Sports & Auto News
May 2
HOTCHKIS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
Online Resource Includes News, Product Info, Tech Articles and More
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. – Hotchkis Sport Suspension has launched an all-new website that provides high-performance handling news, technical details, feature stories and product information. The new site, www.hotchkis.net, is an exhaustive online resource dedicated to helping serious drivers improve their suspension systems with proven, well-engineered hardware for maximum driving enjoyment.
Hotchkis Sport Suspension has launched an all-new website that provides high-performance handling news, technical details, feature stories and product information. The new site, , is an exhaustive online resource dedicated to helping serious drivers improve their suspension systems with proven, well-engineered hardware for maximum driving enjoyment."Whether they drive a performance car, SUV or truck, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with more than just improved handling and feedback," explains company owner John Hotchkis. “We have always gone a step further to provide convenience, product durability, and all the necessary hardware so our kits install quickly and easily. This new website is just one more tool we can use to help. More than just a product showcase, the new www.Hotchkis.net website has an archive of technical articles and instruction manuals and even Product Development and Testing pages that feature some of the hot new products coming soon.”
A detailed application guide makes researching and shopping for new suspension hardware easy, and an online shopping cart means you can surf the net Thursday an have parts in time to work on your car that weekend. If you’d prefer to buy parts locally, a complete list of authorized dealers is also available.
Finally, the website features an online vehicle gallery divided by make, and customers are encouraged to share photos and videos of their vehicles in action. To explore the all-new Hotchkis Sport Suspension website, go to www.hotchkis.net.
To preview the entire line of Hotchkis Sport Suspension parts and components, please visit www.hotchkis.net, email doliver@hotchkis.net, or contact them at Hotchkis Performance, 12035 Burke Street Suite 13, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, 877-4-NOROLL, 877-466-7655.
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Jan
- Memberships: Motor Press Guild, American Auto Racing Writers' & Broadcasters' Association (AARWBA), Nikon Professional Services
- In newspapers and online at www.AutoMatters.net
- AARWBA first place awards for color photography in 50th. Anniversary journalism competitionSan Diego, CA
May 1
April Auto Sales.
BMW Brand Sales Up 4.9 Percent Year-To-Date
April 2007 one of the strongest months ever for BMW Group in the U.S.
The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported sales of 104,125 vehicles year-to-date, a 2.9 percent increase over the 101,151 vehicles sold in the same period of 2006.
The BMW Group also reported a slight increase of 0.5 percent in April sales. 28,692 vehicles were sold compared to 28,563 vehicles reported in the same month a year earlier. This makes April 2007 one of the strongest months ever reported by the BMW Group in the U.S.
BMW Brand Reports Increase in Year-To-Date Sales
BMW brand continues to be strong with sales up 4.9 percent year-to-date, as the company reported sales of 92,670 vehicles compared to 88,353 vehicles sold in first four months of 2006.
April sales of BMW brand vehicles increased by 0.2 percent and reached 25,310 compared to 25,250 reported in the same month a year ago.
BMW Automobile Sales
BMW's automobile sales are up 10.1 percent in April to 20,290 versus 18,427 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales also are up 5.3 percent, to 71,907 automobiles compared to 68,311 in the same period of 2006.
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales
April sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are down 26.4 percent to 5,020 vehicles over the 6,823 sold last April. This is due to a very high comparable basis for X3 sales in April 2006. Both the X3 and the X5 continue to be very well received, with the X5 showing a sales increase of 21.8 percent in April 2007 compared to the same month a year ago.
Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are up 3.6 percent, to 20,763 vehicles compared to the 20,042 sold in the same period of 2006.
Certified Pre-Owned
The company reported sales of 7,368 CPO sales in April 2007, a decrease of 12.0 percent over April of 2006. Year-to-date, CPO sales are down 7.9 percent, to 26,376 over the 28,630 reported in the same period in 2006.
MINI Brand
MINI Automobiles
MINI USA reported April sales of 3,382 automobiles, up 2.1 percent from the 3,313 cars sold in April 2006. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 11,455 automobiles, a drop of 10.5 percent, compared to the 12,798 cars reported in the first four months of 2006.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 81 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorradusa.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
BMW Car Sales Report for April 2007
2007 2006
April 20,290 18,427
Year-to-Date 71,907 68,311
Model Year-to- Year-to-
April Date April Date
2007 2007 2006 2006
325i (E90 & E46) 240 797 4,888 16,914
325Ci (E46) 7 26 304 1,162
325Ci Convertible (E46) 6 31 513 1,531
325i Sports Wagon (E91) 0 0 0 4
325xi (E90 & E46) 11 39 1,489 5,785
325xi Sports Wagon (E90 & E46) 4 21 209 820
328i (E90) 4,439 16,721 0 0
328i Coupe (E92) 1,045 3,772 0 0
328i Convertible (E93) 1,545 2,253 0 0
328i Sports Wagon (E91) 97 554 0 0
328xi (E90) 1,537 7,727 0 0
328xi Coupe (E92) 416 2,080 0 0
328xi Sports Wagon (E91) 135 619 0 0
330i (E90 & E46) 41 195 1,572 5,571
330Ci (E46) 1 4 164 696
330Ci Convertible (E46) 2 17 525 1,633
330xi (E90 & E46) 5 18 1,074 3,504
335i (E90) 1,489 6,040 0 0
335i Coupe (E92) 823 3,486 0 0
335i Convertible (E93) 998 1,558 0 0
335xi (E90) 298 360 0 0
M3 (E46) 0 3 255 817
M3 Convertible (E46) 3 12 158 493
3 Series 13,142 46,333 11,151 38,930
Z4 2.5i Roadster (E85) - US 14 55 41 221
Z4 3.0i Roadster (E85) - US 444 1,382 628 1,119
Z4 Roadster 3.0si (E85) - US 275 732 357 541
Z4 M Roadster (E85) - US 49 143 154 299
Z4 Coupe 3.0si (E86) - US 61 265 0 0
Z4 M Coupe (E86) - US 68 240 0 0
Z4 911 2,817 1,180 2,180
525i (E60) 209 3,180 993 4,160
525xi (E60) 232 1,533 306 1,961
528i (E60) 541 541 0 0
528xi (E60) 271 271 0 0
530i (E60) 327 3,350 813 3,899
530xi (E60) 441 2,460 574 3,007
530xi Sports Wagon (E60) 39 356 188 1,000
535i (E60) 471 471 0 0
535xi (E60) 400 400 0 0
535xi Sports Wagon (E60) 48 48 0 0
545i (E60) 0 0 0 6
550i (E60) 472 1,619 643 2,341
M5 (E60) 141 490 182 1,424
5 Series 3,592 14,719 3,699 17,798
645Ci (E63) 0 0 0 21
650i Coupe (E63) 163 592 242 956
645Ci Convertible (E64) 0 0 0 16
650i Convertible (E64) 412 1,258 473 1,863
M6 (E63) 80 361 58 58
M6 Convertible (E64) 147 512 0 0
6 Series 802 2,723 773 2,914
ALPINA B7 47 115 0 0
745Li (E65) 0 0 0 0
750i (E65) 376 1,203 386 1,465
750Li (E66) 1,407 3,935 1,195 4,866
760i (E66) 0 0 4 21
760Li (E65) 13 62 39 136
7 Series 1,843 5,315 1,624 6,488
Z8 0 0 0 1
Z8 Alpina 0 0 0 0
Z8 0 0 0 1
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (light trucks) Sales Report for April 2007
2007 2006
April 5,020 6,823
Year-to-Date 20,763 20,042
Model Year-to- Year-to-
April Date April Date
2007 2007 2006 2006
X3 2.5i (E83) 0 2 28 156
X3 3.0i (E83) 61 222 4,568 10,483
X3 3.0si (E83) 2,246 8,757 0 0
X3 2,307 8,981 4,596 10,639
X5 3.0i (E53) - US 18 93 1,643 7,023
X5 3.0si (E70) - US 1,802 7,696 0 0
X5 4.4i (E53) - US 13 70 495 2,014
X5 4.8i (E70) - US 879 3,915 0 0
X5 4.8is (E53) - US 1 8 89 366
X5 2,713 11,782 2,227 9,403
MINI Sales Report for April 2007
2007 2006
April 3,382 3,313
Year-to-Date 11,455 12,798
Model Year-to- Year-to-
April Date April Date
2007 2007 2006 2006
MINI Cooper (R50) 22 1,760 892 3,673
MINI Cooper (R56) 1,278 2,905 0 0
MINI Cooper S (R53) 18 1,553 1,340 5,638
MINI Cooper S (R56) 1,395 3,036 0 0
MINI Cooper Convertible 259 898 334 1,086
MINI Cooper S Convertible 407 1,275 747 2,401
MINI Cooper S JCW GP 3 28 0 0
Total MINI 3,382 11,455 3,313 12,798
Source: BMW Group
Mercedes-Benz USA Reports 20,895 April New Vehicle Sales, Delivering Best-Ever Year-to-Date Sales of 76,880
-- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported April sales of 20,895 new vehicles; the second best April ever (after April 2006 with sales of 21,270). This represents the best-ever year-to-date sales volume, bringing the total to 76,880 new vehicles for 2007 - a six percent increase over sales during the same period in 2006.
The C-Class was once again the volume leader for the month with sales of 5,131 new vehicles (up 27.1% over April 2006), closely trailed by the E-Class with sales of 4,011 (6.2% increase vs. April 2006). The M-Class, ranked third with sales of 2,382, followed closely by the top-of-the line sedan, the S- Class, with 2,067 sales for April.
The CL-Class, the Mercedes-Benz new flagship coupe, also continued to exhibit high demand with sales of 330 units for the month, an increase of 416%. In the luxury light truck segment, the GL-Class continued to show strong momentum with sales of 1,866, while the iconic G-Class more than doubled its volume to 101.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA sold 4,073 vehicles in April, bringing year-to-date sales to 16,773, a 15.6 percent increase over the same period last year.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 13 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.
April April Monthly YTD YTD
Model '07 '06 % 2007 2006 Yearly%
C-CLASS 5,131 4,037 27.1% 17,413 14,017 24.2%
E-CLASS 4,011 3,778 6.2% 14,458 12,437 16.2%
S-CLASS 2,067 3,033 -31.8% 8,713 10,651 -18.2%
CL-CLASS 330 64 415.6% 1,114 220 406.4%
SL-CLASS 703 1,112 -36.8% 2,098 2,953 -29.0%
CLK-CLASS 1,456 2,202 -33.9% 5,490 7,790 -29.5%
SLK-CLASS 856 1,202 -28.8% 2,546 3,644 -30.1%
CLS-CLASS 779 1,038 -25.0% 2,822 3,882 -27.3%
R-CLASS 1,213 1,672 -27.5% 4,151 6,742 -38.4%
M-CLASS 2,382 2,590 -8.0% 9,783 9,447 3.6%
GL-CLASS 1,866 499 273.9% 7,838 499 1470.7%
G-CLASS 101 43 134.9% 454 230 97.4%
GRAND TOTAL 20,895 21,270 -1.8% 76,880 72,512 6.0%
Source: Mercedes-Benz USA
All-Time Sales Record in April for Maserati North America
Following Maserati's Best Ever First Quarter Sales
In an overall luxury segment that has shown declined sales performance during the first quarter of 2007, Maserati North America has shown considerable gains, marking a continued rise for the company.
According to Jim Selwa, President and CEO of Maserati North America, Inc., the performance of Maserati is strong, mirroring the performance of the elegant brand. "The luxurious Maserati Quattroporte is the leader in the $100,000 sport sedan segment. Hand-crafted Pininfarina design, true performance and meticulous attention to quality have found the select audience who value a unique and special automobile."
April 2007 total sales for Maserati reached 242 units, beating the previous top sales month of 235, set in July of 2005 - a point in time where Maserati jumped over 90% in volume. Year-to-date Maserati sales are up 14% over 2006, which was another record year for Maserati.
As anticipated, the new Quattroporte Automatic has appealed to those looking for the ultimate sedan amongst its competitors. The DuoSelect Maserati Quattroporte is appreciated by those who desire the most pure sport sedan on the planet. Sales remain strong with the DuoSelect commanding over 50% of Quattroporte sales.
Like the Quattroporte, Maserati Financial Services has reported a record volume month, providing clients with competitive financing and leasing solutions.
Maserati will continue the positive momentum of the brand with the introduction of the globally acclaimed two-door Maserati GranTurismo in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Maserati North America expanded its reach in 2006 with the opening of two high-profile locations in the Southern California market, where it derives 35% percent of sales. Maserati currently benefits from 49 dealers across North America. In 2007 the expansion of the dealer network will continue with a target of 55 retail points strategically located in key markets. Maserati North America is proud to have the top selling dealer in the world, The Collection in Coral Gables, Florida. The southeast is the second leading region for Maserati in the U.S. followed by the New York Tri-State area.
Maserati North America, Inc., headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the exclusive distributor for Maserati-branded vehicles in the United States, including the Quattroporte high performance luxury sedan. For more information, please view www.maseratiusa.com.
Source: Maserati North America, Inc.
Kia Motors America Announces April Sales
Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced April sales of 26,007 units and year-to-date sales of 99,610 units, a 7.5-percent increase over the same period last year. Sales for the month were led by the Kia Spectra boasting its best month of 2007 at 7,203 units.
The Optima midsize sedan also had its best month of the year in April with 4,538 units, a 20.3-percent increase over the same month last year, while the Rio compact sedan followed suit with its best month of 2007 selling 3,279 units.
"The entire Kia brand is continually lifted by our award-winning pillar models, Spectra and Sportage, as evidenced this month by outstanding Spectra volume," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "The full vehicle line has received accolades that denote its confidence and integrity with consumers, and it is now on the verge of pushing through to the next level that will instill pride and passion among buyers."
Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
MONTH OF APRIL YEAR-TO-DATE
Model 2007 2006 2007 2006
Rio 3,279 1,898 9,588 9,726
Spectra 7,203 8,560 21,696 20,067
Optima 4,538 3,771 13,963 10,511
Amanti 528 558 3,266 2,312
Sportage 3,695 2,868 15,410 12,503
Sorento 2,883 5,674 12,962 15,932
Sedona 2,698 4,479 18,622 21,590
Rondo 1,183 N/A 4,103 N/A
Total 26,007 27,807 99,610 92,641
Source: Kia Motors America
Acura Announces April Sales
Light Trucks Post Record Sales
Record sales of light trucks pushed Acura April sales to 15,193 units, off 15.0 percent from record April 2006 based on the daily selling rate*, the division announced today. Acura year-to-date sales reached 58,854.
Strong sales of the redesigned MDX luxury SUV and RDX turbocharged SUV helped set an April sales record of 6,648 for total light trucks, surpassing the previous record of 5,073 set in 2005. The MDX strong posted sales of 4,497, up 10.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date MDX sales of 17,765 units outpaced last year's total by 3.0 percent. Additionally, demand for the RDX continued to grow with April sales of 2,151 units, driving year-to-date sales to 8,407.
The TL performance luxury sedan was the top-selling model for April, posting sales of 5,350 units. The TSX sports sedan sold 2,519 units for the month, bringing year-to-date sales to 11,148.
* Based on 24 selling days in April 2007 versus 26 selling days in April 2006
American Honda Vehicle Sales For April 2007
Month-to-Date Year-to-Date
April April DSR** April April DSR**
2007 2006 % Chg. 2007 2006 % Chg.
MODEL BREAKOUTS
BY DIVISION
Acura Division
Total 15,193 19,372 -15.0% 58,854 65,023 -9.5%
RSX 18 2,036 -99.0% 275 6,186 -95.6%
TL * 5,350 7,975 -27.3% 19,054 24,779 -23.1%
TSX 2,519 3,911 -30.2% 11,148 13,144 -15.2%
RL 658 1,031 -30.9% 2,205 3,633 -39.3%
NSX 0 5 0 34
MDX * 4,497 4,414 10.4% 17,765 17,247 3.0%
RDX * 2,151 0 8,407 0
Selling Days 24 26 101 101
* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced
parts.
** Daily Selling Rate
Source: Acura
American Honda Reports April Sales
Fuel-efficient Fit and CR-V Set April Records
-- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted sales of 126,419 Honda and Acura vehicles in April, down 1.6 percent on a daily-selling-rate basis*, the company announced today. American Honda light-truck sales rose 5.6 percent to 55,300 units. American Honda year-to-date sales totaled 480,627 units, up 1.6 percent.
Led by its most fuel-efficient models, Honda Division posted April sales of 111,226 cars and light trucks, up 0.6 percent on a daily-selling-rate basis* against last year's all-time best April. On sale now for one full year, the Fit set a new April record with 3,958 units sold, up 13.1 percent. Recording its fifth consecutive month of record sales, the all-new CR-V sold 17,379 units, up 39.4 percent. The Civic posted a 1.0 percent increase with 29,155 units sold. Honda Division year-to-date sales were up 3.4 percent with 421,773 units sold, on track for another record year.
"Fuel prices are again driving customers toward fuel-efficient vehicles," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "The strength of small cars and crossovers like Fit, Civic and CR-V underscores the prevailing consumer sentiment about fuel prices."
Acura Division posted 15,193 sales in April, off 15.0 percent from last April's record month. Strong sales of the redesigned MDX luxury SUV and RDX turbocharged SUV helped set an April sales record of 6,648 for total light-trucks, surpassing the previous record of 5,073 set in 2005.
Consumer information is available at www.honda.com and www.acura.com. * Based on 24 selling days in April 2007 versus 26 selling days in April 2006.
American Honda Vehicle Sales For April 2007
Month-to-Date Year-to-Date
April April DSR** April April DSR**
2007 2006 % Chg. 2007 2006 % Chg.
American Honda
Total 126,419 139,124 -1.6% 480,627 472,968 1.6%
Total Car
Sales 71,119 82,372 -6.5% 265,669 272,175 -2.4%
Total Truck
Sales 55,300 56,752 5.6% 214,958 200,793 7.1%
Honda Total
Car Sales 62,574 67,414 0.6% 232,987 224,399 3.8%
Honda Total
Truck Sales 48,652 52,338 0.7% 188,786 183,546 2.9%
Acura Total
Car Sales 8,545 14,958 -38.1% 32,682 47,776 -31.6%
Acura Total
Truck Sales 6,648 4,414 63.2% 26,172 17,247 51.7%
Domestic Car
Sales * 58,809 63,306 0.6% 211,653 221,263 -4.3%
Honda Division 53,459 55,331 4.7% 192,599 196,484 -2.0%
Acura Division 5,350 7,975 -27.3% 19,054 24,779 -23.1%
Domestic Truck
Sales * 38,901 43,247 -2.6% 151,620 154,937 -2.1%
Honda Division 32,253 38,833 -10.0% 125,448 137,690 -8.9%
Acura Division 6,648 4,414 63.2% 26,172 17,247 51.7%
Import Car Sales 12,310 19,066 -30.1% 54,016 50,912 6.1%
Honda Division 9,115 12,083 -18.3% 40,388 27,915 44.7%
Acura Division 3,195 6,983 -50.4% 13,628 22,997 -40.7%
Import Truck
Sales 16,399 13,505 31.5% 63,338 45,856 38.1%
Honda Division 16,399 13,505 31.5% 63,338 45,856 38.1%
MODEL BREAKOUTS
BY DIVISION
Honda Division
Total 111,226 119,752 0.6% 421,773 407,945 3.4%
Fit 3,958 3,792 13.1% 12,795 3,792 237.4%
Accord * 28,926 31,608 -0.9% 121,516 108,562 11.9%
Memo: Accord
Hybrid 318 614 -43.9% 1,263 2,329 -45.8%
Civic * 29,155 31,259 1.0% 97,295 109,738 -11.3%
Memo: Civic
Hybrid 2,855 3,087 0.2% 9,375 10,264 -8.7%
S2000 533 645 -10.5% 1,378 1,987 -30.6%
Insight 2 110 -98.0% 3 320 -99.1%
FCX 0 0 0 0
Odyssey * 12,241 16,850 -21.3% 49,587 56,054 -11.5%
Pilot * 12,047 12,566 3.9% 46,128 46,432 -0.7%
CR-V * 17,379 13,505 39.4% 64,951 45,856 41.6%
Element * 3,415 4,765 -22.4% 13,541 16,909 -19.9%
Ridgeline 3,570 4,652 -16.9% 14,579 18,295 -20.3%
Acura Division
Total 15,193 19,372 -15.0% 58,854 65,023 -9.5%
RSX 18 2,036 -99.0% 275 6,186 -95.6%
TL * 5,350 7,975 -27.3% 19,054 24,779 -23.1%
TSX 2,519 3,911 -30.2% 11,148 13,144 -15.2%
RL 658 1,031 -30.9% 2,205 3,633 -39.3%
NSX 0 5 0 34
MDX * 4,497 4,414 10.4% 17,765 17,247 3.0%
RDX * 2,151 0 8,407 0
Selling Days 24 26 101 101
* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced
parts.
** Daily Selling Rate
Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Nissan North America Announces April Sales
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported sales of 71,124 units in April, down 11.1 percent from the prior year. Nissan Division sales decreased by 14.0 percent over last year. Infiniti Division posted a sales increase of 12.0 percent versus the prior year.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
* April sales for Nissan-brand vehicles of 61,179 units decreased by 14.0
percent on a daily sales rate basis compared with last year's 77,102
units sold.
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
* Sales for Infiniti were up 12.0 percent, with 9,945 units sold, as
compared with last April's 9,618 units.
* The all-new G Sedan contributed sales of 4,491 units, up 71.9 percent
over last April.
NNA INFORMATION
* For the month of April, Nissan and Infiniti sales totaled 71,124, an
11.1 percent decrease over April 2006 when compared with last year's
sales of 86,720 units.
In North America, NNA's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on NNA and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com.
NISSAN DIVISION SALES
Monthly CYTD
April April DSR % CYTD CYTD DSR %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
Nissan Division Total 61,179 77,102 -14 307,615 311,142 -1.1
Versa 5,013 N/A N/A 21,208 N/A N/A
Sentra 6,502 12,242 -42.5 32,325 43,029 -24.9
Altima 16,309 20,176 -12.4 90,338 80,804 11.8
Maxima 3,504 5,195 -26.9 17,101 21,785 -21.5
350Z 1,838 2,811 -29.2 7,096 9,844 -27.9
Total Car 33,166 40,424 -11.1 168,068 155,462 8.1
Frontier 5,230 7,573 -25.2 22,440 27,397 -18.1
Xterra 3,045 4,945 -33.3 18,653 23,561 -20.8
Pathfinder 4,089 5,702 -22.3 20,240 26,950 -24.9
Murano 6,316 6,879 -0.5 32,733 30,075 8.8
Quest 2,067 2,489 -10 10,525 8,942 17.7
Armada 2,344 2,665 -4.7 11,186 11,053 1.2
Titan 4,922 6,425 -17 23,769 27,702 -14.2
Total Truck 28,013 36,678 -17.3 139,547 155,680 -10.4
North American Produced 53,025 67,412 -14.8 267,786 271,220 -1.3
Car 31,328 37,613 -9.8 160,972 145,618 10.5
Truck 21,697 29,799 -21.1 106,814 125,602 -15
Import 8,154 9,690 -8.8 39,829 39,922 0
Car 1,838 2,811 -29.2 7,096 9,844 -27.9
Truck 6,316 6,879 -0.5 32,733 30,078 8.8
INFINITI DIVISION SALES Monthly CYTD
April April DSR % CYTD CYTD DSR %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
Infiniti Division Total 9,945 9,618 12 42,490 38,805 9.5
I35 0 0 N/A N/A 1 N/A
G Sedan 4,491 2,831 71.9 19,814 12,169 62.8
G Coupe 1,183 1,821 -29.6 4,174 6,789 -38.5
M 1,872 2,417 -16.1 8,136 8,938 -9
Q45 2 49 -95.6 18 233 -92.3
QX56 823 801 11.3 3,322 3,878 14.3
FX 1,574 1,699 0.4 7,027 6,795 3.4
Total Car 7,548 7,118 14.9 32,141 28,130 14.3
Total Truck 2,397 2,500 3.9 10,349 10,675 -3.1
COMBINED NISSAN AND
INFINITI SALES Monthly CYTD
April April DSR % CYTD CYTD DSR %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
TOTAL VEHICLE 71,124 86,720 -11.1 350,105 349,947 0
Total Car 40,714 47,542 -7.2 200,209 183,592 9.1
Total Truck 30,410 39,178 -15.9 149,896 166,355 -9.9
Selling Days 24 26 101 101
*All numbers include Hawaii.
Source: Nissan North America, Inc.
Hyundai Motor America Reports April 2007 Sales
-- Hyundai Motor America today reported April sales of 39,137. The all-new 2007 Santa Fe showed strong gains over the previous year, posting an 85 percent increase. However, sales were down 4.6 percent from Hyundai's record April sales in 2006.
"The industry continues to be very competitive," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai's vice president of national sales. "We are encouraged with the sales increase of our all-new 2007 Santa Fe and our premium sedan Azera and are confident our sales growth will continue across all models, despite the fact overall consumer spending is down for the first quarter of 2007."
All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.
Following is the sales breakdown for April 2007:
CARLINE APR/2007 APR/2006 CY2007 CY2006
ACCENT 2,918 3,491 11,190 8,256
SONATA 10,434 15,716 40,431 58,587
ELANTRA 8,166 9,121 30,998 34,906
TIBURON 1,154 1,674 4,057 5,337
SANTA FE 6,743 3,639 27,982 14,091
XG350/AZERA 2,812 2,601 8,676 8,861
TUCSON 3,563 4,657 13,257 16,849
ENTOURAGE 2,697 126 5,923 126
VERACRUZ 650 0 828 0
TOTAL 39,137 41,025 143,342 147,013
Source: Hyundai Motor America
Mazda Reports April Sales
-- Mazda North American Operations today reported U.S. sales of 21,060 in April 2007, a drop of 5.9 percent compared to the same period the year prior. Calculated on a daily selling- rate basis however, Mazda's U.S. sales were up 1.9 percent, as there were 24 selling days this month, versus 26 in April 2006. On a year-to-date basis, U.S. sales are up 11.7 percent to 100,134.
Combined U.S., Canada and Mexico sales rose five percent to 32,555 vehicles, compared to the same period a year ago. Mazda Canada had its best- ever sales month in the company's 39-year history with sales of 10,341 vehicles. Mazda Motor de Mexico reported 1,154 sales, more than double the previous year.
"Falling consumer confidence over credit and housing uncertainties made for a challenging month for us and the entire U.S. auto industry, especially compared to last month," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "At Mazda, we feel we have the right products in our showrooms to keep our incentive spending in check and help us make gains in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable market."
Individually, U.S. sales on a carline basis were led by the MAZDA3, with 8,046. Even in its fourth year of production, day's supply at the start of the month was very low (under 40 days) for MAZDA3, and incentive spending throughout the month has been virtually nonexistent. On a year-to-date basis, sales of 39,972 MAZDA3s are up 29.8 percent.
The CX-7 and CX-9 crossover SUVs continue to appeal to customers looking for car-like drivability and economy combined with SUV utility and styling. CX-7 posted sales of 2,740 for the month, bringing its year-to-date total to 12,680. CX-9 posted sales of 1,776 for the month for a total of 5,469 for the first four months of the year.
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
Mazda North American Operations - April 2007
Month-To-Date Year-To-Date
April April % April April %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
Mazda3 8,046 9,059 (11.2)% 39,972 30,791 29.8%
Mazda5 1,214 1,260 (3.7)% 5,764 6,321 (8.8)%
Mazda6 4,189 5,518 (24.1)% 24,361 24,733 (1.5)%
MX-5 Miata 1,663 1,767 (5.9)% 6,036 6,129 (1.5)%
RX-8 474 584 (18.8)% 2,206 3,501 (37.0)%
Protege -- -- N/A -- 1 N/A
CX-7 2,740 -- N/A 12,680 -- N/A
CX-9 1,776 -- N/A 5,469 -- N/A
Tribute 754 2,951 (74.4)% 2,456 11,429 (78.5)%
B-Series Truck 203 352 (42.3)% 1,069 1,634 (34.6)%
MPV 1 894 (99.9)% 121 5,117 (97.6)%
Total Vehicles
CARS 15,586 18,188 (14.3)% 78,339 71,476 9.6%
TRUCKS 5,474 4,197 30.4% 21,795 18,180 19.9%
TOTAL 21,060 22,385 (5.9)% 100,134 89,656 11.7%
MEMO:
IMPORT CAR 11,397 12,670 (10.0)% 53,978 46,743 15.5%
IMPORT TRUCK 4,517 894 405.3% 18,270 5,117 257.0%
IMPORT TOTAL 15,914 13,564 17.3% 72,248 51,860 39.3%
DOMESTIC CAR 4,189 5,518 (24.1)% 24,361 24,733 (1.5)%
DOMESTIC TRUCK 957 3,303 (71.0)% 3,525 13,063 (73.0)%
DOMESTIC TOTALS 5,146 8,821 (41.7)% 27,886 37,796 (26.2)%
Note: MPV & Protege is a discontinued vehicles.
Source: Mazda North American Operations
Toyota Reports April Sales
-- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported April sales of 210,457 vehicles, an increase of 3.7 percent over April 2006.
"Despite rising gas prices, Tundra posted best-ever April sales as the market's appetite for light trucks picked up this month," said Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president.
The Toyota Division posted April sales of 184,462, up 2.3 percent. The Lexus Division reported April sales of 25,995 units, an increase of 14.1 percent.
Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded April sales of 104,239, a decrease of 1.5 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted April sales of 37,911, up 2.2 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 4,410 units in April. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted best-ever April sales of 13,056, an increase of 71.8 percent. The Yaris subcompact posted best-ever April sales totaling 7,232, an increase of 22.6 percent. Corolla reported April sales of 32,289 units.
Toyota Division light truck sales were up 7.8 percent, with an April total of 80,223 units. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), which reported April sales of 14,495, up 13.3 percent over the same period last year. The all-new Tundra full-size pickup reported best-ever April sales of 14,200, an increase of 74.1 percent over the year-ago month. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined April sales of 10,122, up 2.4 percent over the same period last year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 2,394 units for the month. FJ Cruiser reported April sales of 4,587 units.
Scion posted April sales of 7,960 units. The tC sports coupe led the way with April sales of 5,333 units. Scion xA posted sales of 1,454 units for the month.
Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars reported best-ever April sales of 16,317 units, an increase of 32.9 percent over April 2006. Passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan with best-ever April sales of 6,544 units, up 54 percent. The all-new LS 460 and LS 460 L reported combined sales of 3,182, an increase of 221.9 percent.
Lexus Division light trucks reported April sales totaling 9,678 units. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined April sales of 7,861 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,384 units for the month.
TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 83,053 units, an increase of 66 percent over the same period last year. In April, TMS posted sales of 21,418 hybrid vehicles, up 61 percent over last April. Toyota Division posted sales of 19,860 hybrids, up 79 percent over the same period last year. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,558 hybrids.
There were 24 selling days this month, as compared to 26 selling days last April.
Public Web sites: http://www.toyota.com/
TOYOTA RETAIL SALES
(INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)
April, 2007
----- CURRENT MONTH --- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --
DSR% DSR%
2007 2006 CHG 2007 2006 CHG
YARIS 7,232 6,393 22.6 26,418 7,732 241.7
COROLLA 32,289 36,155 -3.3 120,484 118,442 1.7
CAMRY 37,911 40,203 2.2 143,774 133,978 7.3
AVALON 5,791 8,239 -23.9 25,426 30,782 -17.4
PRIUS 13,056 8,234 71.8 52,738 30,357 73.7
SCION xA 1,454 3,331 -52.7 6,799 10,494 -35.2
SCION xB 1,173 5,678 -77.6 9,673 18,648 -48.1
SCION tC 5,333 6,435 -10.2 20,426 22,658 -9.9
TOTAL TOYOTA
DIV. PASS. CAR 104,239 114,670 -1.5 405,740 373,113 8.7
ES 350 6,544 4,603 54.0 24,594 15,390 59.8
LS 460 3,182 1,071 221.9 11,745 4,617 154.4
SC 430 341 579 -36.2 1,295 1,963 -34.0
GS 350 1,701 1,963 -6.1 6,365 7,638 -16.7
GS 430/450h 186 373 -46.0 739 1,208 -38.8
IS 250/350 4,363 4,715 0.2 16,772 17,880 -6.2
TOTAL LEXUS
PASS. CAR 16,317 13,304 32.9 61,510 48,696 26.3
TOTAL TOYOTA
PASS. CAR 120,556 127,974 2.1 467,250 421,809 10.8
SIENNA 12,773 13,912 -0.5 47,732 54,302 -12.1
RAV4 14,495 13,854 13.3 55,900 47,798 17.0
FJ CRUISER 4,587 5,649 -12.0 20,632 8,433 144.7
4RUNNER 7,093 9,406 -18.3 31,030 37,331 -16.9
HIGHLANDER 10,122 10,712 2.4 41,505 40,115 3.5
LAND CRUISER 191 255 -18.9 873 1,140 -23.4
SEQUOIA 1,991 2,771 -22.2 8,929 11,839 -24.6
TOTAL SUV 38,479 42,647 -2.3 158,869 146,656 8.3
4X2 TACOMA 8,813 9,109 4.8 35,840 33,808 6.0
4X4 TACOMA 5,958 6,111 5.6 25,259 23,219 8.8
TOTAL TACOMA 14,771 15,220 5.1 61,099 57,027 7.1
TUNDRA 14,200 8,837 74.1 43,386 40,662 6.7
TOTAL PICKUP 28,971 24,057 30.5 104,485 97,689 7.0
TOTAL TOYOTA
DIV. LT TRUCK 80,223 80,616 7.8 311,086 298,647 4.2
LX 470 240 507 -48.7 1,066 1,992 -46.5
GX 470 1,577 1,978 -13.6 6,816 8,071 -15.5
RX 350/400h 7,861 8,890 -4.2 30,094 34,297 -12.3
TOTAL LEXUS
LIGHT TRUCK 9,678 11,375 -7.8 37,976 44,360 -14.4
TOTAL TOYOTA
LIGHT TRUCK 89,901 91,991 5.9 349,062 343,007 1.8
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 184,462 195,286 2.3 716,826 671,760 6.7
TOTAL LEXUS 25,995 24,679 14.1 99,486 93,056 6.9
TOTAL TOYOTA 210,457 219,965 3.7 816,312 764,816 6.7
MEMO:
DOM. COROLLA 28,352 30,769 -0.2 106,896 104,819 2.0
DOM. CAMRY 33,538 34,299 5.9 115,792 117,476 -1.4
DOM. PICKUP 28,971 24,057 30.5 104,485 97,689 7.0
DOM. RX 350 6,044 5,361 22.1 21,273 20,669 2.9
SELLING DAYS 24 26 101 101
TOYOTA DIV.
IMPORT CAR 36,558 41,363 -4.3 157,626 120,036 31.3
LEXUS IMPORT CAR 16,317 13,304 32.9 61,510 48,696 26.3
TOYOTA DIV NA
BUILT CARS 67,681 73,307 0.0 248,114 253,077 -2.0
TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 120,556 127,974 2.1 467,250 421,809 10.8
TOYOTA DIV.
IMPORT LT TRUCK 36,488 39,876 -0.9 149,940 134,817 11.2
LEXUS IMPORT
LT TRUCK 3,634 6,014 -34.5 16,703 23,691 -29.5
TOYOTA DIV NA
BUILT LT TRUCK 43,735 40,740 16.3 161,146 163,830 -1.6
LEXUS NA BUILT
LT TRUCK 6,044 5,361 22.1 21,273 20,669 2.9
TOTAL TOYOTA
LT TRUCK 89,901 91,991 5.9 349,062 343,007 1.8
SPORT UTILITY
VEHICLES 43,570 48,373 -2.4 176,213 182,583 -3.5
Memo: Lexus
Sport Utility 9,678 11,375 -7.8 37,976 44,360 -14.4
SMALL VANS 12,773 13,912 -0.5 47,732 54,302 -12.1
PICKUPS 28,971 24,057 30.5 104,485 97,689 7.0
* NORTH AMERICAN
BUILT VEHICLES
COROLLA 28,352 30,769 -0.2 106,896 104,819 2.0
CAMRY 33,538 34,299 5.9 115,792 117,476 -1.4
AVALON 5,791 8,239 -23.9 25,426 30,782 -17.4
SIENNA 12,773 13,912 -0.5 47,732 54,302 -12.1
PICKUP 28,971 24,057 30.5 104,485 97,689 7.0
SEQUOIA 1,991 2,771 -22.2 8,929 11,839 -24.6
RX 350 6,044 5,361 22.1 21,273 20,669 2.9
TOTAL 117,460 119,408 6.6 430,533 437,576 -1.6
N.A. VEHICLES
% OF TOTAL 55.8% 54.3% 52.7% 57.2%
SELLING DAYS 24 26 101 101
DSR = DAILY SELLING
RATE
Source: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.
DaimlerChrysler AG Reports One Percent Increase in U.S. Sales for Passenger Vehicles for April 2007
-- Chrysler Group Reports Sales of 193,104 Vehicles, a 2 Percent Increase for April 2007
-- Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Sales of 20,895 Vehicles, Delivering Best-Ever Year-to-Date Sales of 76,880
DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE:DCX) , the third largest U.S. auto maker, today reported total group sales of 213,999 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for April 2007, a 1 percent increase compared to April 2006. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.
Chrysler Group, consisting of the Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brands, posted sales of 193,104 vehicles in the U.S., an increase of 2 percent. Total Jeep brand sales increased 29 percent in April on the strength of the Jeep Wrangler and new brand models including the Jeep Patriot. In addition, Chrysler and Dodge minivan sales rose 10 percent in April based on momentum from "National Minivan Month". Following its most aggressive product launch in company history of 10 all-new vehicles in 2006, Chrysler Group continues its product offensive with the launch of eight all-new vehicles in 2007.
MBUSA recorded its second highest April on record with sales of 20,895 units, a decrease of 1.8 percent over the 21,270 vehicles sold in April 2006. April sales bring Mercedes year-to-date sales to 76,880, a 6 percent increase over sales over the same period in 2006, demonstrating the best year- to-date for Mercedes-Benz.
Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA and Chrysler Group will be announced later today in separate press releases issued by the groups. April 2007 had 24 selling days and April 2006 had 26 selling days.
DaimlerChrysler AG U.S. Sales Summary Through April 2007
Month Sales % Sales CYTD %
Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
CHRYSLER GROUP 193,104 190,095 2% 730,353 752,339 -3%
MERCEDES-BENZ
USA 20,895 21,270 -2% 76,880 72,512 6%
DAIMLERCHRYSLER 213,999 211,365 1% 807,233 824,851 -2%
Selling Days 24 26 101 101
Source: DaimlerChrysler AG
Chrysler Group's April 2007 U.S. Sales Rise 2 Percent
-- Jeep(R) brand up 29 percent led by Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Patriot
-- Chrysler and Dodge Minivans up 10 percent with momentum from "National Minivan Month" in April
-- Five-Star crash-rated Dodge Ram pick up rises 2 percent in competitive segment
-- Chrysler Sebring Sedan rises 56 percent
-- Inventory down by 18 percent and more than 100,000 units
Chrysler Group reported sales for April 2007 of 193,104 units; up 2 percent compared to April 2006 with 190,095. All sales figures are reported unadjusted.
"Chrysler Group increased sales in April based on a solid retail performance - despite two less selling days than in the previous year and a challenging market environment," said Steven Landry, Executive Vice President - NAFTA Sales, Global Marketing, Service and Parts. "Driven by the continuously strong Jeep Wrangler and the new Jeep Patriot, sales for the Jeep brand were up significantly by 29 percent."
Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited posted sales of 10,776 units, up 75 percent compared to April 2006 with 6,154 units. The Jeep Patriot continued to gain momentum and finished April with sales of 2,904 units, up 38 percent from March 2007. The vehicle is one of Chrysler Group's recently introduced fuel- efficient offerings that achieve 30 miles per gallon or better in highway driving.
Driven by Chrysler Group's "National Minivan Month" in April, sales of the Chrysler Town & Country increased 24 percent compared to the previous year and posted sales of 15,701 units. Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan finished the month with an increase of 2 percent compared to April 2006 and sales of 23,095 units.
The Dodge Ram pick up truck increased year-over-year sales by 2 percent with sales of 31,503 units in a highly competitive segment and on the heels of an already successful first quarter.
The Chrysler Sebring Sedan posted sales of 6,111 units in April, up 56 percent compared to the previous year. The all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible started with more than 1,400 units into its first month of availability. The redesigned Sebring Convertible offers what no other convertible has offered before - three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel retractable hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.
With the continued pressure on gas prices Chrysler Group's incentives in May will focus on the company's full line of cars and small and compact SUVs with the launch of the 'Maximize Your Miles' program. The program will communicate the vehicle's fuel economy message across all three Chrysler Group brands. A key part of it will be low rate finance and additional bonus cash which will give customers a great package.
Chrysler Group finished the month with 482,786 units of inventory, or a 60-day supply. Inventory is down by 18 percent compared to April 2006 when it was at 586,263 units.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru April 2007
Month Sales DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 7,558 7,268 13% 4%
300 9,136 12,804 -23% -29%
Crossfire 746 2,709 -70% -72%
PT Cruiser 7,753 10,878 -23% -29%
Aspen 1,964 0 0% 0%
Pacifica 8,583 5,691 63% 51%
Town & Country 15,701 12,629 35% 24%
CHRYSLER BRAND 51,441 51,979 7% -1%
Compass 3,239 0 0% 0%
Patriot 2,904 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 10,776 6,154 90% 75%
Liberty 9,543 9,924 4% -4%
Grand Cherokee 9,536 10,506 -2% -9%
Commander 5,202 5,301 6% -2%
JEEP BRAND 41,200 31,885 40% 29%
Neon 0 2,558 -100% -100%
Caliber 9,306 11,236 -10% -17%
Stratus 227 10,932 -98% -98%
Avenger 8,214 0 0% 0%
Charger 10,057 9,662 13% 4%
Viper 47 141 -64% -67%
Magnum 2,389 3,812 -32% -37%
Dakota 4,106 7,620 -42% -46%
Ram P/U 31,503 30,814 11% 2%
Caravan 23,095 22,567 11% 2%
Durango 4,674 5,243 -3% -11%
Nitro 5,637 0 0% 0%
Sprinter 1,208 1,646 -20% -27%
DODGE BRAND 100,463 106,231 2% -5%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 193,104 190,095 10% 2%
TOTAL CG CAR 46,665 58,411 -13% -20%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 146,439 131,684 20% 11%
Selling Days 24 26
Sales CYTD DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring 28,493 34,372 -17% -17%
300 39,512 52,136 -24% -24%
Crossfire 3,027 4,103 -26% -26%
PT Cruiser 33,086 43,404 -24% -24%
Aspen 9,208 0 0% 0%
Pacifica 25,015 29,235 -14% -14%
Town & Country 52,572 51,617 2% 2%
CHRYSLER BRAND 190,913 214,867 -11% -11%
Compass 15,077 0 0% 0%
Patriot 5,832 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 42,367 23,837 78% 78%
Liberty 33,906 45,348 -25% -25%
Grand Cherokee 40,392 51,073 -21% -21%
Commander 22,098 24,578 -10% -10%
JEEP BRAND 159,672 144,836 10% 10%
Neon 0 13,980 -100% -100%
Caliber 36,512 19,174 90% 90%
Stratus 1,169 41,598 -97% -97%
Avenger 23,729 0 0% 0%
Charger 40,980 38,570 6% 6%
Viper 200 510 -61% -61%
Magnum 10,814 17,169 -37% -37%
Dakota 19,505 26,628 -27% -27%
Ram P/U 122,816 121,200 1% 1%
Caravan 75,984 81,191 -6% -6%
Durango 19,264 26,152 -26% -26%
Nitro 25,334 0 0% 0%
Sprinter 3,461 6,464 -46% -46%
DODGE BRAND 379,768 392,636 -3% -3%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 730,353 752,339 -3% -3%
TOTAL CG CAR 177,751 208,820 -15% -15%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 552,602 543,519 2% 2%
Selling Days 101 101
Source: Chrysler Group
Mitsubishi Reports 11 Percent Sales Increase in April
-- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported April sales of 12,047 units, up 11.1% from last April's total of 10,841.*
Year-to-date, Mitsubishi sales are up 19.6%, compared to the January-April period in 2006.
"We are particularly pleased that sales of our all-new fuel-efficient 2008 Lancer are off to a tremendous start," said MMNA CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "At the same time our all-new Outlander crossover SUV continues to sell very well."
Lancer sales for the month were 3,860, up 263.5% compared to April 2006. This was the largest sales month for Lancer in nearly three years (May 2004).
Other April sales highlights:
- Outlander closed at 2,047 units up 152.4% from last year's volume.
- Endeavor sales were 1,375, up 3.4% from April 2006.
- For six consecutive months -- and nine of the last ten months --
Mitsubishi sales have increased compared to the same month of the prior
year.
* -- the DSR increase for April was 20.4%, with 24 selling days in 2007,
and 26 selling days in 2006.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 520 dealers. Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Audi Announces Record April Sales
Sixth Consecutive Record Sales Month
-- Audi of America, Inc. today announced April sales totaled 8,106, an increase of 9.4% compared to last year's numbers, and a record for the month of April. For the year, Audi sales are up 15.2% over last year's sales volume.
April 2007 marked the sixth consecutive month when Audi dealers posted a monthly all-time record.
The all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models started arriving at dealerships at the end of April, and fill a gap Audi had not occupied during the 2007 model year. The A4 Cabriolet model line had the largest increase for the month at 22.7%.
"Yearly sales are on track for another record year," stated Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President for Audi of America, Inc. "We have the all-new TT models now arriving in showrooms, and the Audi Q7 continues to be a strong performer. And new offerings arrive later this year, including the R8 mid-engine sports car and the S5 Coupe."
Significant gains were recorded by dealers in Texas (+67.0%), Michigan (+28.0%), and New Jersey (+25.7). Key metro regions also saw big gains, including Atlanta (+41.1%) and New York (+27.1%).
Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales are also up 6.8% for the year with 8,254 vehicles delivered.
Audi's history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Today, a network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the all-new Audi Q7 performance SUV; the all-aluminum Audi A8; the new V10-powered S6 and S8 performance sedans; and the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models.
AUDI OF AMERICA, INC
APRIL 2007 SALES
AUDI US SNAPSHOT ------YEAR TO DATE-------
Apr-07 Apr-06 Yr/Yr % Apr-07 Apr-06 Yr/Yr %
Actual Actual change YTD YTD change
actual actual
A3 662 746 -11.3 % 2,150 3,093 -30.5 %
TT 388 142 173.2 % 684 355 92.7 %
A4/S4/RS 4 2,852 3,623 -21.3 % 10,934 11,443 -4.4 %
A4/S4 Cabriolet 1,054 859 22.7 % 2,994 2,499 19.8 %
A6/S6 898 1,555 -42.3 % 3,730 6,042 -38.3 %
A8/S8 355 487 -27.1 % 1,287 1,864 -31.0 %
Q7 1,897 - - 7,355 - -
Total 8,106 7,412 9.4 % 29,134 25,296 15.2 %
Source: Audi of America, Inc.
Volvo Cars North America Sales Report for April
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, reports sales in the United States of 8,139 units for April, representing a 16.5 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
Overall, Volvo sales for North America (United States, including Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico) were 9,324 units, which is 14.1 percent down compared to the beginning of 2006. Volvo Canada sales were up slightly by 1.4 percent, with 995 units sold, while Volvo sales in Mexico were ahead of last year by 48.4 percent, selling 190 units.
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA), based in Irvine, Calif., is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Goteborg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Volvo has been building cars with safety in mind for 80 years. The current 2007 model lineup of Volvo cars includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan -- including the award-winning performance sedan -- S60 R and the performance wagon version -- V70 R; the versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the new Volvo C70 -- the convertible with the innovative retractable hardtop, and the all-new Volvo S80.
* U.S. sales include Puerto Rico
VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Retail Sales by Model 01-May-07
UNITED STATES
April* Year-to-Date*
2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %
Volvo Model
S40 1,738 2,109 -17.6% 7,431 8,290 -10.4%
V50 255 311 -18.0% 977 1,389 -29.7%
S60 1,504 1,892 -20.5% 5,882 8,170 -28.0%
V70 250 464 -46.1% 1,099 1,760 -37.6%
XC70 756 1,034 -26.9% 3,834 4,284 -10.5%
C70 477 435 9.7% 1,488 520 186.2%
S80 990 922 7.4% 4,093 2,637 55.2%
XC90 2,169 2,582 -16.0% 10,288 11,150 -7.7%
USA TOTAL 8,139 9,749 -16.5% 35,092 38,200 -8.1%
CANADA
April Year-to-Date
2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %
Volvo Model
C30 102 n/a n/a 230 n/a n/a
S40 118 125 -5.6% 302 451 -33.0%
V50 82 63 30.2% 208 265 -21.5%
S60 208 237 -12.2% 689 797 -13.6%
V70 54 114 -52.6% 145 328 -55.8%
XC70 109 125 -12.8% 413 567 -27.2%
C70 67 0 n/a 165 0 n/a
S80 57 36 58.3% 196 139 41.0%
XC90 198 281 -29.5% 749 992 -24.5%
CANADA TOTAL 995 981 1.4% 3,097 3,539 -12.5%
MEXICO
April Year-to-Date
2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %
Volvo Model
C30 0 n/a n/a 20 n/a n/a
S40 76 60 26.7% 428 360 18.9%
V50 0 3 -100.0% 7 8 -12.5%
S60 14 13 7.7% 87 93 -6.5%
V70 0 0 n/a 0 0 n/a
XC70 0 0 n/a 2 4 -50.0%
C70 12 0 n/a 37 0 n/a
S80 17 1 1600.0% 77 11 600.0%
XC90 71 51 39.2% 285 261 9.2%
MEXICO TOTAL 190 128 48.4% 943 737 28.0%
NAFTA TOTAL 9,324 10,858 -14.1% 39,132 42,476 -7.9%
* U.S. totals include Puerto Rico
Source: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
Ford Motor Company's U.S. sales in April were 228,623, down 13 percent from a year ago. -- New crossovers help Ford increase its share in the industry's fastest- growing category. -- Sales of the Ford Edge crossover were 9,134, and Lincoln MKX sales were 2,901. -- Land Rover sales rose 13 percent, as all-new LR2 debuts.
Ford Motor Company's (NYSE:F) April U.S. sales totaled 228,623, down 13 percent compared with a year ago.
"With April behind us, we remain focused on getting the word out about the strength of our new products, and our marketing offensive is moving into high gear," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas. "Customers are responding very positively to our new 'Ford Challenge' ads that pit Ford vehicles against the best of the competition, so we're accelerating our plans."
Today, Ford begins airing two new F-Series truck ads starring Mike Rowe, creator and star of the Discovery Channel's hit show "Dirty Jobs." The ads demonstrate the clear advantages of Ford Tough trucks in safety, strength and capability.
Ford's internal data show that the Ford Challenge campaign has generated a strong response in product favorability, purchase consideration and sales. Following the start of the successful "Fusion Challenge" ads in January, the Ford Fusion posted double-digit sales increases throughout the first quarter. Strong Crossover Growth Continues
Although April sales for most products were lower than a year ago, new crossover utilities helped Ford increase its share of the industry's fastest growing category. Ford Edge sales were 9,134, and Lincoln MKX sales were 2,901. In addition, Land Rover introduced its first crossover utility, the LR2, and first month sales were 1,302. Total Ford Motor Company crossover sales were 28 percent higher than a year ago during April.
"The success of our newest products - Ford Fusion, Edge, Lincoln MKX, Ford Super Duty and Ford Expedition - gives us encouragement that we're creating the products our customers really want, and we're beginning to stabilize our retail market share," Fields said.
"Three years ago, 70 percent of new Ford Motor Company vehicles sold in the U.S. were trucks and traditional SUVs. Today, the balance is nearly 50 percent cars and crossovers, and 50 percent trucks and SUVs," Fields explained. "We will continue to introduce new crossovers and even more small cars in the U.S., as they represent the consumer growth segments going forward."
FORD MOTOR COMPANY APRIL 2007 U.S. SALES
April Month % April CYTD %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
Sales By Brand
Ford 185,553 215,824 -14.0 708,141 831,724 -14.9
Mercury 17,481 20,368 -14.2 61,354 68,014 -9.8
Lincoln 11,832 11,067 6.9 46,959 43,571 7.8
Jaguar 1,424 1,991 -28.5 5,672 7,115 -20.3
Volvo 8,122 9,736 -16.6 35,044 38,101 -8.0
Land Rover 4,211 3,736 12.7 14,413 15,035 -4.1
Total Ford Motor
Company 228,623 262,722 -13.0 871,583 1,003,560 -13.2
Memo: Cars and Trucks
Cars 80,732 105,655 -23.6 297,009 384,078 -22.7
Trucks 147,891 157,067 -5.8 574,574 619,482 -7.2
Total Ford Motor
Company 228,623 262,722 -13.0 871,583 1,003,560 -13.2
FORD BRAND APRIL 2007 U.S. SALES
April Month % April CYTD %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
Crown Victoria 7,389 6,640 11.3 23,922 23,185 3.2
Five Hundred 6,657 7,846 -15.2 23,391 30,808 -24.1
Taurus 0 14,668 -100.0 0 66,501 -100.0
Fusion 12,303 12,613 -2.5 51,981 42,458 22.4
Focus 16,626 17,917 -7.2 56,463 60,168 -6.2
Mustang 12,509 15,868 -21.2 47,082 56,560 -16.8
Thunderbird 0 0 NA 0 469 -100.0
GT 0 180 -100.0 231 735 -68.6
Total Ford Cars 55,484 75,732 -26.7 203,070 280,884 -27.7
Escape 14,788 16,011 -7.6 54,105 58,279 -7.2
Edge 9,134 0 NA 33,612 0 NA
Freestyle 4,893 6,491 -24.6 14,686 23,333 -37.1
Explorer 11,956 13,772 -13.2 46,679 60,488 -22.8
Expedition 8,008 6,305 27.0 32,157 27,133 18.5
Excursion 0 0 NA 0 965 -100.0
Freestar 150 5,149 -97.1 2,176 20,681 -89.5
Econoline/Club Wagon 15,740 16,886 -6.8 62,246 58,042 7.2
Ranger 7,499 9,070 -17.3 25,990 31,448 -17.4
F-Series 56,692 64,749 -12.4 228,343 264,550 -13.7
Low Cab Forward 205 318 -35.5 4,209 1,193 252.8
Heavy Trucks 1,004 1,341 -25.1 868 4,728 -81.6
Total Ford Trucks 130,069 140,092 -7.2 505,071 550,840 -8.3
Total Ford Brand 185,553 215,824 -14.0 708,141 831,724 -14.9
LINCOLN AND MERCURY BRAND APRIL 2007 U.S. SALES
April Month % April CYTD %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
Grand Marquis 6,514 7,204 -9.6 20,956 23,693 -11.6
Montego 2,295 2,760 -16.8 6,585 8,867 -25.7
Milan 3,365 3,557 -5.4 13,601 11,187 21.6
Total Mercury Cars 12,174 13,521 -10.0 41,142 43,747 -6.0
Town Car 3,712 3,693 0.5 15,357 13,902 10.5
LS 0 1,218 -100.0 0 4,583 -100.0
MKZ 2,740 3,378 -18.9 10,838 11,162 -2.9
Total Lincoln Cars 6,452 8,289 -22.2 26,195 29,647 -11.6
Total Mercury
and Lincoln Cars 18,626 21,810 -14.6 67,337 73,394 -8.3
Mariner 3,065 4,330 -29.2 11,495 14,327 -19.8
Mountaineer 2,135 2,218 -3.7 8,133 8,557 -5.0
Monterey 107 299 -64.2 584 1,383 -57.8
Total Mercury Trucks 5,307 6,847 -22.5 20,212 24,267 -16.7
MKX 2,901 0 NA 9,964 0 NA
Navigator 1,801 1,600 12.6 7,894 7,594 4.0
Aviator 0 157 -100.0 0 1,711 -100.0
Mark LT 678 1,021 -33.6 2,906 4,619 -37.1
Total Lincoln Trucks 5,380 2,778 93.7 20,764 13,924 49.1
Total Mercury
and Lincoln Trucks 10,687 9,625 11.0 40,976 38,191 7.3
Total Mercury
and Lincoln Vehicles 29,313 31,435 -6.8 108,313 111,585 -2.9
Total Lincoln Brand 11,832 11,067 6.9 46,959 43,571 7.8
Total Mercury Brand 17,481 20,368 -14.2 61,354 68,014 -9.8
JAGUAR BRAND APRIL 2007 U.S. SALES
April Month % April CYTD %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
XJ 452 465 -2.8 1,584 1,845 -14.1
S-TYPE 283 575 -50.8 1,348 2,424 -44.4
X-TYPE 252 407 -38.1 1,052 1,836 -42.7
XK 437 544 -19.7 1,688 1,010 67.1
Total Jaguar 1,424 1,991 -28.5 5,672 7,115 -20.3
VOLVO BRAND APRIL 2007 U.S. SALES
April Month % April CYTD %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
S40 1,725 2,100 -17.9 7,398 8,229 -10.1
V50 255 310 -17.7 977 1,382 -29.3
S60 1,502 1,891 -20.6 5,879 8,160 -28.0
V70 250 464 -46.1 1,099 1,760 -37.6
XC70 756 1,034 -26.9 3,833 4,281 -10.5
C70 476 435 9.4 1,484 520 185.4
S80 990 922 7.4 4,093 2,634 55.4
XC90 2,168 2,580 -16.0 10,281 11,135 -7.7
Total Volvo 8,122 9,736 -16.6 35,044 38,101 -8.0
LAND ROVER BRAND APRIL 2007 U.S. SALES
April Month % April CYTD %
2007 2006 Change 2007 2006 Change
Range Rover 854 929 -8.1 3,763 3,691 2.0
Range Rover Sport 1,247 1,548 -19.4 5,048 5,877 -14.1
LR3 808 1,254 -35.6 4,299 5,443 -21.0
LR2 1,302 0 NA 1,302 0 NA
Discovery 0 0 NA 0 1 NA
Freelander 0 5 -100.0 1 23 -95.7
Total Land Rover 4,211 3,736 12.7 14,413 15,035 -4.1
Source: Ford Motor Company
April 24
Being Penny-Wise Results in Tire Safety and Gas Savings
AAA-Approved Auto Repair Shops Offer Free 38-pt. Maintenance Inspection With Paid Service Throughout Tire Safety Week, April 23-27
-- Motorists can maximize their fuel economy by making sure their tires are properly inflated, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. National Tire Safety Week, April 23-27, was launched to help drivers understand the economic and safety benefits of basic tire care. Research shows that about 85% of drivers don't properly check tire pressure.
"Keeping tires inflated, moving components lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help ensure maximum fuel efficiency and the life of your vehicle," said Dave Skaien, the Auto Club's Approved Auto Repair Program Development Manager. "Under-inflated tires also reduce gas mileage. Correct tire inflation also is important for safe driving. A penny in your pocket can help check the health of your tires by allowing you to do a simple tread depth inspection."
Motorists can use a tread depth gauge or a coin to determine if tires are worn out. Place a U.S. penny, Lincoln's head first, into several tread grooves. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by tread, then more than 2/32" tread depth remains. (Don't place the coin on top of the wear bar, a thick elevated strip of rubber running across the base of tire grooves.) California and many other states have minimum tread depth laws. Passenger cars shouldn't operate on tires below 2/32" tread depth. If you need to purchase new tires, be sure replacements meet manufacturers speed/load specifications for your vehicle.
"Worn out tires are unsafe," said Skaien. "Every other fill-up, motorists should walk around their vehicle and visually check tires for uneven or excessive tread wear and proper inflation. They can refer to the vehicle's doorjamb or glove box for original specifications or the manufacturer of the replacement tire for tire pressure inflation," he added.
Any Auto Club member whose vehicle is being serviced this week at any AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility may request a free 38-pt. maintenance inspection that includes a tire inspection and tire pressure check with their paid service. Repair locations can be found at www.AAA.com and in Auto Club offices or by calling (800) 713-0003.
Key Code" Bill Would Help Stranded Motorists
-- Motorists would get 24-hour, 7-days-a-week access to information needed to replace high-tech, electronic vehicle keys when they have been stolen, damaged, or lost under a bill supported by AAA Hawaii.
Senate Bill 1011 has been approved by the Senate and House of Representatives and is being considered by a joint conference committee to make any final bill changes. The bill requires setting up a safe, secure and convenient option for consumers to obtain replacement keys through pre-approved and registered locksmiths. The registered locksmiths will be able to securely obtain electronic code information to reproduce many of today's high-tech vehicle keys.
"Vehicles today come equipped with high-tech, electronic keys designed to prevent auto theft," said Richard Velazquez, AAA Hawaii's regional manager. "However, motorists who have their keys stolen, damaged, or lost often face long delays, inconvenience, added risk, and significantly more expense in replacing keys because locksmiths and other car repair facilities cannot obtain the coded information from car manufacturers needed to reproduce electronic keys."
Thousands of Hawaii motorists are stranded each year without a functioning vehicle key because consumers don't have the information needed to replicate the keys -- information that could easily and safely be provided in a secure manner that would allow pre-approved and registered locksmiths to quickly and more affordably make a new key.
Many Hawaii motorists and visitors now endure long waits, great expenses and risk their personal safety while locksmiths tear apart steering columns or car doors to obtain needed key information. Other times, vehicles must be towed to car dealers and drivers forced to wait hours, days or even longer to get a replacement key and get back on the road again.
"AAA Hawaii believes that when a motorist buys a vehicle, he or she also buys everything needed to operate it, including all the information necessary to make a replacement key," Velazquez said. "An auto manufacturer should be able to provide vehicle owners with a secure and contemporary way to obtain this information when and where owners need a replacement key."
In addition to AAA Hawaii, supporters of SB 1011 include consumer groups, insurers, the visitor industry and motorists -- who sent their elected officials more than 1,200 letters asking the Legislature and Governor to approve the bill.
"Greater vehicle security is an asset for consumers, but security improvement should not come at the expense of placing motorists in an unsafe situation or forcing them to wait hours or days or pay unnecessarily high prices to obtain replacement keys," said Velazquez. "SB 1011 will provide an up-to-date option for consumers who need a way to get replacement keys."
SB 1011 is similar to a new law in California that requires vehicle manufacturers to make this information available to pre-approved and registered locksmiths starting in 2008. This same option and protections should be provided to Hawaii consumers, said Velazquez.
AAA Hawaii has served members since 1921. Today, AAA Hawaii provides services to its members that include roadside assistance, maps, international and domestic travel planning and reservations; pedestrian and traffic safety programs; automotive pricing, financial services, including consumer loans, deposit accounts and credit cards. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Hawaii's web site at www.AAA.com.
