101 38,479 -20.6 135,446 158,869 -15.6 4X2 TACOMA 8,648 8,813 -9.4 31,751 35,840 -12.3 4X4 TACOMA 6,939 5,958 7.5 23,612 25,259 -7.4 TOTAL TACOMA 15,587 14,771 -2.6 55,363 61,099 -10.3 TUNDRA 13,350 14,200 -13.2 54,134 43,386 23.5 TOTAL PICKUP 28,937 28,971 -7.8 109,497 104,485 3.8 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT TRUCK 73,253 80,223 -15.7 290,457 311,086 -7.5 LX 799 240 207.3 2,720 1,066 152.7 GX 1,625 1,577 -4.9 6,510 6,816 -5.4 RX 7,160 7,861 -15.9 28,608 30,094 -5.9 TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK 9,584 9,678 -8.6 37,838 37,976 -1.3 TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK 82,837 89,901 -14.9 328,295 349,062 -6.9 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 194,350 184,462 -2.7 699,583 716,826 -3.4 TOTAL LEXUS 23,350 25,995 -17.1 89,865 99,486 -10.6 TOTAL TOYOTA 217,700 210,457 -4.5 789,448 816,312 -4.2 MEMO: DOM. COROLLA 26,749 28,352 -12.9 89,507 106,896 -17.1 DOM. CAMRY 39,224 33,538 8.0 143,198 115,792 22.5 DOM. PICKUP 28,937 28,971 -7.8 109,497 104,485 3.8 DOM. RX 5,145 6,044 -21.4 20,012 21,273 -6.8 SELLING DAYS 26 24 102 101 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 50,929 36,558 28.6 159,417 157,626 0.1 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 13,766 16,317 -22.1 52,027 61,510 -16.2 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 70,168 67,681 -4.3 249,709 248,114 -0.3 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 134,863 120,556 3.3 461,153 467,250 -2.3 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT TRUCK 30,426 36,488 -23.0 124,921 149,940 -17.5 LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK 4,439 3,634 12.8 17,826 16,703 5.7 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT TRUCK 42,827 43,735 -9.6 165,536 161,146 1.7 LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK 5,145 6,044 -21.4 20,012 21,273 -6.8 TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK 82,837 89,901 -14.9 328,295 349,062 -6.9 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 40,003 43,570 -15.2 160,727 176,213 -9.7 Memo: Lexus Sport Utility 9,584 9,678 -8.6 37,838 37,976 -1.3 SMALL VANS 11,215 12,773 -19.0 45,514 47,732 -5.6 PICKUPS 28,937 28,971 -7.8 109,497 104,485 3.8 * NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES COROLLA 26,749 28,352 -12.9 89,507 106,896 -17.1 CAMRY 39,224 33,538 8.0 143,198 115,792 22.5 AVALON 4,195 5,791 -33.1 17,004 25,426 -33.8 SIENNA 11,215 12,773 -19.0 45,514 47,732 -5.6 PICKUP 28,937 28,971 -7.8 109,497 104,485 3.8 SEQUOIA 2,675 1,991 24.0 10,525 8,929 16.7 RX 5,145 6,044 -21.4 20,012 21,273 -6.8 TOTAL 118,140 117,460 -7.2 435,257 430,533 0.1 N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 54.3% 55.8% 55.1% 52.7% SELLING DAYS 26 24 102 101 DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

Hyundai Motor America Reports April Sales FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 39,280 for the month of April, a 0.4 percent increase over the same period last year. "In a pretty tough economy, we are pleased that sales were slightly up over April 2007," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of national sales. "Car buyers showed strong interest in our more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Accent, Elantra and Sonata sold well reflecting concerns with the overall economy and rising fuel prices." All Hyundai 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 power train 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. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. CARLINE APR/2008 APR/2007 CY2008 CY2007 ACCENT 4,115 2,918 14,329 11,190 SONATA 11,001 10,434 35,432 40,431 ELANTRA 9,981 8,166 33,851 30,998 TIBURON 894 1,154 2,965 4,057 SANTA FE 7,252 6,743 24,943 27,982 AZERA 2,771 2,812 8,477 8,676 TUCSON 1,721 3,563 7,734 13,257 ENTOURAGE 500 2,697 2,042 5,923 VERACRUZ 1,045 650 4,845 828 TOTAL 39,280 39,137 134,618 143,342

Volkswagen Reports April 2008 Sales Up Over Last Year HERNDON, Va., May 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release Best Eos sales month ever HERNDON, Va., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced April 2008 sales of 19,415 units, a 1.7 percent increase over the April 2007 sales of 19,086 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 0.8 percent ahead of 2007 sales through April. A sign that spring is definitely in the air is Volkswagen's innovative coupe-convertible-sunroof Eos posted its best sales month ever with sales of 1,663 units, representing a 45.6 percent increase over April 2007. The Passat also recorded a strong sales month with sales of 3,045 units, representing an increase of 10.2 percent over April 2007. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com . -------- YEAR-TO-DATE -------- April- April- April-08 April-07 08 07 Yr/Yr % YTD YTD Yr/Yr % Actual Actual change Actual Actual change New Beetle - Coupe 1,585 1,478 7.2% 4,700 4,739 -0.8% - Convertible 1,218 1,225 -0.6% 3,503 4,140 -15.4% Total New Beetle 2,803 2,703 3.7% 8,203 8,879 -7.6% Jetta Sdn 7,171 8,234 -12.9% 29,112 29,798 -2.3% SportWagen - - 0.0% - - Total Jetta 7,171 8,234 -12.9% 29,112 29,798 -2.3% Eos 1,663 1,142 45.6% 4,827 3,703 30.4% Golf - - N/A - 19 -100.0% Rabbit 1,809 1,932 -6.4% 6,860 6,524 5.2% GTI 1,173 1,165 0.7% 3,943 4,853 -18.8% R32 399 - N/A 1,603 - N/A Total Golf/ Rabbit/GTI/ R32 3,381 3,097 12,406 11,396 8.9% Passat Sdn 3,045 2,762 10.2% 10,342 9,758 6.0% Wgn 628 677 -7.2% 2,245 2,671 -15.9% Total Passat 3,673 3,439 6.8% 12,587 12,429 1.3% Phaeton - 3 -100.0% - 12 -100.0% Touareg 724 468 54.7% 2,835 3,201 -11.4% Tiguan - - N/A - - N/A TOTAL 19,415 19,086 1.7% 69,970 69,418 0.8%

Mercedes-Benz USA Reports April Sales of 20,271 MONTVALE, N.J., May 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release Year-To-Date Sales Up 1.4 Percent MONTVALE, N.J., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- While experiencing a marginal three percent decrease in its April sales (20,271 vs. 20,895), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a 1.4 percent increase for the first four months of the year (77,918 vs. 76,880), bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history. Highlights for the month include growth in the sales volume-leading C-Class model line which posted a significant 33.5 percent gain (6,850 vs. 5,131 units) for the month and a 37.8 percent jump (23,991 vs. 17,413 units) for the year-to-date. Increases were also achieved in two of the Mercedes-Benz SUV model lines. Sales of the popular M-Class rose 38.4 percent (2,582 vs. 1,866 units) for the month and 54.2 percent (12,089 vs. 7,838 units) for the year-to-date. The seven-passenger full-sized GL-Class gained 59.8 percent for the month with 1,938 units sold, and 83.5 percent for the year-to-date with 7,619 units sold. Separately, Mercedes-Benz achieved an impressive 78.3 percent (7,261 vs. 4,073 units) jump in sales of its certified pre-owned vehicles through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program for April, boosting its year-to-date certified pre-owned sales to 20,512 units, a 22.3 percent increase over the 16,773 units sold in the same period last year. Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com. April April Monthly YTD YTD Yearly Model '08 '07 % 2008 2007 % C-CLASS 6,850 5,131 33.5% 23,991 17,413 37.8% E-CLASS 3,208 4,011 -20.0% 11,774 14,458 -18.6% S-CLASS 1,775 2,067 -14.1% 6,571 8,713 -24.6% CL-CLASS 275 330 -16.7% 1,073 1,114 -3.7% SL-CLASS 518 703 -26.3% 1,651 2,098 -21.3% CLK-CLASS 1,110 1,456 -23.8% 4,534 5,490 -17.4% SLK-CLASS 504 856 -41.1% 2,049 2,546 -19.5% CLS-CLASS 706 779 -9.4% 2,678 2,822 -5.1% GL-CLASS 1,938 1,213 59.8% 7,619 4,151 83.5% R-CLASS 735 2,382 -69.1% 3,542 9,783 -63.8% M-CLASS 2,582 1,866 38.4% 12,089 7,838 54.2% G-CLASS 70 101 -30.7% 347 454 -23.6% GRAND TOTAL 20,271 20,895 -3.0% 77,918 76,880 1.4%

Daimler AG Reports 22,954 Unit Sales for U.S. Passenger Vehicles NEW YORK, May 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release - Mercedes-Benz USA Records April Sales of 20,271 - smart USA Records 2,683 Sales in April NEW YORK, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) today reported total group sales (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 22,954 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for April 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted. Mercedes-Benz USA While experiencing a marginal three percent decrease in its April sales (20,271 vs. 20,895), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a 1.4 percent increase for the first four months of the year (77,918 vs. 76,880), bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history. Highlights for the month include significant increases in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model line (up 33.5 percent) and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class model line (up 38.4 percent). smart USA smart USA continues to deliver vehicles to excited reservation holders across the United States. Currently 68 smart centers are operational and representing smart in the U.S. American consumer response remains strong as the company still has well over 30,000 net reservations and dealership traffic remains strong. Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA. Daimler AG U.S. Passenger Vehicles Sales Summary Through April 2008 Month Sales % Sales CYTD % Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Mercedes-Benz USA 20,271 20,895 -3.0 77,918 76,880 1.4 smart USA 2,683 n/a* n/a* 6,159 n/a* n/a* Mercedes-Benz USA / smart USA combined 22,954 n/a* n/a* 84,077 n/a* n/a* * smart sales in the U.S. started in mid January 2008

Very funny and a somewhat valid argument too. Buick's "average buyer's age" has dropped into the 50s while Toyota's average continues to rise. It is very possible Toyota may be carrying the "retirement car stigma" torch before long.

He has posted problems with his Lucerne in the past which his dealership failed to address. I believe his protest is more about his dealership experience than with the Lucerne itself. A different dealership would have probably resolved his issues early on and prevented him from ever considering a non-GM product. I'll admit my Buick dealership experiences drive more of my negative association with Buick than anything else. Infiniti offered better customer service in 1996 than Buick does in 2008. Unfortunately for Lucerne06, Toyota's dealership experience rates way below average on many surveys... and far below Buick. He really should have bought a Lexus hybrid instead.

If he's cross-shopping Buicks with Camry, I have a feeling the Invicta will be too expensive for him. Trading the Lucerne in for a Malibu hybrid or Aura hybrid would have been more equivalent to save this sale. Toyota's Hybrid Camry is a more efficient alternative to the Malibu/Aura... but it is more expensive. The extra money spent in the monthly payment would more than pay for the extra price in gas with the Malibu/Aura hybrids. Buick has a LaCrosse hybrid in China. I suspect we'll eventually get Buick Hybrids here as well, but they'll be much more expensive than the comparable Chevrolet/Toyota offerings.

Oh, I'm positive of that. I'm just very interested in having both of them available.

The near luxury market is still one of the hottest markets in the US industry. As for the "rehash" comment, you have no basis for it when you have yet to see production versions of the BRX, 9-4x, Invicta, 9-3, or 9-5. You're too eager to be disappointed.

Happy B-Day Walt! One of these days, when I'm visiting the NJ office, I hope we can go out for a drink.

I personally think it's one of the best vehicles in the segment, based on pics alone. Experience behind the wheel will either reward or kill that impression. I think Saturn has a hands-down winner in the US. Camry and Accord should be very worried. It gives me confidence that GM is finally defining each of their divisions appropriately. The Malibu is a great vehicle in its segment and price range. the Insignia/Aura appears to be so as well. The amazing thing is that I don't vision Malibu and Aura buyers cross-shopping them. They seem to be in completely different classes without appearing inferior to each other. I can't wait to see the entire picture when SAAB and Buick debut their EPII vehicles.

I've met several gay and bisexual people in polyamorous relationships. Some existed with unbelievable drama, but most were handled with the highest level of maturity and sincerity. I believe there isn't a single type of relationship that's perfect for everybody or addresses everyone's needs and/or emotional capabilities. A union between one man and one woman is not the universal answer to companionship… It isn’t even the best solution for instinctively driven procreation, but I’ll digress. I do agree that any type of relationship in the 21st century should exist between consenting adults, regardless of how many people are involved.

I'm sure I'll be dropping by my dealership sometime in the near future. Hopefully they'll have one on the floor. I am very happy it exists. It fits Pontiac's target market very well. It doesn't seem overlap with Buick at all, but remains a very competent vehicle.

Saab gets the SWB & LWB EPII. I'm beginning to wonder if Buick will do the same in the US. It'll be interesting to compare the Invicta and 9-5.

YAY! Great move! Better late than never. Yes, now SAAB.

McNabb Lands at GM - Heading New “Premium” Channel Posted Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 at 3:24 pm Link to Original Article on The Car Connection Mark McNabb, who resigned from one of Nissan’s top marketing jobs in North America, has resurfaced at General Motors. The 47-year-old McNabb will joins GM as the head of the company’s new “Premium” sales channel, whch includes the Cadillac, Hummer and Saab brands.. Jim Taylor, Cadillac divisional manager, Martin Walsh, Hummer divisional manager, and Steve Shannon, Saab divisional manager will report to McNabb, GM officials said. “Mark McNabb is a world-class executive with extensive experience. His background with Mercedes and Infiniti, in addition to Nissan, make him uniquely suited for this new position as the vice president of the premium brands,” said LaNeve, GM vice president of sales, service and marketing. “He is a great addition to our North American team,” LaNeve. McNabb’s appointment is part of GM’s effort to reorganize its sales and marketing effort into distinct four retail channels - Chevrolet, Premium, Buick-Pontiac-GMC and Saturn, GM officials said. Ed Peper, 46, was appointed North America Vice President, Chevrolet Channel, while Susan Docherty, 45, was appointed North America Vice President, Buick Pontiac-GMC Channel, while Jill Lajdziak, 51, will continue to lead Saturn as General Manager, and assume sales responsibility for that channel. “These changes have been designed to improve all of our brands, and achieve strongly profitable channels at both a wholesale and retail level,” said Troy Clarke, GM North America president. “We are further streamlining the organization to reduce complexity, align resources to improve the consumer experience and improve bottom line business results. We expect that the channels will work closely with GM’s global product development teams to ensure the products meet consumer needs. This is the next step in our continuing strategy to increase the effectiveness of GM North America’s operating model,” he said. “Customers’ opinions of our products and brands have improved. We raised quality to world-class levels and announced our 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, the most comprehensive transferable warranty in the business,” LaNeve said.

It took a second glance... Why should it be named Parfait? Because everybody loves Parfait? How about just using it as a trim on Buicks... we can have Parfait and Super Parfait

Nick... I want to "Thank You" for making several eat crow

Do we really need a topic on this every month or so? PM'ing Fly would be much more efficient.

Well, the car in the pic looks very similar to the Aura, so I wonder if the Regal will be replaced by a SWB EPII sedan similar to Aura and Invicta will replace LaCrosse as a LWB EPII sedan... ?

I remember Speed Racer and will go see the movie... I'm not really geared up for it though. I did like the remixes that came out several years ago...

I think I understand gm4life's point. Buick as a brand name has more strength than any model name in particular. Buick owners still say they drive a Buick, not necessarily the model. This type of established brand recognition is enviable and sought after by many luxury brands.

Turbo, I disagree. The LaCrosse name has had negative publicity since the production vehicle arrived. From lack of delivery based on the concept (I know there's no relation, but it's perception) to the self delivery implied by French Canadian youth, the name needs to be replaced with one that can be sold internationally without complications. Another reason behind a name change would be that the LaCrosse was introduced on a $23k entry level Buick. The Epsilon II-based sedan replacing it will be targeting a some-what different market.