Drew Dowdell

JAGUAR LAND ROVER REPORTS U.S. SALES FOR DECEMBER AND 2011 • Jaguar Land Rover North America sales increase 11 percent for 2011 as company surpasses 50,000 units in United States for first time since 2007 • Land Rover brand increases 20 percent for 2011, has best year since 2007 • Land Rover LR4, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover all drive annual gains • Jaguar XJ sales increase 22 percent for 2011 • Jaguar Land Rover North America sales increase 20 percent for December 2011 • Land Rover sales increase 28 percent for December 2011; best December since 2007 JANUARY 4, 2012 MAHWAH, NJ – Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported full year 2011 sales: Land Rover sales for the year were 38,099 up 20 percent from 31,864 in 2010; Jaguar sales for the year were 12,276 down 8 percent from 13,340 in 2010; Jaguar Land Rover North America sales for the year were 50,375; up11 percent from 45,204 units in 2010. 2011 is the best year for JLRNA since 2007. Jaguar Land Rover also reported December 2011 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales were 4743 units, 28 percent up from 3,695 units in December 2010; Jaguar sales were 1137 units, 3 percent down from 1,180 units in December 2010. Jaguar Land Rover North America December U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,880 units, a 20 percent increase from 4,875 in December 2010. December 2011 was the JLRNA's best December since 2007. "2011 has turned out to be an important year of recovery for Jaguar Land Rover North America, and the industry overall, as well as a good platform for continued growth in 2012" said Andy Goss, President, JLRNA. "In North America, we have surpassed the 50,000 unit sales mark for the first time since 2007 indicating the strength of our brands and our business in this market. Congratulations go out to all our U.S. dealers and employees for this great result." U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS Land Rover Land Rover's U.S. sales for the year were up 21 percent driven by the growing appeal of the SUV lineup and improved business conditions. The volume leader for 2010 was the Range Rover Sport with 15,333 units sold, up 24 percent from 12,347 sales in 2010. The re-designed LR4 sold 7,983 units, up 12 percent from 7,122 units in 2010. The flagship Range Rover hit 9,761 sales, up 11 percent from 8,746 sales in 2010. The all-new Range Rover Evoque went on sale in October and sales totaled 2,244 in three months. The Range Rover Evoque has received more than 50 awards and recognitions, including Motor Trend’s 2012 Sport/Utility of the Year, Autoweek's "Best of Best" Truck, Road & Travel's International Truck of the Year, Land Rover's 2012 Model Year line-up features four models: The 230-hp 3.2 liter I6 powered LR2; the LR4 powered by the 375-hp 5.0 liter V8; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the Naturally-aspirated 375-hp V8 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. The Model Year 12 Range Rover Evoque luxury compact SUV went on sale in October. The 2012 Range Rover Evoque has a starting price of $43,995* for the five-door, and $44,995* for the coupe and achieves 28 MPG** EPA highway and 18 MPG** EPA city. Jaguar Jaguar's U.S. sales for the year were down 8 percent to 12,276 units, from 13,340 in 2010. The volume leader for 2011 was the Jaguar XF with 5,303 sales. The Jaguar XJ hit 5,235 sales, up 22 percent from 4,278 sales in 2010. The Jaguar XK coupe and convertible had a stable year with 1,738 sales, down 18 percent from 2,137 in 2010. For the month of December, Jaguar XF sales were up 23 percent with 601 units sold from 489 in 2010. Jaguar's 2012 Model Year line-up features three models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by either the naturally-aspirated 385-hp V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 or the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8; the Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by either the naturally-aspirated 385-hp V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 or, in the XFR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains; and the XK coupe and convertible sports cars powered by either the naturally-aspirated 385-hp V8, or for the XKR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. For 2012, Jaguar has added its highest performance model ever, the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S coupe and convertible with a 550-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrain. View full article

Mitsubishi Motors Sales Were Up 41.9 Percent in 2011 Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported December 2011 sales of 5,032 units, up 3.2 percent from December 2010. Mitsubishi's 2011 sales finished 41.9 percent more than sales in calendar year 2010. This marks Mitsubishi's highest full-year sales total since 2008. "The combination of fuel efficiency and performance presented by products like the Outlander Sport, Lancer, and Mitsubishi i are definitely resonating with customers," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "We are pleased that more consumers are choosing Mitsubishi products as they are beginning to feel more confident in the economy." The first retail sales of the all-new, all-electric Mitsubishi i began in December in California, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii. At the certified Mitsubishi i dealers in those four states, the Mitsubishi i is currently available for test drives. In response to tremendous consumer interest, Mitsubishi has decided to bring forward the national rollout of the Mitsubishi i by 9 months. Therefore the Mitsubishi i will be available for customer test drives at i-certified Mitsubishi dealerships across the U.S. in March, and the Mitsubishi i will be available for customer purchase across the U.S. by summer 2012. Customers can reduce their wait time by preordering the Mitsubishi i now at i-certified Mitsubishi dealerships or online at www.mitsubishicars.com. Other December sales highlights: The Outlander Sport model had its best month since July with an increase of 57.8% compared to December 2010. Outlander Sport production at Mitsubishi's plant in Normal, Illinois, will begin later this year. Lancer sales were up 4.6 percent compared to December 2010. View full article

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported 264,460 vehicles sold in 2011, representing the highest annual volume on record with a 17.5% increase over the 225,007 vehicles sold during the same period in 2010. On a month-to-date basis, 28,006 vehicles were sold in December, a 30.4% improvement over December 2010 (21,469). The all-new sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – was the volume leader for the year with sales of 69,314, up 17.9% over its year-to-date volume in 2010. The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 62,736, and the all-new versatile M-Class rounded out the top three with sales of 35,835. Total diesel units sold in 2011 numbered 14,358, an 85.2% increase over the same period last year. For December, sales at the high-end continued strong as the 2012 CLS-Class posted an increase of 155.2% for the month. The company also sold 86 of its supercar -- the SLS AMG -- up 79.2% from December 2010, bringing its year-to-date sales to 722. Separately, sales of Sprinter Vans also increased by 15.7% in December with sales of 1,595 – bringing a year-to-date total of 16,577 (up 93.7 % for the year). Sales of the smart fortwo totaled 710 vehicles in December, up 24.6% for the month (compared to the 570 vehicles sold in December 2010). For the year, smart brand sales were 5,208 (compared to 5,927 sold in 2010). Additionally, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,112 vehicles in December 2011, a decrease of 3.5%. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 74,571 vehicles, a decrease of 7.6% over the comparable period last year. View full article

and to think I nearly wasted all that time in college...

Cort - IM me about this please.

uhm.... what? Hydrogen fuel cell is just an electricity generator.... meaning it needs to be connected to an electric motor... which I would assume would be more than 50 hp. Something lost in the German -> English translation I presume?

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA REPORTS RECORD DECEMBER AND FULL-YEAR SALES Record 2011 Sales of 645,691 Up 20 Percent Sonata Achieves Top 5 Car Retail Sales Ranking with Over 200,000 Retail Sales COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 4, 2012 – Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 50,765 vehicles in December, a 13 percent total sales increase and 18 percent retail sales increase compared with the same record-setting period a year ago. For the year, Hyundai sales were up 20 percent versus 2010 in total, with sales to retail customers up 29 percent. Sales to fleet accounts represented just 10 percent of total sales for 2011 and three percent for the month of December. “We are encouraged by the present market fundamentals combined with consistent signals including brisk holiday selling that indicates a broader industry recovery,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America’s executive vice president of national sales. “We finished 2011 with solid momentum and much improved inventory levels and are enthusiastic about our prospects for 2012 as we continue to launch a broad array of new product entries.” The Alabama-built Sonata and North American Car of the Year finalist Elantra both set full-year records with sales of 225,961 units (up 15 percent) and 186,361 (up 41 percent) respectively. The all-new Accent saw an incredible year-over-year sales increase of 91 percent for the month of December and finished the year up seven percent over 2010. Hyundai’s premium models also performed well, with Genesis delivering 32,998 sales for the year, an increase of 13 percent over 2010, setting an all-time yearly record. In its very first year, Equus found 3,193 very satisfied owners, delivering over five percent market share of the premium sedan segment with residual values and J.D. Power APEAL ratings unsurpassed by Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi. Equus is powered by the 5.0L Tau GDI V8 429-horsepower engine, a 2011 Ward’s Ten Best engines winner. “December was another record-setting month and 2011 a record-setting year for Hyundai,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai sold a record 645,691 units this year, built over 420,000 cars right here in the U.S., and achieved an industry-leading 36.1 miles per gallon CAFÉ level doing it. “Sonata’s retail sales performance in 2011 was a real highlight for us. Along with Camry, Accord, Civic, and possibly Altima, the Hyundai Sonata was one of only five cars in the entire industry with retail sales (excluding fleet) over 200,000 units. Consumers tell us they have segment-leading levels of satisfaction with the bold design and real-world fuel economy of the Sonata – this recipe has been extremely successful for all of our new Hyundai products.” Hyundai Motor America December 2011 Sales Chart View full article

Toyota Reports December 2011 and Year-End Sales TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2012) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported December 2011 sales results of 178,131 units, flat compared to the same period last year on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis and raw volume basis. Toyota Division reported December sales of 152,776 units, up 1.9 percent over 2010. Lexus Division reported sales of 25,355 units, down 8.0 percent from the year-ago month. For the full year, TMS reported annual sales of 1,644,661 vehicles, down 7.0 percent from the same period in 2010 on a DSR basis, as inventory continued to recover from shortages due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. With 307 selling days in 2011 and 306 selling days in 2010, annual sales were down 6.7 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis. Toyota Division recorded year-end sales of 1,446,109 vehicles, a decrease of 6.1 percent from the prior year on a DSR basis and 5.7 percent on a volume basis. Lexus reported sales of 198,552 units in 2011, down 13.7 percent on a DSR basis from 2010. Volume-wise, Lexus Division year-end sales decreased 13.4 percent. Scion Division reported sales of 49,271 units for the year, up 7.5 percent over 2010 on a DSR basis and up 7.9 percent on a volume basis. "We are encouraged by the strong close of 2011 as December was our best volume month of the year. We successfully launched several new vehicles, including the all-new Camry, which retained its number one position for the tenth straight year, along with the Prius v, which attracted new customers to the Toyota family," said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "We begin 2012 with high expectations fueled by a strengthening economy, increasing consumer confidence and the biggest surge of new and updated products in our history. We thank our customers, dealers and business partners for their continued support and loyalty." Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded December sales of 83,422 units, up 5.6 percent over the year-ago month, and year-end sales of 796,133 units, down 6.5 percent. Camry and Camry Hybrid led passenger cars in December with combined sales of 33,506 units, an increase of 8.7 percent. Camry and Camry Hybrid also led passenger car sales for the year posting combined sales of 308,510 units. Corolla reported monthly sales of 21,009 units and annual sales of 240,259 units. The Prius family posted December sales of 17,004 units, up 8.7 percent compared to the year-ago month. For the year, Prius family recorded sales of 136,463 units. Avalon sales increased 20.0 percent with monthly sales of 3,230 units, and increased 1.6 percent with annual sales of 28,925 units. Toyota Division light trucks reported December sales of 69,354 units, down 2.2 percent from the same period last year, with year-end sales of 649,976 units, a decrease of 5.5 percent. With monthly sales of 14,107, the RAV4 compact SUV led light truck sales for December 2011. For the year, light truck sales were also led by RAV4 with sales of 132,237 units. For the month, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid increased 4.5 percent with combined sales of 11,777. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined annual sales of 101,252 units, an increase of 9.6 percent. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded monthly sales of 9,042 units, and year-end sales of 82,908 units. The Tacoma mid-size pickup reported sales of 12,140 for December 2011, up 10.7 percent over last year. Annually, Tacoma recorded sales of 110,705 units for 2011. Sienna posted December sales of 11,564 units, an increase of 31.0 percent versus the year-ago month. For the year, Sienna recorded sales of 111,429 units, up 12.9 percent over 2010. Scion reported December 2011 sales of 4,159 units, an increase of 5.1 percent, and annual sales of 49,271 units, up 7.5 percent over 2010. The Scion tC sports coupe recorded monthly sales of 1,587, and annual sales of 22,433 units, an increase of 47.5 percent. The xB urban utility vehicle recorded monthly sales of 1,587, and annual sales of 17,017 units. The x D posted sales of 880 units, up 6.8 percent over the year ago month, and 9,573 units for 2011. Lexus Division Lexus Division passenger cars reported December sales of 12,304 units, down 2.9 percent from December 2010, and year-end sales of 101,181 units, down 10.8 percent from 2010. For the month, the ES entry luxury sedan led Lexus passenger car sales of 4,882 units. The ES also led year-end sales with 40,873 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan recorded combined monthly sales of 3,629 units and annual sales of 29,669 units. The CT entry luxury hybrid sedan recorded monthly sales 2,259 units and annual sales of 14,381 units. Lexus Division light trucks reported December sales of 13,051 units, down 12.3 percent from the year-ago month, and year-end sales of 97,371 units, down 16.5 percent on a DSR basis over the previous year. The RX luxury utility vehicle led monthly and annual Lexus light truck sales with combined sales of 11,508 units and 82,595 units, respectively. TMS Hybrids In December, TMS posted sales of 23,172 hybrid vehicles, up 12.9 percent over December 2010. TMS hybrid sales in 2011 totaled 178,587 units. Toyota Division posted December sales of 19,364 hybrids, up 8.7 percent, and year-end sales of 150,253 hybrid units. Lexus Division posted sales of 3,808 hybrids for the month and 28,334 units for the full year, up 7.7 percent over 2010. *Unless otherwise noted, all percent change figures are reported on a daily selling rate basis. View full article

American Honda Reports December Sales Fit sets new monthly sales record; Odyssey and Pilot sales also increase 01/04/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported December monthly new-vehicle sales of 105,230, a decrease of 18.8 percent on a daily selling-rate* basis. American Honda's 2011 annual vehicle sales totaled 1,147,285, a decrease of 7.1 percent compared to 2010. The Honda Division's December monthly sales of 92,101 represented a decrease of 19.3 percent compared to 2010. Honda Division's 2011 annual sales of 1,023,986 decreased 6.9 percent compared to 2010. The three top-selling Honda models for 2011 were Accord, 235,625; Civic, 221,235; and CR-V, 218,373. "As we eagerly close one of the most challenging years American Honda has weathered, we are well-positioned for a strong 2012," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "Although we still had low inventory in December, our production levels are now back to normal. The new year brings the promise of positive momentum with the all-new CR-V now on sale and a concept version of the ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord Coupe to be unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show." Monthly Odyssey sales increased by 13.2 percent to 11,489, and Pilot sales increased 12.6 percent to 11,641. Additional models with monthly sales gains included Fit, up 5.7 percent to 5,138, setting a new December sales record, and Ridgeline with a sales increase of 21.2 percent to 1,468. The Acura Division's year-end sales totaled 123,299, down 8.0 percent compared to 2010 results. December Acura sales totaled 13,129, a decrease of 15.2 percent. The MDX led the division with annual sales of 43,271, followed by the TL with sales of 31,237 and the TSX with sales of 30,935. *The annual Daily Selling Rate (DSR) is calculated with 307 days for 2011 and 306 days for 2010. December 2011 and December 2010 both included 27 selling days. All percentages represent DSR. Honda America December 2011 Sales Chart View full article

KIA MOTORS' RECORD DECEMBER SALES INCREASE BY 42.5 PERCENT; FAST-GROWING KIA ACHIEVES ALL-TIME BEST FULL-YEAR SALES AND MARKET SHARE IN 2011 Kia Surpassed 485,000 Annual Sales for the First Time and Gained U.S. Market Share for the 17th Consecutive Year; Soul Tops 100,000 Units for the First Time IRVINE, Calif., January 4, 2012 - After surpassing its all-time best annual sales total in the first nine months of 2011, Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported record December sales of 43,390 units, a 42.5-percent increase over the same period in 2010, which contributed to the brand's best-ever full-year sales of 485,492 vehicles. Kia, one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.1, has achieved 16 straight monthly sales records, and 2011's 36.3-percent sales increase over 2010 far outpaced the industry. KMA's unprecedented gains follow an aggressive three-year sequence of new vehicle introductions that began with the Soul in 2009. In 2011, the popular urban passenger vehicle became KMA's second vehicle to exceed sales of 100,000 units. Kia's U.S.-built* products – Optima and Sorento – continued to be the brand's best performers for the third consecutive month, with Optima topping the sales chart for the first time since its introduction in late 2010. Kia's U.S. market share has risen for 17 straight years, including a 78-percent increase since 2008 to today's 3.8-percent2. "Kia is a much different company than just three years ago, and with one of the youngest and most acclaimed vehicle lineups in the industry, Kia's customer loyalty rate has dramatically improved and at the same time, more new car shoppers are looking at Kia than ever before as evidenced by our substantial sales and market share gains in 2011," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "The Kia brand is built on a commitment to offering our customers high-quality, stylish, fun-to-drive and fuel efficient vehicles that are packed with the latest technologies, amenities and safety features, and we will continue to deliver on that promise in 2012 and into the future with the introduction of more new models." Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality3 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking4. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan5. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan. Kia Motors December 2011 Sales Chart View full article

VOLKSWAGEN reports 26.3 percent inease in 2011 U.S. sales December sales total 32,502, best December since 1972 2011 sales total 324,402 units, a 26.3 percent increase over prior year sales Best year in sales since 2002 December sales total 32,502 units, a 36.2 percent increase over prior year sales and best December since 1972. Chattanooga-built Passat, finalist for North American Car of the Year, sold 22,779 units year-to-date, a 124 percent increase versus 2010; 6,884 units in December Jetta Sedan sales total12,422 units in December, a 54.5 percent increase versus 2010. 2012 Beetle achieved 1,530 units in December as production continues to ramp up Notable annual increases include: Golf up 22.8 percent, GTI up 22.6 percent, Eos up 12.6 percent and Touareg up 59.9 percent versus 2010. High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21.6 percent of sales in 2011 and 18.4 percent in December. Herndon, Va. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 324,402 units sold in 2011, a 26.3 percent increase over prior year sales. December sales totaled 32,502, up 36.2 percent over 2010, marking the best December since 1972. “December capped off a successful year of growth for Volkswagen of America,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “In addition to strong sales performance, in 2011 we opened an award-winning manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., launched the all-new Beetle and Passat - which won the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year - and the brand made the biggest improvement in Sales Satisfaction in the industry. We look forward to carrying this momentum into 2012.” The Chattanooga-built Passat, one of the three finalists for North American Car of the Year, outsold 2010’s volume by 124 percent selling 22,779 units, including 6,884 units for the month of December 2011. Jetta sedan sales totaled 150,515 for 2011 a 54.5 percent increase over 2010; in December 12,422 units were sold marking an 18 percent increase. The 2012 Beetle sold 5,626 units for the year, 1,530 for the month of December. GTI sales increased 22.6 percent for the year and 24.6 percent increase in December sales. The Touareg saw an increase in sales of 59.9 percent for the year and 38.6 percent for December. Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21.6 percent of sales in 2011 and 18.4 percent in December. Volkwagen December 2011 Sales Chart View full article

GM Authority got a shot of the interior gmauthority.com/blog/2012/01/spied-opel-mokka-buick-encore-interior/

Subaru Of America, Inc. Reports 2011 All-time Sales Record -- Strong Demand Leads to Third Successive Sales Record for Subaru Brand -- -- Subaru Only Maker to Post Sales Increases for Four Consecutive Years -- December 2011 Marks Best-Ever Sales Month for Brand CHERRY HILL, N.J., Jan 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record vehicle sales for 2011 of 266,989. Subaru has now posted sales records in each of the past three years and Subaru is the only manufacturer in the US to have posted four successive years of sales growth. The December sales total also marks Subaru's best-ever sales month, eclipsing the previous best month of August 2009 – the "Cash for Clunkers" month. The 2011 achievement for Subaru is all the more remarkable considering the company had to contend with significant production delays caused by the tsunami and earthquake in Japan in March 2011. To respond to strong consumer demand for its latest products, and to make up for lost production, Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries increased vehicle manufacture in the second half of 2011 and the company is now producing more cars per month than at any time in its history. Demand for the Subaru Legacy, Outback and Forester models continued to be strong in 2011 with Legacy and Outback setting individual records. The all-new 36 mpg Impreza began retail sales in November, boosting sales still further. With consumer demand so high, the company predicts a fourth record year in 2012 with sales likely to reach the milestone 300,000 mark. Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc said, "We are thrilled to close 2011 with a third consecutive sales record for Subaru. We need to thank our retailers, distributors, our employees and of course the dedication and commitment of Fuji Heavy Industries staff for making these results possible. 2011 was the best year in our history, but with our production levels now running at their highest ever, and our best ever line-up in place, we are committed to another record-setting year in 2012." "We are very pleased to welcome the 266,989 customers to the Subaru family," said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "With production now catching up to demand, our December sales show the potential for the Subaru brand for 2012. We delivered 34,000 cars in to dealers in December, beating our previous highest total by 5,000. Given how quickly our products are moving, we expect to reach another significant sales milestone in 2012." Subaru December 2011 Sales Chart View full article

IRVINE, Calif. (January 4, 2012) - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported December U.S. sales of 22,353 vehicles, an increase of 4.1 percent versus last year. On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, Mazda's December 2011 sales also were up 4.1 percent. December 2011 represented Mazda's best December since 2007, the strong sales showing attributable to the launch of the company's innovative SKYACTIV-G engine and SKYACTIV-Drive and -MT transmissions in the 2012 Mazda3 compact sedan and 5-door hatch. Closing out an up-and-down 2011 that saw consumers starting to return to showrooms, although still shopping as much as they were actually buying, Mazda's U.S. sales were up 9.1 percent over 2010, with 250,426 vehicles sold. Key December sales notes: - Mazda2 sales were up 60.9 percent, with 1,342 vehicles sold in December. - Mazda5 sales were up 52.5 percent, with 1,206 vehicles sold. - CX-9 crossover SUV sales were up 27.8 percent, with 4,206 vehicles sold. This represented the best-ever December for the award-winning three-row, seven-passenger CX-9. - Mazda3 sales of 9,264 vehicles accounted for a 2.7 percent increase over last year. The new 2012 Mazda3 features Mazda's innovative SKYACTIV-G engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission that achieves 40 MPG on the highway, all without sacrificing driving performance. Rounding out December sales for the North American market, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported its best-ever month with sales of 3,660 vehicles, accounting for a 10.0 percent increase versus last year. MMdM also celebrated its best-ever year in 2011 as sales surged 19.0 percent with 29,860 vehicles sold. In a very challenging market, Mazda Canada, Inc. (MCI) sold 4,868 vehicles in December, down 7.0 percent. For the year, MCI sold 69,186 vehicles, down 12.0 percent versus last year. View full article

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA SALES INCREASE 7.7% FOR RECORD DECEMBER - 2011 best-ever year for Nissan Div. up 17.3% on strength of Altima, Rogue, Versa - Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported record December U.S. sales of 100,927 units versus 93,730 units a year earlier, an increase of 7.7 percent. Nissan Division sales also set a new December record, increasing 10.7 percent for the month to 89,937 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles 12.1 decreased percent from the prior year, to 10,990 units. NNA finished the calendar year with 2011 sales totaling 1,042,534 units, with the Nissan Division seeing a record year with sales of 944,073 units and Infiniti closing the year with 98,461 deliveries. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS Nissan vehicles posted record December sales with 89,937 units, an increase of 10.7 percent over the 81,228 units sold in December 2010. In 2011, Nissan vehicles achieved a record, with sales of 944,073 units a 17.3 percent increase over 2010. The Nissan Altima continues to rank among the best-selling cars in the United States, with 25,976 units in December marking an increase of 12.9 percent over the prior year. Altima sales totaled 268,981 in 2011, a 17.3 percent increase from 2010 deliveries. Versa, spurred by the all-new 2012 Versa Sedan, saw record yearly sales, totaling 99,730 for 2011. The Rogue crossover also delivered a December record, as well as a calendar year record, with sales of 12,286 units in December (up 18.6 percent) contributing to an annual total of 124,543 a 25.1 percent increase over last year. Nissan’s truck lineup showed significant gains over last December, up 27.5 percent led by Frontier (up 48.7 percent) and Murano (up 13.3 percent). Sales of the 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF totaled 954 units in December, with deliveries totaling 9,674 since the vehicle’s December 2010 U.S. debut. With sales exceeding 21,000 globally, the Nissan LEAF is the world’s best-selling electric car. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS Infiniti sales totaled 10,990 units for December, a decrease of 12.1 percent versus 12,502 a year earlier. Calendar year sales for Infiniti were down 4.8 percent, with sales totaling 98,461 units in 2011 versus 103,411 units in 2010. Infiniti QX sales of 1,735 showed an increase of 7.8 percent for December, its best month in more than seven years, and the full-size luxury SUV had an increase of 12.7 percent 13,428 units for the year. With sales of 5,399 in December, the Infiniti G Sedan had its best month in 2011, contributing to an increase of 5.1 percent for the year. “Although 2011 had some unique challenges stemming from natural disasters in Japan and Thailand and uncertain economic conditions around the globe, Nissan managed the crisis better than most, allowing our lineup to gain momentum throughout the year,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Sales. “Strong consumer demand for vehicles like the Altima, Rogue, Versa and LEAF helped propel us to a record 2011. With new core Nissan models on the way, we expect 2012 to be even better.” 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. December 2011 had 27 selling days, as did December 2010. View full article