Drew Dowdell

Audi reports best-ever third quarter in U.S. sales history; brand continues strong arc toward setting all-time sales record in 2010 - September marks sixth record-breaking month of year - September 2010 sales of 8,151 vehicles rose 13.1% above September 2009, topping previous September record set in 2007 with 8,020 Audi vehicles sold - Third quarter 2010 sales of 25,150 vehicles marks all-time third quarter record for Audi U.S. sales, topping previous third quarter record set in 2007 with 22,767 Audi today sustained its 2010 momentum with record-setting September U.S. sales, which surpassed the prior September record set in 2007 by more than 100 vehicles. September 2010 sales of Audi cars and SUVs not only marked the sixth record month of 2010, but also represented the best third quarter ever in Audi U.S. sales history. The September 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 8,151 luxury cars and SUVs in September 2010, topping the previous September record set in 2007 with 8,020 vehicles sold. The September 2010 results were buoyed by the continued extraordinary consumer response by year-over-year sales increases for the Audi Q5 crossover and Audi A3. For the month, Audi sold 2,277 Q5 vehicles, a 105.9% increase over the 1,106 vehicles sold in September 2009. For September 2010, Audi reported A3 sales of 558, a 54.1% increase above the 362 vehicles sold a year earlier. Throughout much of the third quarter this year, Audi has enjoyed significant sales growth. September 2010 marks back-to-back record-setting months as August U.S. sales topped 9,182 vehicles sold. "There is no denying Audi's strong 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 – September 2010 - September 2010 ranks as the best September in Audi of America history. - Audi sales continue on track to set a U.S. record in 2010; third quarter 2010 sales of 25,150 topped the record of 22,767 set in 2007. - Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 September sales and news notes - Audi Q5 sales in September second only to A4. - Audi Q5 sales up 105.9% for September and 78.4% CYTD. Audi A3, A5 and A6 September sales and news notes - Audi A3 sales rose 54.1% in September; up 72% CYTD. - Audi A5 sales increased 18.7% in September; up 102% CYTD. - The Audi A6 luxury sedan continued sales resurgence: up 26.3% in September; up 29.6% CYTD. Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes - September 2010 CPO sales experienced 21.9% uptick to 2,275 vehicles from 1,867 a year earlier. - September 2010 was the best September for Audi CPO in the last six years, since 2004.

Volkswagen Of America Announces 14.9% Increase for September sales Jetta Leads the Way with Strong Month and First Sales of All-New 2011 Model HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported September sales of 19,943 total units, for an increase of 14.9 percent over September 2009. Year-to-date sales for the entire line of Volkswagen vehicles were up 20.6 percent over 2009. Jetta led the way with sales of 10,769 vehicles, marking a 12.6 percent increase over last year and the best sales month for Jetta since August 2009. Consumers began purchasing the all-new 2011 Jetta that arrived in showrooms late in the month. Volkswagen’s line of industry-leading clean diesel TDI models also showed particular strength in September with the second highest TDI mix ever at 27 percent of all Volkswagen vehicles sold during the month, indicating a growing importance of clean diesel TDI vehicles to consumers. Vehicles across the Volkswagen line showed strength in September. Combined Golf and GTI sales were up 252 percent; Tiguan sales were up 49.7 percent; Routan sales were up 33.9 percent; and Passat sedan sales showed a 10.6 percent increase for the month. “Sales of Volkswagen's full line of products continued to grow in September,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Jetta, which is core to our growth plans in North America, showed a strong month with the very first sales of the all-new 2011 Jetta. Our clean diesel TDI vehicles also showed strength, indicating consumers are increasingly seeking the performance and benefits of Volkswagen’s TDI technology.”

BMW Group U.S. Reports September 2010 Sales WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Oct. 1 -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported September sales of 23,112 vehicles, an increase of 20.5 percent from the 19,175 vehicles sold in September 2009. Year-to-date, the BMW Group also reported a sales volume of 192,052 vehicles, up 7.2 percent from the 179,219 units sold through September 2009. "It's still a tough market but the September numbers show that good results are possible," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America LLC. "We have been building momentum and narrowing the gap with our competitors and the October addition of the all-wheel-drive 5 Series to our model lineup will help us keep that momentum through the end of the year." BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles in September increased 21.1 percent for a total of 18,228 vehicles from the 15,047 units sold in September of last year. Year-to-date, BMW sales were up 9.2 percent to 157,464 vehicles from the 144,223 units sold in the same period of 2009. In September, best performing vehicles included the 3 Series, up 37.1 percent to 8,945 units. The X5 and X6 continue to perform very well with an increase of 160.7 percent and 122.3 percent, respectively.BMW Pre-Owned VehiclesSales of BMW's used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 14 percent to 13,540 vehicles from the 11,873 units sold in September last year. Year-to-date, used vehicle sales were up 6.4 percent to 126,601 vehicles from the 119,010 units sold in the same period of 2009. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported sales of 4,884 automobiles, an increase of 18.3 percent from the 4,128 cars sold last year. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 34,588 automobiles, a decrease of 1.2 percent from the 30,868 units sold last year.

Budget at least 4 hours or more....

Because when I loaded it up with basic stuff like fog lights and 16" alloys, I end up at $26,768.

Mercedes Benz Museum - Stuttgart Germany Here is the gallery of pictures from my trip to the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart last month. Enjoy! Some Highlights: