Z-06

Source: PR News Service BMW Group U.S. Reports August 2010 Sales WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 23,965 vehicles, a decrease of 1.6 percent from the 24,343 vehicles sold last year. Year-to-date, the BMW Group also reported a sales volume of 168,940 vehicles, up 5.6 percent from the 160,044 units sold last year. "As predicted, we are seeing a slowdown in the market and do not expect the second half of the year to be as strong as the first half," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "Despite this, building momentum throughout the year and narrowing the gap with our competitors is still our plan. The new 5 Series is now part of our model lineup complementing the segment leading 7 Series, Z4 Roadster and 3 Series. We are also seeing continual growth in the SAV segment with the X5 and X6, as intended." BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 1.6 percent for a total of 19,540 vehicles from the 19,232 units sold last year. Year-to-date, BMW sales were up 7.8 percent to 139,236 vehicles from the 129,176 units sold last year. In August, the best performing vehicles included the 1 Series, up 52.5 percent to 1,394 units and the 7 Series, up 42 percent to 1,224 units. The X5 and X6 continue to perform very well with an increase of 21.4 percent and 34.4 percent, respectively. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles Sales of BMW's used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 3.2 percent to 14,266 vehicles from the 13,830 units sold last year. Year-to-date, used vehicle sales were up 5.5 percent to 113,061 vehicles from the 107,137 units sold last year. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported sales of 4,425 automobiles, a decrease of 13.4 percent from the 5,111 cars sold last year. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 29,704 automobiles, a decrease of 3.8 percent from the 30,868 units sold last year. The drop in sales was again affected by the Cash for Clunkers program that took place in July and August of 2009 and boosted sales volume. MINI sales will gain momentum as the year progresses due the updated 2011 model year vehicles arriving at dealerships in two weeks. Additionally, the brand is seeing significant customer interest in the Countryman as MINI dealers have just begun taking orders for the new model coming out in January 2011.

Source: Toyota Motors Toyota Reports August Sales Click here for August 2010 Sales Chart TORRANCE, Calif. (September 1, 2010) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported August sales of 148,388 units. In comparison to last August when Toyota sales were at their peak under Cash for Clunkers, sales were down 31.4 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 25 selling days in August 2010, compared to 26 selling days in August 2009, TMS sales were down 34 percent compared to the same period last year. "While August results trailed year ago levels when the CARS program generated significant incremental sales for the brand, we're pleased with how the month shaped up," said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Customer loyalty rates have returned to traditional levels as Toyota continues to lead the industry as the number one retail brand year-to-date." Toyota Division recorded sales of 128,923 vehicles, a decrease of 33.7 percent from the year-ago month, on a DSR basis. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were down 36.2 percent compared to last August. Lexus reported sales of 19,465 units in August, down 11.6 percent from August 2009, on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were down 14.9 percent compared to the year-ago month. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded sales of 75,911 units, a decrease of 44.6 percent from last August. Toyota sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid which posted combined monthly sales of 30,746 units. Corolla recorded sales of 20,280 units. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid reported sales of 11,799 units. The Avalon sedan posted sales of 2,512 units, up 17.3 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 53,012 units in August, down 7.6 percent from the same period last year. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV, which recorded monthly sales of 14,727 units. 4Runner posted sales of 3,833 units, up 297 percent over August 2009. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 7,207 units. The Sienna minivan reported sales of 8,729, up 15.7 percent over the year-ago month. Scion posted August sales of 4,012 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with sales of 1,965 units. The XD sports coupe posted August sales of 1,092 units. The tC reported sales of 955 units for the month. Lexus Division Lexus reported passenger car sales of 9,353 units, down 22.9 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus passenger car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan which posted sales of 4,161 units. The IS line-up reported combined sales of 3,005 units. Lexus light trucks recorded sales of 10,112 units, up 2.3 percent from last August. Lexus Division sales were led by the RX 350 and RX 450h, which reported combined August sales 8,506 units. With August sales of 1,227 units, GX luxury SUV posted a gain of 78.2 percent over the same period last year. TMS Hybrids TMS posted sales of 15,444 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division recorded sales of 13,450 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported sales of 1,994 hybrids in August. *Unless otherwise noted, all percent change figures are reported on a daily selling rate basis.

Source: American Suzuki AMERICAN SUZUKI AUGUST 2010 SALES Success of 2009 Cash for Clunkers program contributes to monthly decrease. Every Suzuki vehicle qualified for the government assistance program at this time last year 2010 Suzuki Auto Product Line Suzuki Auto's versatile line of vehicles includes the spirited four-door SX4 Sport, all-wheel-drive five-door SX4 Crossover, SX4 SportBack hot-hatch, refined Grand Vitara compact SUV, award-winning Equator pickup truck and performance-oriented Kizashi. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki's standout virtues of durability, leading-edge style and high-end features at very competitive prices. All 2010 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty. About Suzuki The Brea, Calif.-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 300 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2009, SMC sold more than 2.3 million new cars and trucks and more than 2.8 million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 196 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive).

Source: Nissan USA NISSAN NORTH AMERICA SALES DROP 27 PERCENT IN AUGUST; TOTAL 2010 SALES UP 14.2 PERCENT Nissan sales drop 30.9 percent compared to August 2009; trucks, crossovers gain Infiniti continues growth up 21.9 percent; Infiniti M & QX up more than 100 percent Download the August 2010 Sales Report (PDF) Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported August U.S. sales of 76,827 units versus 105,312 units a year earlier, a decrease of 27 percent compared with the "Cash for Clunkers" fuelled sales in August 2009. Nissan Division sales were down 30.9 percent for the month, while sales of Infiniti vehicles rose 21.9 over a year before. For all of 2010, NNA sales are up 14.2 percent. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS Nissan vehicles posted sales of 67,399 units in August compared with 97,580 units sold in August the previous year, a decrease of 30.9 percent. For 2010, Nissan division sales are up 13 percent at 533,004 units. Overall sales of Nissan's trucks, SUVs and crossovers grew 4.9 percent, led by Armada (up 144.8 percent), Titan (up 39.6 percent) and Xterra (up 30.3 percent). Sales of the Rogue crossover totaled 10,133, marking its third-ever monthly total over 10,000 units (Others were August 2009, July 2010). Murano crossover sales rose 13.7 percent over the prior year to 5,153 units. "When you look beyond year-to-year comparisons, there was strength in Nissan's sales, particularly in the body-on-frame and crossover segments," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Consumers continue to look to Nissan for our full lineup of quality cars, crossovers and trucks." INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS Infiniti sales for August were 9,428 units, up 21.9 percent from the 7,732 units sold in the same month a year earlier. Infiniti sales are up 24.8 percent in 2010. The all-new, second-generation QX56 luxury SUV set an August record, with 1,249 units sold, a 105.4 percent increase over the prior year. Sales of the 2011 Infiniti M luxury sedan rose 102.4 percent to 1,251 units. The G sedan saw sales of 3,926 units, up 17.5 percent over the prior year, just before the launch of the new G25 entry luxury sedan. "Led by both the strength of our product lineup and successful marketing initiatives like our presence on the Emmys, Infiniti continued to build awareness and sales momentum in August," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. "With the new G25 entry luxury sedan joining the all-new, red-hot Infiniti M, QX and the rest of the freshened G Line, we expect to continue our gains in the competitive luxury market." NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. August 2010 had 25 selling days, while August 2009 had 26. In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors Mitsubishi Motors Reports August Sales Wed, Sep 01, 2010 - CYPRESS, Calif. - Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced August sales of 4,293, which is the fourth highest monthly sales total for Mitsubishi this year. Sales were 37 percent lower, compared to last August – a month whose sales were boosted to the highest monthly level since 2008 by the federal "Cash for Clunkers" program. Two of Mitsubishi's highest volume vehicles continue to show sales increases year-to-date: Galant sales are up 28.5 percent for the year Outlander sales are up 11.3 percent for the year Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, and marketing operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of more than 400 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Source: Audi USA Audi reports best-ever August U.S. sales; brand continues strong arc toward sales record in 2010 - August 2010 sales of 9,182 vehicles rose 14% above August 2009, topping previous August record set in 2003 - Consumers continue to demand TDI clean diesel vehicles, as both the Audi Q7 TDI and A3 TDI posted significant sales mix gains in the most recent month - Q5 crossover sales increased 78.8% from August 2009 sales to set an all-time record HERNDON, Va., Sep 1, 2010 - Audi today maintained its 2010 momentum with record August U.S. sales, which surpassed the prior August record set in 2003 by more than 900 vehicles. August 2010 sales of Audi cars and SUVs climbed 14% compared to August 2009, and marked the best monthly sales performance since May of this year. The August results keep the German luxury automaker on track to set a vehicle sales record in the U.S. by year-end. The existing annual sales record for Audi in the U.S. is 93,506 vehicles sold in 2007. Overall, Audi sold 9,182 luxury cars and SUVs in August 2010, topping the previous August record of 8,057 vehicles sold in August 2009. Additionally, the automaker posted steady quarter-to-quarter sales increases of more than 5% and nearly 15% over June 2010 and July 2010, respectively. The August 2010 results were buoyed by the continued extraordinary consumer response by year-over-year sales increases for the Audi Q5 crossover and Audi Q7. For the month, Audi sold 2,675 Q5 vehicles, a 78.8% increase over the 1,496 vehicles sold in August 2009. The Q5 line also enjoyed more than a 25% August 2010 sales jump over July 2010. For August 2010, Audi reported Q7 sales of 560, a 42.1% increase above the 394 vehicles sold a year earlier. Through the first two months of the second half of this year, Audi has enjoyed significant sales growth. That gain is largely bolstered by continued consumer demand for the Audi A3, which recorded both a 17.7% uptick in sales for August 2010 and 74.8% calendar year to date. "Audi is in a desirable position in the luxury vehicle market as we continue to post strong U.S. sales," said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. "All indications continue to point toward 2010 winding up as the best year Audi has ever enjoyed in the U.S. market." Audi sales highlights – August 2010 - August 2010 ranks as the best August in Audi of America history. - Audi sales continue on track to set a U.S. record in 2010; first-half 2010 sales of 48,440 topped the record of 45,711 set in 2007. - Five fastest growing Audi U.S. markets in August: Washington, up 60%; Miami, up 55%; Northwest U.S., up 44%; Texas, up 43%, and Northern California, up 33%. Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 August sales and news notes - Audi Q5 sales in August set an all-time record. - Audi Q5 sales up 78.8% for August and 74.7% CYTD; Audi Q7 sales up 42.1% for August, down 4.4% CYTD, due to tight inventories. Audi A3 and Audi A6 August sales and news notes - The Audi A6 luxury sedan continued sales resurgence: up 29.2% in August; up 30% CYTD. - Audi A3 sales rose 17.7% in August; up 74.8% CYTD. Audi TDI August sales and news notes - Audi U.S. consumers continue to embrace Audi clean diesel technology in Audi Q7 TDI and Audi A3 TDI. - Audi Q7 TDI accounted for 66% of all Q7 August sales. - Audi A3 TDI August sales mix of 60% increases 14 percentage points over July 2010. Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes - August 2010 CPO sales fell 6.1% to 2,479 Audi vehicles from 2,640 a year earlier. - Audi CPO sales CYTD were off 11.4%to 18,750 vehicles from 21,172 a year earlier.

Source: Ford Motors FORD MARKET SHARE GAINS CONTINUE IN AUGUST AS BUYERS TURN TO LINEUP OF HIGH-QUALITY, FUEL-EFFICIENT PRODUCTS Ford, Lincoln and Mercury August sales totaled 157,503 – lower than strong year-ago levels Ford's year-to-date sales up 18 percent versus year ago – double the growth of the overall industry Market share continues to grow; August marked the 22nd time in the last 23 months Ford's retail share increased as buyers continue turning to Ford's fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles Ford announces fourth quarter production plan Download Full Sales Release (With Tables) DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 1, 2010 – Consumer demand for Ford's fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles helped the company continue to grow its retail market share in August for the 22nd time in the last 23 months. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 157,503 new vehicles in August, down 11 percent versus a year ago, when Ford outpaced the industry during the "Cash for Clunkers" sales program. Year-to-date, Ford sales totaled 1.28 million, up 18 percent – double the growth of the overall industry. "Ford continues to outperform the overall industry," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "In this market, consumers are looking for vehicles that offer industry-leading quality, fuel economy, safety and technologies, and growing numbers of them are turning to Ford." Last August, the Ford Focus and Escape were among the industry's best sellers during the "Cash for Clunkers" program. Even though both products had strong sales results this August, they had large declines against last year's record sales. Products with higher sales than a year ago include: Ford's popular F-Series truck, which posted one of its highest sales months in the last two years. August sales totaled 47,652, up 5 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, F-Series sales totaled 338,446, making it the only U.S. vehicle to eclipse the 300,000 milestone in 2010. Sales for Ford's E-Series van totaled 10,251, up 92 percent versus a year ago. The E-Series van has been America's best-selling commercial van for 31 straight years; year-to-date sales totaled 74,608. Taurus sales were 5,122 in August, up 51 percent. The all-new Taurus debuted a year ago and has posted strong year-to-year increases every month since introduction. Taurus year-to-date sales are more than double last year's sales. Although total sales were down slightly from last August, Mustang retail sales are up 15 percent. Sales Outlook and North American Production In the fourth quarter of 2010, Ford plans to produce 570,000 vehicles. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the company Ford produced 574,000. "The Ford plan is to match capacity with the real demand, and we continue to monitor the key economic indicators as we make adjustments," Czubay said. In the third quarter, Ford plans to produce 570,000 vehicles, unchanged from the previously announced level. # # # Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.

Source: General Motors Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Sales Decline 11 Percent from 2009 Cash-for-Clunkers Level Combined Buick, GMC and Cadillac sales counter trend, increase 37 percent Calendar-year-to-date sales for GM's four brands are up 23 percent Buick remains the fastest-growing major auto brand in the U.S. Cadillac is the fastest-growing luxury brand in the U.S. DETROIT – August sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac decreased by a combined 11 percent to 184,921 units, compared to last August, a month in which the automotive industry experienced the highest level of sales in 2009 due to the Cash for Clunkers stimulus program. Compared to July 2010, sales for GM's brands were down 7 percent. Through August, Buick remained the industry's fastest-growing brand with sales up 61 percent year to date. Cadillac leads the luxury vehicle industry in sales growth this year, with sales 50 percent higher through August. "Last year's Cash for Clunkers program spiked industry sales in 2009, so results this August were, not surprisingly, a bit mixed," said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. "Importantly, three of our four divisions showed solid gains. This is further evidence that our performance is the result of balanced contributions across our brands." Combined sales for Buick, GMC and Cadillac were up 37 percent for the month, compared to a year ago. Buick sales increased 66 percent, propelled by retail sales that more than doubled during the month. Cadillac dealers reported sales that were 83 percent higher than last year, and the brand's retail sales also rose 83 percent. GMC total sales were up 12 percent during the month, driven by strong retail sales. Chevrolet, which benefitted the most from last year's federal stimulus, had a total sales decline of 22 percent compared to last year, while retail sales were down 31 percent. Total sales of GM's full-size pickups rose 4 percent during the month, while its full-size utilities increased 7 percent on strong retail sales growth. Johnson noted that key product launches for the remainder of this year will continue the company's momentum. "With the all-new Chevrolet Cruze hitting showrooms in September, the Chevrolet Volt later this year, the Buick Regal expanding Buick's footprint in the U.S., and the Cadillac CTS Coupe generating a lot of attention, we have reason to be optimistic," Johnson said. Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at about 452,000 units, which is about 28,000 higher compared to July 2010, and about 73,000 higher than August 2009. August Key Facts and Brand Results: Chevrolet: Chevrolet delivered 131,952 total vehicles in August, a 22 percent decline year-over-year. Year-to-date total Chevrolet sales are up 19 percent. Retail sales for Chevrolet full-size trucks (Silverado, Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban) rose 8 percent. (read more). Buick: Buick reported total sales of 14,294, an increase of 66 percent in August compared to last year. Driven by continuing strong customer demand for the LaCrosse (retail sales up 263 percent) and growing demand for the all-new Regal, Buick retail sales more than doubled for the second month in a row, up 102 percent, compared to last year. August was the eleventh straight month that total and retail sales have increased. With sales up 61 percent for the year, Buick remains the fastest growing major auto brand in the U.S. (read more). GMC:GMC reported total sales of 25,986, a 12 percent increase in total sales in the month of August, compared to the same month last year. This includes an 18 percent increase in retail sales, marking 11 consecutive months of year-over-year total and retail sales gains for GMC. Retail sales for GMC full-size trucks (Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL) increased 12 percent during the month and retail sales for the Terrain rose to 3,667 units. For the year, GMC total sales are up 26 percent (read more). Cadillac: Total sales of 12,689 for August were 83 percent higher than last August, with retail sales increasing 83 percent. This strong retail performance was driven by continuing strong consumer demand for the SRX and the CTS, with retail sales up 410 percent and 77 percent, respectively. August was the seventh month in a row that Cadillac total and retail sales have increased. With total sales up 50 percent for the year, the brand is the fastest growing luxury auto brand in the industry (read more). Fleet sales for GM's four brands were 51,951 for the month.

Happy Birthday Sir. How are things in NW?

The phone number was asked for a reason. The brown color was ubiquitous for the Mercedes of yore.

The 4.5 was the US only engine, which apparently is in demand in other parts of the world too as a collector item.

Yes they are prized items in Europe and Asia, because of them being one of the first true S-Class. Reliability wise W-108 is rock solid. I have read stories about being driven 300,000 miles and more without any sweat.

Congrats. I gotta agree, Acura dealers are possibly the most professional ones I have dealt with. But I still cannot get over Acura's design theme and the amount of bloat its vehicles have gained in just one iteration. Get some interior shots too.

Get out in October.

K-Jetronic engine making humongous 210hp and mountainous 270 lb-ft torque with gas guzzling capability. I never understood the moniker behind 280 when both the 3.5 and 4.5 V8 were used in US.

I agree for the US market being saturated but I would not go to the length of saying US is having diminishing standards. US will still be a major market. China and India are too top heavy to really look for real growth. All the hoopla about how strong their middle classes are will only come down like the housing market bubble here.

and China, India. Managers seem to be highly obsessed with those. The shortsighted strategy has moved from products to markets.

Profits are not because of products being RWD or FWD, they are because of lean manufacturing and eradication of burden costs. GM was better doing the job of paring the excess lard than Chrysler was. RWD may not save Chrysler, but at the same time not having RWD will certainly hamper GM.

GM lost so much revenue by fiddling with the decision whether to bring zeta here or not that it might have saved a couple of months of revenue going into bankruptcy had it made the decision and stuck with it. I think when it came to RWD, both GM and Chrysler were on the same page, GM may be ahead, a year ago when either went into bankruptcy.

Gotta agree there. Considering it has been a year from the bankruptcy, Chrysler is in full force for the RWD and has something in store. GM is still being ho-hum. However I think we should wait till the Auto Shows circuit hits for the year, before we really write GM off. Performance division being back is certainly a great news.

In US there is no perfect transportation mode. Airlines, Railways, Cars and Buses all can work in equilibrium to provide most efficient infrastructure.

Freedom of speech causes brain damage.

May be it is connected with the blinker fluid reservoir, which is being replenished. Fix it and keep for a while before deciding to get rid of it, unless you get all money's worth back.

Diamler had pretty much FUBARed Chrysler.

I feel the same way, as I mentioned in the main thread of his departure, he should have stayed one full year of operations under new accounting and operations. Opinions about Akerson are speculative at their best from all sides of press.