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Subaru has been on a roll in the U.S. with 79 months of steady month-over-month growth. But Subaru wants to spread that success to other markets and has a new five-year to try an achieve this. Today in Tokyo, Newly appointed Subaru President Tomomi Nakamura unveiled the plan known as STEP - speed, trust, engagement, and peace of mind. "The automotive industry is now in a tumultuous time. Subaru’s fast growth in recent years has come to highlight our challenges. The question is how we, as a small-scale company, will be able to survive in this big-changing area," said Nakamura. Subaru wants to increase global sales from the 1.1 million vehicles it expects to sell in the current fiscal year to 1.3 million vehicles in the fiscal year on March 31, 2026. To do this, Subaru is planning to launch a number of new products including a hybrid and a "global strategic SUV" in the early 2020s. Furthermore, Subaru will evolving their "Dynamic X Solid design language into a "bolder" expression" and "enhancing sporty models." On the technology front, Subaru is planning to offer Level 2 autonomous capability (i.e. Cadillac Super Cruise and Tesla's Autopilot) around 2020 and higher levels by 2024. It is also planning to offer some sort of connectivity in "80 percent of new vehicles in major markets" by 2022. STEP will also be focusing on regaining trust in Subaru's home market. Last year, Subaru admitted that it had uncertified workers carrying out tests on new cars for Japan for decades. Early this year, the scandal got worse as Subaru revealed that inspectors falsified fuel economy and emission data. It led Japan's transportation ministry to reprimand Subaru and 417,288 vehicles to be recalled in the country. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Companies (Quarterly): General Motors Co. - Up 4.6% (758,376 Vehicles Sold This Quarter, 1,474,170 Vehicles Sold This Year) Companies (Monthly): Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 46.2% (11,149 Vehicles Sold This Month, 67,327 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda North American Operations - Up 20.4% (26,893 Vehicles Sold This Month, 163,924 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai Motor America - Up 18% (63,256 Vehicles Sold This Month, 327,786 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 15% (59,841 Vehicles Sold This Month, 322,860 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 8.3% (4,892 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,421 Vehicles Sold This Year) FCA US LLC - Up 8% (202,264 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,115,476 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 7.2% (9,335 Vehicles Sold This Month, 59,566 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen of America - Up 5.7% (28,941 Vehicles Sold This Month, 172,898 Vehicles Sold This Year) American Honda Motor Co. - Up 4.8% (146,563 Vehicles Sold This Month, 787,824 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota Motor North America - Up 3.6% (209,602 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,189,312 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford Motor Company - Up 1.2% (230,635 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,277,691 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan Group - Up 1.2% (145,096 Vehicles Sold This Month, 780,695 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia Motors America - Up 0.8% (56,571 Vehicles Sold This Month, 293,563 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW Group U.S. - Up 0.5% (33,553 Vehicles Sold This Month, 176,022 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi of America - Up 0.3% (19,741 Vehicles Sold This Month, 107,942 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz USA - Down 9.9% (29,125 Vehicles Sold This Month, 176,408 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Brands (Quarterly): Buick - Down 12% (52,891 Vehicles Sold This Quarter, 109,695 Vehicles Sold This Year) Cadillac - Up 3% (39,222 Vehicles Sold This Quarter, 75,949 Vehicles Sold This Year) Chevrolet - Up 6.2% (528,100 Vehicles Sold This Quarter, 1,019,019 Vehicles Sold This Year) GMC - Up 6.6% (138,163 Vehicles Sold This Quarter, 269,507 Vehicles Sold This Year) Brands (Monthly): Acura - Up 3.5% (14,532 Vehicles Sold This Quarter, 75,949 Vehicles Sold This Year) Alfa Romeo - Up 121% (2,249 Vehicles Sold This Month, 12,265 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi - Up 0.3% (19,741 Vehicles Sold This Month, 107,942 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW - Up 1.5% (29,407 Vehicles Sold This Month, 153,386 Vehicles Sold This Year) Chrysler - Down 32% (13,484 Vehicles Sold This Month, 72,653 Vehicles Sold This Year) Dodge - Up 9% (46,387 Vehicles Sold This Month, 250,933 Vehicles Sold This Year) Fiat - Down 36% (1,426 Vehicles Sold This Month, 8,285 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford - Up 1.1% (221,101 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,227,422 Vehicles Sold This Year) Genesis - Down 50.7% (796 Vehicles Sold This Month, 7,262 Vehicles Sold This Year) Honda - Up 5% (132,031 Vehicles Sold This Quarter, 715,141 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai - Up 19.6% (64,052 Vehicles Sold This Month, 335,048 Vehicles Sold This Year) Infiniti - Down 12.8% (10,698 Vehicles Sold This Month, 72,170 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar - Down 20.1% (2,353 Vehicles Sold This Month, 14,787 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jeep - Up 19% (86,989 Vehicles Sold This Month, 495,022 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia - Up 0.8% (56,571 Vehicles Sold This Month, 293,563 Vehicles Sold This Year) Land Rover - Up 21.2% (6,982 Vehicles Sold This Month, 44,779 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lexus - Down 2.6% (23,750 Vehicles Sold This Month, 135,000 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lincoln - Up 2.8% (9,534 Vehicles Sold This Month, 50,269 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda - Up 20.4% (26,893 Vehicles Sold This Month, 163,924 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Down 9.7% (26,191 Vehicles Sold This Month, 158,848 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz Vans - Down 9.7% (2,808 Vehicles Sold This Month, 16,910 Vehicles Sold This Year) MINI - Down 6% (4,146 Vehicles Sold This Month, 22,636 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi - Up 46.2% (11,149 Vehicles Sold This Month, 67,327 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan - Up 2.5% (134,398 Vehicles Sold This Month, 708,525 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche - Up 8.3% (4,892 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,421 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ram Trucks - Up 6% (51,729 Vehicles Sold This Month, 260,341 Vehicles Sold This Year) Smart - Down 44.2% (126 Vehicles Sold This Month, 650 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru - Up 15% (59,841 Vehicles Sold This Month, 322,860 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota - Up 4.4% (185,852 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,04,312 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen - Up 5.7% (28,941 Vehicles Sold This Month, 172,898 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volvo - View full article

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Up 50.6% (9,338 Vehicles Sold This Month, 37,754 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 31.7% (12,416 Vehicles Sold This Month, 56,178 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 16.8% (9,469 Vehicles Sold This Month, 50,231 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda North American Operations - Up 15.1% (29,980 Vehicles Sold This Month, 137,031 Vehicles Sold This Year) FCA US LLC - Up 11% (214,294 Vehicles Sold This Month, 913,212 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai Motor America - Up 10.1% (66,056 Vehicles Sold This Month, 270,996 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 7.2% (60,146 Vehicles Sold This Month, 263,019 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 4.2% (5,005 Vehicles Sold This Month, 24,529 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen of America - Up 4% (31,211 Vehicles Sold This Month, 143,957 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW Group U.S. - Up 3.4% (30,888 Vehicles Sold This Month, 142,469 Vehicles Sold This Year) American Honda Motor Co. - Up 3.1% (153,069 Vehicles Sold This Month, 641,261 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia Motors America - Up 1.6% (59,462 Vehicles Sold This Month, 236,992 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford Motor Company - Up 0.7% (242,824 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,047,056 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi of America - Up 0.6% (19,315 Vehicles Sold This Month, 88,471 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz USA - Down 0.3% (30,187 Vehicles Sold This Month, 147,283 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota Motor North America - Down 1.3% (215,321 Vehicles Sold This Month, 979,710 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan North America - Down 4.1% (131,832 Vehicles Sold This Month, 635,599 Vehicles Sold This Year) Brands: Acura - Down 8% (12,819 Vehicles Sold This Month, 58,121 Vehicles Sold This Year) Alfa Romeo - Up 4% (2,377 Vehicles Sold This Month, 10,016 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi - Up 0.6% (19,315 Vehicles Sold This Month, 88,471 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW - Up 3.3% (26,662 Vehicles Sold This Month, 123,979 Vehicles Sold This Year) Chrysler - Down 18% (14,724 Vehicles Sold This Month, 75,146 Vehicles Sold This Year) Dodge - Up 4% (46,581 Vehicles Sold This Month, 204,546 Vehicles Sold This Year) Fiat - Down 46% (1,441 Vehicles Sold This Month, 6,859 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford - Up 1% (233,069 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,006,321 Vehicles Sold This Year) Genesis - Down 38.6% (1,076 Vehicles Sold This Month, 6,466 Vehicles Sold This Year) Honda - Up 4.3% (140,250 Vehicles Sold This Month, 583,140 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai - Up 11.5% (64,980 Vehicles Sold This Month, 264,530 Vehicles Sold This Year) Infiniti - Down 7.1% (11,625 Vehicles Sold This Month, 61,472 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar - Down 24% (2,366 Vehicles Sold This Month, 12,434 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jeep - Up 29% (97,287 Vehicles Sold This Month, 408,033 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia - Up 1.6% (59,462 Vehicles Sold This Month, 236,992 Vehicles Sold This Year) Land Rover - Up 42.3% (7,103 Vehicles Sold This Month, 37,797 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lexus - Down 0.1% (25,391 Vehicles Sold This Month, 111,250 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lincoln - Down 5.2% (9,755 Vehicles Sold This Month, 40,735 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda - Up 15.1% (29,980 Vehicles Sold This Month, 137,031 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Up 0.3% (26,976 Vehicles Sold This Month, 132,657 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz Vans - Up 1.1% (3,101 Vehicles Sold This Month, 14,102 Vehicles Sold This Year) MINI - Up 4% (4,226 Vehicles Sold This Month, 18,490 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi - Up 31.7% (12,416 Vehicles Sold This Month, 56,178 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan - Down 3.8% (120,207 Vehicles Sold This Month, 574,127 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche - Up 4.2% (5,005 Vehicles Sold This Month, 24,529 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ram Trucks - Up 2% (51,884 Vehicles Sold This Month, 208,612 Vehicles Sold This Year) Smart - Down 66.8% (110 Vehicles Sold This Month, 524 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru - Up 7.2% (60,146 Vehicles Sold This Month, 263,019 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota - Down 1.5% (189,930 Vehicles Sold This Month, 868,460 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen - Up 4% (31,211 Vehicles Sold This Month, 143,957 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volvo - Up 50.6% (9,338 Vehicles Sold This Month, 37,754 Vehicles Sold This Year) View full article

Hyundai Motor America Reports May 2018 Sales Total Sales Up 10 Percent Highest SUV Sales Month in Company History with 28,777 Sold; SUVs Represent 44 Percent of Sales Elantra Sales Up 27 Percent Kona Sales of 5,079 as Inventory Reaches All Hyundai Dealers FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America reported May sales of Hyundai- and Genesis-branded vehicles of 66,056 units, a 10 percent increase in comparison with May 2017. Hyundai's double digit increase was driven by its SUV family that again set several records. For the third month in a row, Hyundai reached its all-time SUV sales mark with sales up 41 percent over May of last year. Kona retailed more than 5,000 units as it solidly establishes itself in the segment with sales up 53 percent compared with April 2018. Tucson also had its best month ever with 12,991 total units, its 15th consecutive monthly record. Rounding out Hyundai's SUV family, Santa Fe sales were up 9 percent. In Hyundai's car lineup, Elantra had a strong month as sales increased 27 percent year over year, while Hyundai recently unveiled a new Sonata pricing strategy that delivers even more content and value throughout the various packages and trims. Sales by Brand May-18 May-17 2018 YTD 2017 YTD Hyundai 64,980 58,259 264,530 283,565 Genesis 1,076 1,752 6,466 8,288 TOTAL 66,056 60,011 270,996 291,853 Hyundai Brand Highlights "Hyundai SUV sales represented 44 percent of May's total, a good indication that our expanding SUV lineup is putting our mix more in line with customer demand," said John Angevine, director, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. "Kona is also off to a great retail start and Elantra's 27 percent gain on the month led Hyundai sedans that are gaining market share." Hyundai Model Sales Vehicle May-18 May-17 2018 YTD 2017 YTD Accent 2,471 5,773 12,705 27,487 Azera 8 326 612 1,551 Elantra 20,762 16,407 81,870 86,955 Kona 5,079 0 10,953 0 Santa Fe 10,707 9,844 48,659 47,426 Sonata 10,728 12,605 44,169 66,768 Tucson 12,991 10,600 53,776 41,707 Veloster 728 800 4,692 7,271 Ioniq 1,506 1,827 7,093 3,475 Genesis Brand Highlights Genesis Motor America reported sales of 1,076 in May, a 39 percent decrease compared with the year prior. This past month, Genesis unveiled the Essentia Concept to critical reception at the Cannes Film Festival and Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, following its debut at the New York International Auto Show. In third-party accolades that affirm the momentum of the Genesis brand, G80 Sport received a 5-star overall rating by NHTSA, and G90 was named "Best Winter Luxury Vehicle" by the New England Motor Press Association. Genesis Model Sales Vehicle May-18 May-17 2018 YTD 2017 YTD G80 840 1,355 5,004 6,372 G90 236 397 1,462 1,916

Author's Note: As we reported last month, General Motors will be reporting their sales numbers quarterly. The next time you will see GM and their subsequent brands will be in June. -WM Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Up 17% (8,333 Vehicles Sold This Month, 28,416 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi of America - Up 7.4% (20,090 Vehicles Sold This Month, 50,052 Vehicles Sold This Year) FCA US LLC - Up 5% (184,149 Vehicles Sold This Month, 698,918 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen of America - Up 4.5% (28,794 Vehicles Sold This Month, 112,746 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW Group U.S. - Up 4.2% (27,213 Vehicles Sold This Month, 111,581 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 2.1% (30,115 Vehicles Sold This Month, 117,096 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 1.5% (53,170 Vehicles Sold This Month, 202,873 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 0.7% (5,570 Vehicles Sold This Month, 19,524 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar Land Rover North America - 0% (8,467 Vehicles Sold This Month, 40,762 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda North American Operations - Down 4.6% (23,056 Vehicles Sold This Month, 107,051 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi Motors North America - Down 4.6% (7,990 Vehicles Sold This Month, 43,762 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford Motor Company - Down 4.7% (204,651 Vehicles Sold This Month, 804,232 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota Motor North America - Down 4.7% (192,348 Vehicles Sold This Month, 764,381 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia Motors America - Down 5.2% (50,585 Vehicles Sold This Month, 177,530 Vehicles Sold This Year) American Honda Motor Co. - Down 9.2% (125,701 Vehicles Sold This Month, 488,192 Vehicles Sold This Year) Maserati North America, Inc. - Down 24.9% (950 Vehicles Sold This Month, 3,663 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan North America - Down 28.1% (87,764 Vehicles Sold This Month, 503,767 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai Motor America - Brands: Acura - Down 15.9% (11,888 Vehicles Sold This Month, 45,302 Vehicles Sold This Year) Alfa Romeo - Up 173% (1,847 Vehicles Sold This Month, 7,639 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi - Up 7.4% (20,090 Vehicles Sold This Month, 50,052 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW - Up 3.8% (23.482 Vehicles Sold This Month, 97,317 Vehicles Sold This Year) Chrysler - Down 18% (14,189 Vehicles Sold This Month, 60,422 Vehicles Sold This Year) Dodge - Up 4% (40,994 Vehicles Sold This Month, 157,965 Vehicles Sold This Year) Fiat - Down 45% (1,404 Vehicles Sold This Month, 5,418 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford - Down 4.3% (196,133 Vehicles Sold This Month, 773,252 Vehicles Sold This Year) Genesis - Honda - Down 8.4% (113,813 Vehicles Sold This Month, 422,890 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai - Infiniti - Down 17% (8,960 Vehicles Sold This Month, 49,847 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar - Down 37% (2,019 Vehicles Sold This Month, 10,068 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jeep - Up 20% (82,641 Vehicles Sold This Month, 310,746 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia - Down 5.2% (50,585 Vehicles Sold This Month, 177,530 Vehicles Sold This Year) Land Rover - Up 24% (6,448 Vehicles Sold This Month, 30,694 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lexus - Down 2.1% (21,642 Vehicles Sold This Month, 85,853 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lincoln - Down 12.1% (8,518 Vehicles Sold This Month, 30,980 Vehicles Sold This Year) Maserati - Down 24.9% (950 Vehicles Sold This Month, 3,663 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda - Down 4.6% (23,056 Vehicles Sold This Month, 107,051 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Up 1% (27,207 Vehicles Sold This Month, 105,681 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz Vans - Up 28.4% (2,815 Vehicles Sold This Month, 11,001 Vehicles Sold This Year) MINI - Up 7.2% (3,731 Vehicles Sold This Month, 14,264 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi - Down 4.6% (7,990 Vehicles Sold This Month, 43,762 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan - Down 29.1% (78,804 Vehicles Sold This Month, 453,920 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche - Up 0.7% (5,570 Vehicles Sold This Month, 19,524 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ram Trucks - Down 9% (43,074 Vehicles Sold This Month, 156,728 Vehicles Sold This Year) Smart - Down 74.5% (93 Vehicles Sold This Month, 414 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru - Up 1.5% (53,170 Vehicles Sold This Month, 202,873 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota - Down 5.1% (170,706 Vehicles Sold This Month, 678,528 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen - Up 4.5% (28,794 Vehicles Sold This Month, 112,746 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volvo - Up 17% (8,333 Vehicles Sold This Month, 28,416 Vehicles Sold This Year) View full article

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS APRIL 2018 SALES RESULTS Sales totaled 28,794 units, an increase of 4.5 percent compared to April 2017. Year-to-date sales totaled 112,746 units, an increase of 8.6 percent over 2017 and highest volume YTD since 2014. Sales of the all-new 2018 Tiguan totaled 7,637 units. Sales of the Chattanooga-built Atlas totaled 5,404 units. Herndon, VA — (May 1, 2018) Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported sales of 28,794 units delivered in April 2018, an increase of 4.5 percent over April 2017. With 112,746 units delivered year-to-date in 2018, the company is reporting an 8.6 percent increase in year-over-year sales. “We are encouraged with the brand’s continued growth in the market, driven by the success of our two new SUVs,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen of America. “We are also excited to have the all-new 2019 Jetta going on sale later this month, adding to the positive momentum.” April 2018 proved to be another growth month for Volkswagen, driven by sales of the Atlas and 2018 Tiguan with 5,404 and 7,637 units delivered respectively. Overall sales reflected the impact of Volkswagen’s move to offer a more family-friendly lineup, with SUVs accounting for nearly 50 percent of total volume for the Volkswagen brand in year-over-year sales. The all-new 2019 Jetta is expected to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers later this month. The Jetta is one of the world’s most successful sedans, with more than 17 million models sold worldwide, including more than 3.2 million of those vehicles in the U.S. The 2019 Jetta offers a bolder design, more interior space and new technology. For the 2018 model year, most new Volkswagen vehicles in the U.S. will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration. April 2018 Sales April 18 April 17 Yr/Yr% change April 18 YTD April 17 YTD Yr/Yr% change Golf 780 1,249 -37.6% 2,693 4,591 -41.3% GTI 1,385 1,702 -18.6% 6,511 7,307 -10.9% Golf R 892 367 143.1% 1,241 1,828 -32.1% e-Golf 128 307 -58.3% 668 1,274 -47.6% Golf SportWagen 1,481 3,562 -58.4% 5,565 10,164 -45.2% Total Golf Family 4,666 7,187 -35.1% 16,678 25,164 -33.7% Jetta Sedan 4,302 9,398 -54.2% 18,912 33,961 -44.3% Jetta SportWagen (now Golf SportWagen) 11 N/A N/A 51 N/A N/A Total Jetta 4,313 9,398 -54.1% 18,963 33,961 -44.2% Beetle Coupe 850 732 16.1% 3,366 3,096 8.7% Beetle Convertible 619 765 -19.1% 1,981 2,309 -14.2% Total Beetle 1,469 1,497 -1.9% 5,347 5,405 -1.1% Passat 4,044 6,148 -34.2% 13,806 24,415 -43.5% CC 44 150 -70.7% 196 712 -72.5% Tiguan Limited 1,047 2,939 -64.4% 6,377 13,150 -51.5% 2018 Tiguan 7,637 N/A N/A 29,735 N/A N/A Touareg 170 238 -28.6% 1,108 1,040 6.5% Atlas 5,404 N/A N/A 20,536 N/A N/A TOTAL 28,794 27,557 4.5% 112,746 103,847 8.57%

There's a war going on between Cadillac and Lincoln. With the new Navigator, Lincoln has a very compelling alternative to Cadillac's aging Escalade. But Cadillac is fighting back by dumping a bunch of cash on the hood. Bloomberg obtained a memo sent to Cadillac dealers that announces a new promotion where current lease customers of 2016 Escalades are being offered a $10,000 discount on a new Escalade. Owners of 2016 Escalades have to make do with a $7,500 discount. The promotion runs until the end of May. GM Spokesman Jim Cain confirmed the promotion to Bloomberg. This isn't the first time Cadillac has put a huge amount of money onto the hood of the Escalade. Back in November, Cadillac was offering owners of Lincoln models from 1999 to the current model year a $5,000 discount on an Escalade. Cadillac still holds a significant edge over the Navigator in terms of sales - 8,111 Escalades vs. 4,062 Navigators through March. But Lincoln is gaining ground with Navigators only sitting on dealer lots 10 days on average. “GM is trying to keep Escalade buyers out of Navigators, for sure. You’ve got a fresh Navigator and you’ve got an Escalade that is not new and is starting to age,” said Jeff Schuster, an analyst at LMC Automotive. “This is a particular battle that GM doesn’t want to lose ground in. It speaks to the importance of the Escalade.” Source: Bloomberg View full article

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Up 53.7% (8,233 Vehicles Sold This Month, 20,083 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda North American Operations - Up 35.7% (33,302 Vehicles Sold This Month, 83,995 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 21.7% (14,319 Vehicles Sold This Month, 35,772 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen of America - Up 17.8% (32,548 Vehicles Sold This Month, 83,952 Vehicles Sold This Year) General Motors Co. - Up 15.7% (296,341 Vehicles Sold This Month, 715,794 Vehicles Sold This Year) FCA US LLC - Up 14% (216,063 Vehicles Sold This Month, 514,769 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 10% (14,232 Vehicles Sold This Month, 32,295 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi of America - Up 7.4% (20,090 Vehicles Sold This Month, 50,052 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 6.2% (4,756 Vehicles Sold This Month, 13,954 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 5.9% (58,097 Vehicles Sold This Month, 149,703 Vehicles Sold This Year) American Honda Motor Co. - Up 3.8% (142,392 Vehicles Sold This Month, 362,491 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota Motor North America - Up 3.5% (222,782 Vehicles Sold This Month, 572,033 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford Motor Company - Up 3.4% (244,306 Vehicles Sold This Month, 599,581 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia Motors America - Up 2.5% (50,645 Vehicles Sold This Month, 126,945 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW Group U.S. - Down 0.4% (35,842 Vehicles Sold This Month, 84,368 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz USA - Down 2.7% (31,484 Vehicles Sold This Month, 86,981 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan North America - Down 3.7% (162,535 Vehicles Sold This Month, 416,003 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai Motor America - Down 11% (61,540 Vehicles Sold This Month, 148,877 Vehicles Sold This Year) Maserati North America, Inc. - Brands: Acura - Up 15.7% (13,537 Vehicles Sold This Month, 33,414 Vehicles Sold This Year) Alfa Romeo - Up 364% (2,576 Vehicles Sold This Month, 5,792 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi - Up 7.4% (20,090 Vehicles Sold This Month, 50,052 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW - Up 1% (31,311 Vehicles Sold This Month, 73,835 Vehicles Sold This Year) Buick - Up 28% (26,834 Vehicles Sold This Month, 56,804 Vehicles Sold This Year) Cadillac - Up 12.7% (14,494 Vehicles Sold This Month, 36,727 Vehicles Sold This Year) Chevrolet - Up 15.6% (199,367 Vehicles Sold This Month, 490,919 Vehicles Sold This Year) Chrysler - Up 15% (19,499 Vehicles Sold This Month, 46,233 Vehicles Sold This Year) Dodge - Down 2% (49,184 Vehicles Sold This Month, 116,971 Vehicles Sold This Year) Fiat - Down 47% (1,544 Vehicles Sold This Month, 4,014 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford - Up 3.6% (234,954 Vehicles Sold This Month, 577,119 Vehicles Sold This Year) Genesis - Down 21% (1,386 Vehicles Sold This Month, 4,362 Vehicles Sold This Year) GMC - Up 11.4% (55,646 Vehicles Sold This Month, 131,344 Vehicles Sold This Year) Honda - Up 2.6% (128,855 Vehicles Sold This Month, 329,077 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai - Down 10.9% (60,154 Vehicles Sold This Month, 144,515 Vehicles Sold This Year) Infiniti - Down 4.6% (17,432 Vehicles Sold This Month, 40,887 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar - Down 34% (3,260 Vehicles Sold This Month, 8,049 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jeep - Up 45% (98,382 Vehicles Sold This Month, 228,105 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia - Up 2.5% (50,645 Vehicles Sold This Month, 126,945 Vehicles Sold This Year) Land Rover - Up 38% (10,972 Vehicles Sold This Month, 24,246 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lexus - Down 3.2% (27,032 Vehicles Sold This Month, 64,211 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lincoln - Down 2.1% (9,352 Vehicles Sold This Month, 22,462 Vehicles Sold This Year) Maserati - Mazda - Up 35.7% (33,302 Vehicles Sold This Month, 83,995 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Down 2.4% (28,407 Vehicles Sold This Month, 78,474 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz Vans - Up 3.3% (2,967 Vehicles Sold This Month, 8,186 Vehicles Sold This Year) MINI - Down 9.1% (4,531 Vehicles Sold This Month, 10,533 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi - Up 21.7% (14,319 Vehicles Sold This Month, 35,772 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan - Down 3.6% (145,103 Vehicles Sold This Month, 375,116 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche - Up 6.2% (4,756 Vehicles Sold This Month, 13,954 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ram Trucks - Down 13% (44,878 Vehicles Sold This Month, 113,654 Vehicles Sold This Year) Smart - Down 71.7% (110 Vehicles Sold This Month, 321 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru - Up 5.9% (58,097 Vehicles Sold This Month, 149,703 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota - Up 4.5% (195,750 Vehicles Sold This Month, 507,822 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen - Up 17.8% (32,548 Vehicles Sold This Month, 83,952 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volvo - Up 53.7% (8,233 Vehicles Sold This Month, 20,083 Vehicles Sold This Year) View full article

FCA US Reports 2018 March Sales FCA US reports best March retail sales in 17 years Jeep® brand reports best month of total sales ever Jeep Wrangler reports best month of total sales ever Ram Light Duty retail sales increased 8 percent April 3, 2018 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported March 2018 sales of 216,063 vehicles, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in March 2017 of 190,254 vehicles. The company reported retail sales of 162,304 vehicles, up 11 percent from March 2017. It was the best month of March retail sales since the company sold 170,545 vehicles in March 2001. Total sales were the highest since March 2006 when the company sold 216,865 vehicles. Fleet accounted for 25 percent of overall sales. Jeep® Brand Jeep brand total sales rose 45 percent in March to 98,382 vehicles for its best month ever. The Jeep Wrangler led the group as sales rose 70 percent to 27,829 vehicles. It was the best month of sales ever for the nameplate, eclipsing the May 2015 record of 22,615 vehicles. Jeep Cherokee sales increased 63 percent to 23,764 vehicles for its best March sales ever. Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales declined 13 percent to 44,878 vehicles compared with the previous year. However, retail sales of the Ram Light Duty pickup truck rose 8 percent to 26,050 vehicles. The new 2019 Ram 1500 pickup truck began shipping to dealers in the second half of the month. The truck is being produced at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand total sales rose 15 percent in March to 19,499 vehicles compared with the same month a year ago. The Chrysler Pacifica minivan posted a 40 percent sales increase while the Chrysler 300 rose 25 percent. Dodge Brand Dodge brand total sales declined 2 percent to 49,184. Sales of the Dodge Challenger rose 31 percent to 8,150 vehicles. FIAT Brand Sales of Fiat declined 47 percent to 1,544 vehicles. Alfa Romeo Brand Alfa Romeo brand sales of 2,576 vehicles were up significantly compared with the same month a year ago. Giulia led the brand with 1,284 sales followed by Stelvio at 1,270 vehicles. FCA US LLC Sales Summary March 2018 Month Sales Vol % CYTD Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Compass 17,302 2,651 553% 43,520 8,552 409% Patriot 100 5,968 -98% 364 16,180 -98% Wrangler 27,829 16,336 70% 55,504 41,311 34% Cherokee 23,764 14,589 63% 50,610 40,755 24% Grand Cherokee 19,616 20,374 -4% 53,448 56,600 -6% Renegade 9,771 8,065 21% 24,659 25,345 -3% JEEP BRAND 98,382 67,983 45% 228,105 188,743 21% Ram P/U 41,307 46,384 -11% 103,964 119,199 -13% Cargo Van 0 0 0% 0 0 ProMaster Van 2,451 4,048 -39% 6,457 10,047 -36% ProMaster City 1,120 1,317 -15% 3,233 3,333 -3% RAM BRAND 44,878 51,749 -13% 113,654 132,579 -14% 200 189 2,565 -93% 659 6,620 -90% 300 6,223 4,969 25% 12,992 15,063 -14% Town & Country 1 95 -99% 3 341 -99% Pacifica 13,086 9,340 40% 32,579 25,052 30% CHRYSLER BRAND 19,499 16,969 15% 46,233 47,076 -2% Dart 87 1,578 -94% 252 4,658 -95% Avenger 0 0 100% 1 0 Charger 8,504 8,236 3% 21,265 22,319 -5% Challenger 8,150 6,225 31% 17,648 15,725 12% Viper 6 71 -92% 9 178 -95% Journey 10,275 11,858 -13% 18,419 34,400 -46% Caravan 16,292 15,602 4% 43,144 40,054 8% Durango 5,870 6,506 -10% 16,233 16,729 -3% DODGE BRAND 49,184 50,076 -2% 116,971 134,063 -13% 500 439 1,671 -74% 1,309 4,020 -67% 500L 173 106 63% 395 284 39% 500X 607 726 -16% 1,579 1,966 -20% Spider 325 419 -22% 731 961 -24% FIAT BRAND 1,544 2,922 -47% 4,014 7,231 -44% Giulia 1,284 484 165% 3,085 965 220% Alfa 4C 22 71 -69% 54 141 -62% Stelvio 1,270 0 New 2,653 0 New ALFA ROMEO 2,576 555 364% 5,792 1,106 424% FCA US LLC 216,063 190,254 14% 514,769 510,798 1% Total Car & MPV 54,781 51,432 7% 134,126 136,381 -2% Total UV's 116,404 87,073 34% 266,989 241,838 10% Total Truck & LCV 44,878 51,749 -13% 113,654 132,579 -14%

The new Honda Accord has been lauded by the automotive press for its design, improved ride and interior, and noticeable increases in fuel economy. In fact, the Accord has been named North American Car of the Year. But dealers are struggling to move the new Accord off lots. In February, sales of the Accord dropped 15.8 percent when compared to the year before. According to Automotive News, inventory levels of the Accord stood at a 104-day supply at the beginning of this month - very high by Honda's sparse count. Some dealers have been turning away shipments from the Marysville, Ohio plant. "Where lease is heavy, like Florida, New York, Ohio and California, that's where we're getting hurt. When you get two cars as close as they are, it's not that much better than the Camry that people are going to pay $50, $60 [or] $80 more a month," said Rick Case, CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. One of Case's dealers in Florida has more than 600 Accords in stock, about 200 more than its usual stock. They have turned away some Accords in January an February. Sources told Automotive News that dealers in the Miami area have turned down around 1,000 Accords since they have too many sitting on their lots. One reason is how consumers are trending towards to crossovers over midsize sedans. But dealers who spoke with Automotive News say there is another reason - the lack of attractive leasing options. The new Accord has a higher starting price than the previous-generation model which in turn raises the price of a lease. Honda's website lists a 36-month lease for the base Accord LX at $249 per month with a $3,199 down payment. Meanwhile, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease in the Detroit area for $229 per month with a $1,999 down payment. In other regions, the Camry deal becomes even sweeter. In the Miami area, Toyota is offering a 36-month Camry LE lease for $199 per month with a $3,198 down payment. The various accolades and high-quality that have been key Accord attributes aren't working at the moment. "The quality gap has narrowed between the domestics, Honda and Toyota. When you're buying a car, you have a great story to tell a customer. When you're leasing, they say, 'Well, it has at least three years of warranty on it.' They're just renting it anyway. It is an uphill battle," said a Honda dealer in the Detroit area. Dave Conant, owner of Conant Auto Retail Group which has four Honda dealers in California says he understand why Honda isn't throwing money at the Accord at the moment due to big investment to get it on the road. But he wouldn't be shocked if the automaker offers some sort of incentive support, especially in terms of leases later in the year. "I'll be surprised if we don't see some help in April or May. They're not going to let the car sit on the lot. Without the incentive support, the payment from the car [that customers are] trading to the new one — the gap is too large. They need to do something to bring that closer, and the car will start selling and leasing well again," said Conant. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

If you have been following auto sales for the past few years, then you know that SUVs and trucks currently dominate the sales charts partly due to the low gas prices. This is especially true when it comes to the luxury segment, where utility models are eating sedans. But a new report from The New York Times reveals that American automakers are eating the lunches of luxury car manufacturers. According to data from Edmunds, the likes of Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC have seen their share of domestic sales of models with an average price of $60,000 steadily climbing, while luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Lexus have been declining. GMC, in particular, has shown the largest growth, accounting 11.3 percent of domestic sales of $60,000-plus models in 2017. Five years ago, the brand only made up 0.1 percent of those sales. A lot of this credit can be laid at the feet of GMC's Denali brands. At a recent investor conference, GM showed data that the Denali line had an average sale price of $56,000 - more than the average price of an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz. “This thing is a money machine,” said GM's president Dan Ammann about Denali. Over at Ford, more than half of F-150 sales are made up by the Lariat, King Ranch, Raptor models. Only a few years ago, those models made up a third. Why are American automakers seeing a massive increase in expensive SUVs and trucks? Part of it comes down to price, but there is also the image. “We’ve been taking in Lexuses on trade-ins, BMWs," said Gary Gilchrist, owner of a GMC dealer in Tacoma, Washington. “People used to want German cars for the image factor. Now, if you have a Denali, you get that. People turn their heads to look.” Source: New York Times View full article

Tesla's production hell seems to be only getting worse than better. Various issues at their Freemont plant has caused the automaker to push back their goal of producing 5,000 Model 3s from late last year to June of this year. This, in turn, has caused some holders of Model 3 reservations to have their order pushed back to 2019. “As we work hard to meet demand, we wanted to let you know that your estimated delivery timing has been adjusted to a slightly later window,” Tesla said in an email to customers. According to Bloomberg, the new date depends on when the reservation was placed and what model was chosen. Tesla is trying to get the more expensive long-range battery model out first before starting production of the cheaper standard battery model. This has buyers of the latter model worried as they might not get the full $7,500 tax credit. The credit begins to phase out once an automaker has built 200,000, something Tesla expects to hit sometime this year. The move has caused some reservation holders to take to various forums and Twitter to complain. Others are deciding to jump ship and buy a Chevrolet Bolt. Reuters reports that Chevrolet dealers in California are seeing a noticeable increase of Tesla shoppers interested in the Bolt. “We’re getting the Tesla people who wanted their Model 3. We ask them, ‘What other cars are you interested in?’ They’re mostly Tesla. But they want the car now. They don’t want to wait,” said Yev Kaplinskiy of Stewart Chevrolet. Kaplinskiy said they sold 15 Bolts last weekend. Chevrolet is taking advantage of the delay by emailing some prospective buyers this week with the message of, “Bolt EV: Now available.” Source: Bloomberg, Reuters View full article

Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed that it is not planning to sell any more diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. Speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Mercedes' head of R&D Ola Kallenius said there isn't enough demand for diesels with the three-pointed star - citing they only made up three percent of total sales in their best year. A lot of the decrease can be laid at the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal. “The diesel doesn’t fit into our portfolio in the U.S.,” said Kallenius. There will be one group of Mercedes-Benz models that will be keeping diesel engines, the Sprinter vans. Sales of these models are continuing to rise. Source: The Detroit Bureau View full article

FCA US Reports 2017 December and Full-year Sales Chrysler Pacifica minivan posts best December sales ever Ram Truck brand records full-year sales increase in 2017 versus 2016 A 42 percent year-over-year decline in fleet sales for December is in line with the FCA US strategy to reduce sales to the daily rental segment January 3, 2018 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported sales of 171,946 units, an 11 percent decrease compared with sales in December 2016 (192,519 units). In December, retail sales of 150,772 units were down 3 percent compared with the same month in 2016 and represented 88 percent of total sales. In line with FCA’s strategy to reduce sales to the daily rental segment, fleet sales of 21,174 units were down, as expected, 42 percent year over year. The largest planned volume reduction in December fleet sales came from the Jeep® brand, which reduced its fleet sales number by 75 percent year over year. Fleet sales represented 12 percent of total FCA US December sales. The Chrysler Pacifica minivan posted an 8 percent year-over-year increase for its best December sales ever. The Fiat 124 Spider recorded its best December sales as well. Other FCA US vehicles posting year-over-year sales increases in the month of December were the Chrysler 300, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Compass and Ram ProMaster City. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 3 percent in December, compared with the same month a year ago. Both the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan posted sales increases in December. Sales of the 300 were up 60 percent for its best December sales since 2012. For the second-consecutive year, the Pacifica captured both the Minivan and Family Vehicle Best Buy awards from the automotive editors at Consumer Guide Automotive. Jeep Brand Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee delivered year over year increases for December. Sales of the Cherokee were up 18 percent in December, compared with the same month a year ago. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has earned a Residual Value Award from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, in the Off-road Utility segment. For the full year, Jeep Grand Cherokee sales increased 13 percent, compared with sales in 2016. FIAT Brand Sales of the Fiat 124 Spider were up 15 percent year over year for its best December sales ever. For the second-consecutive year, the 124 Spider took home a Best Buy award in the Sporty Performance Car category from Consumer Guide Automotive. Dodge Brand The Dodge Durango full-size SUV posted its best full year of sales since 2006. The Durango – for the sixth-consecutive year – earned the Best Buy award in the Large SUV category from Consumer Guide Automotive. In addition, Strategic Vision named the Dodge Charger to its “Most Loved Vehicles in America” list for the fourth-consecutive year. Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales were up year over year in 2017 versus 2016. In addition, sales of the Ram pickup truck edged up year over year in 2017 versus the previous year. For the 10th-consecutive year, the Ram pickup captured the Best Buy award for Large Pickup Truck from Consumer Guide Automotive. Alfa Romeo Brand Alfa Romeo brand sales of 2,034 units were up significantly compared with the same month a year ago and recorded its strongest monthly sales of 2017. Furthermore, Motor Trend named the Alfa Romeo Giulia as its 2018 Car of the Year, best representing exceptional value, superiority in its class and impact on the automotive scene. FCA US LLC Sales Summary December 2017 Month Sales Vol % CYTD Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Compass 8,743 7,954 10% 83,253 94,061 -11% Patriot 240 7,809 -97% 40,735 121,926 -67% Wrangler 13,700 15,721 -13% 190,522 191,774 -1% Cherokee 19,358 16,380 18% 169,882 199,736 -15% Grand Cherokee 23,622 23,250 2% 240,696 212,273 13% Renegade 7,542 12,045 -37% 103,434 106,606 -3% JEEP BRAND 73,205 83,159 -12% 828,522 926,376 -11% 200 332 2,643 -87% 18,457 57,294 -68% 300 5,726 3,584 60% 51,237 53,241 -4% Town & Country 6 266 -98% 577 59,071 -99% Pacifica 11,144 10,283 8% 118,274 62,366 90% CHRYSLER BRAND 17,208 16,776 3% 188,545 231,972 -19% Dart 139 1,525 -91% 10,082 43,402 -77% Charger 6,830 7,237 -6% 88,351 95,437 -7% Challenger 4,508 5,257 -14% 64,537 64,433 0% Viper 9 59 -85% 585 630 -7% Journey 4,227 9,768 -57% 89,470 106,759 -16% Caravan 6,623 6,687 -1% 125,196 127,678 -2% Durango 5,547 5,796 -4% 68,761 68,474 0% DODGE BRAND 27,885 36,329 -23% 446,996 506,858 -12% Ram P/U 44,907 47,556 -6% 500,723 489,418 2% ProMaster Van 3,352 4,694 -29% 40,483 40,440 0% ProMaster City 1,617 1,347 20% 15,584 15,972 -2% RAM BRAND 49,876 53,597 -7% 556,790 545,851 2% 500 667 1,411 -53% 12,685 15,437 -18% 500L 111 102 9% 1,664 3,118 -47% 500X 673 843 -20% 7,665 11,712 -35% Spider 287 250 15% 4,478 2,475 81% FIAT BRAND 1,738 2,606 -33% 26,492 32,742 -19% Giulia 1,011 29 3386% 8,903 36 24631% Alfa 4C 26 23 13% 407 480 -15% Stelvio 997 0 New 2,721 0 New ALFA ROMEO 2,034 52 3812% 12,031 516 2232% FCA US LLC 171,946 192,519 -11% 2,059,376 2,244,315 -8%