William Maley

Mitsubishi Motors Reports July Sales Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported July 2012 sales of 4,194 units, down 47.4 percent compared to July 2011. “Currently our sales are impacted by our models whose production was completed last summer,” said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. “This condition will continue for the remainder of the summer.” Outlander Sport continues to be Mitsubishi’s top seller in the U.S., and production of the 2013 Outlander Sport began in Normal, Illinois in July. The vehicle will begin to become available at Mitsubishi dealerships in the U.S. by the end of this month. View full article

Porsche Reports July Sales Retail sales up five percent year-to-date ATLANTA, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars, Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera four-door sports sedan line-up in the United States, today announced July 2012 sales of 2,803 vehicles. This compares to 2,768 vehicles sold last July, for an increase of one percent. For the year, Porsche has sold 19,253 cars in the U.S., a five percent increase over last year's sales of 18,310. "Our all-new Boxster and 911 models continue to be in high-demand," said PCNA's President and CEO, Detlev von Platen. In fact, for the year, we've sold 46 percent more 911 sports cars this year than last year – a tribute to the success of the new, seventh-generation 911." Porsche sold 359 Boxster models in July, a 77 percent increase over July 2011. July was the first full month in which Porsche offered the all-new, 2013 Boxster models. Porsche's Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 775 for July 2012. Year-to-date, Porsche has sold 5,631 CPO models, a ten percent increase versus 2011. (5,142). View full article

Kia Motors America Begins Second Half Of 2012 With Best-Ever July Sales America's Fastest-Growing Car Company1 Achieves 23rd Consecutive Monthly Sales Record; Annual Sales up 15.9 Percent IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America's (KMA) record-setting momentum and growth continued last month with best-ever July sales of 48,074 units, a 5.6-percent increase over the same period last year. Kia's streak of consecutive year-over-year sales records now extends to a remarkable 23 months as the brand marches into the third quarter of 2012 well ahead of last year's all-time annual sales record pace. KMA's year-to-date sales are up 15.9 percent over 2011 due in large part to strong retail sales performances by the U.S.-built Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*, as well as the popular Soul urban passenger vehicle. The high-volume month of July also witnessed the Optima and Soul gain recognition as two of the most appealing vehicles amongst new car buyers in J.D. Power and Associates' Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. "The story of Kia's extraordinary growth continues, and after capturing our 23rd straight monthly sales record, it is that of a brand which is moving forward on all fronts with significant strides in satisfying customers and building owner loyalty," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "Our model line is designed to meet and exceed the high expectations of discerning car buyers who want quality and tremendous value in one package, as evidenced by our latest accolades from two major J.D. Power and Associates' studies – IQS and APEAL. And with a number of fresh products coming in the year ahead, we are confident that Kia will continue to attract new customers to our showrooms going forward." View full article

Subaru of America, Inc. July Sales Mark Eight Consecutive Months of Sales Gains Subaru year-to-date sales are up 23 percent CHERRY HILL, N.J., Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record sales for the month of July of 25,183 vehicles, a 16 percent increase over July 2011. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 189,487 – an impressive 23 percent increase over prior year. Month-over-month sales for the 36 MPG all-wheel drive Impreza doubled. The recently refreshed Outback – which is now available with new Eyesight driver assistance technology – saw a 10 percent sales increase over July 2011. "Subaru products represent safety, value and reliability, which is exactly what customers are looking for in these turbulent economic times," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "We are pleased to continue our trend of double digit monthly sales increases, and July represents the eighth consecutive month Subaru has established monthly sales records. The arrival of the all-new XV Crosstrek is right around the corner so we expect to see continued momentum into the second half of the year." "Subaru buyers continue to recognize the incredible value proposition of our vehicles," said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "Our buyers are savvy shoppers with active lifestyles. When shoppers seek safety, durability and a spirited drive, the Subaru line-up of vehicles offers a no-compromise solution." View full article

MAZDA REPORTS JULY SALES - Mazda SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY accounts for more than half of total vehicle sales for the month of July- IRVINE, Calif. (August 1, 2012) - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported July U.S. sales of 19,318 vehicles, representing a decrease of 7.0 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through July are up 13.9 percent (13.9 percent DSR) versus last year, with 163,115 vehicles sold. Key July sales notes: In the U.S., since the addition of the Mazda CX-5 to the SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY vehicle line-up, SKYACTIV vehicle sales have increased from 24.0 percent (February 2012) to 60.0 perecent of total vehicle sales for the month of July. MX-5 Miata continued to stay hot this Summer with an increase of 3.7 percent over July of 2011. View full article

American Honda Reports July Auto Sales: CR-V Sets Seventh Consecutive Monthly Sales Record; Acura RDX Sales Up More Than 142 Percent Honda division sales up 46.4 percent, Acura sales up 36.4 percent 08/01/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif. American Honda today reported July 2012 U.S. sales of 116,944 units, an increase of 45.3 percent compared with July 2011 (an increase of 57.4 percent based on the daily selling rate*). The Honda Division posted July 2012 sales of 104,119 units, an increase of 46.4 percent compared with July 2011. Acura’s U.S. July sales of 12,825 units increased 36.4 percent compared with July 2011. Honda Honda division posts best seventh-month year-to-date sales total since 2008 Accord sales pace strong at 28,639 units, up more than 70 percent; Civic sales up more than 78 percent with 25,004 units sold CR-V sets seventh consecutive monthly sales record with a new July record (20,554 units), up more than 47 percent from July 2011 Odyssey sales up more than 88 percent from July 2011, with 11,953 units sold in July "As our sales momentum continues to build through the summer, Honda is experiencing its best year-to-date sales in four years," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "With success growing along with inventory, it's wonderful to once again be able to meet the strong retail customer demand for our great Honda products." Acura Continuing its sales success, the new RDX delivered another record sales month (2,664 units), up more than 142 percent from July 2011 MDX remains the top selling Acura vehicle with sales of 4,288 units, up more than 24 percent from July 2011 Gaining momentum in only its second full month of sales, the all-new ILX posted sales of 1,410 units "With the MDX continuing its reign as the top seven-passenger luxury SUV, and the new RDX leading the compact luxury segment, Acura light trucks lead the way for the Acura brand," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "With the ILX gaining its stride, Acura is sure to see robust sales increases for many months to come." View full article

BMW Group U.S. Reports July 2012 Sales BMW brand up 9.4 percent year-to-date MINI brand up 9.5 percent year-to-date, best July ever Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 1, 2012… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported July sales of 27,152 vehicles, an increase of 4 percent from the 26,120 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group is up 9.5 percent on sales of 185,715 in the first seven months of 2012 compared to 169,641 in the same period in 2011. “High summer is typically a time for vacations rather than car buying which makes the July result satisfying, especially with the unsteady economy and the very short supply of new models in our dealerships,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America, LLC. “August will be the tightest month as we complete the model year transition, so we’re very much looking forward to September and Fall and the much stronger availability of our popular new models.” BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 0.5 percent in July for a total of 21,297 compared to 21,409 vehicles sold in July, 2011. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 9.4 percent on sales of 147,801 compared to 135,114 sold in the first seven months of 2011. In July, best performing vehicles included the 5 Series, up 32 percent to 5,700 units; and the 6 Series, up 50.5 percent to 843 units; and the 7 Series, up 158.9 percent to 1,696 units. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles In July, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) decreased 5.9 percent to 12,658 vehicles from the 13,449 vehicles sold in July 2011. January through July, BMW used vehicle sales are up 2.1 percent on volume of 94,939 compared to 92,960 in the same period of 2011. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported the best July ever with sales of 5,855 automobiles, an increase of 24.3 percent from the 4,711 sold in July 2011. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 9.8 percent on volume of 37,914 compared to 34,527 in the first seven months of 2011. View full article

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA SALES INCREASE 16.2% IN JULY Nissan Division achieves record July car sales Infiniti sales increase 56.8% from prior year FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Aug. 1, 2012) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported July U.S. sales of 98,341 units versus 84,601 units a year earlier, up 16.2 percent. Nissan Division sales increased 12.3 percent for the month at 86,722 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were up 56.8 percent over the prior year, to 11,619 units. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS Nissan Division posted sales of 86,722 units, up 12.3 percent from last July’s 77,191 units. Sales of the Nissan Altima achieved a July record of 26,602, up 24.7 percent from a year ago. July marked the first full month of sales for the all-new, 2013 Altima sedan. Nissan Rogue also achieved best-ever July sales, with 13,193 units marking a 17.2 percent increase over July 2011. Nissan’s car lineup posted overall strong sales, with cars collectively recording record July volume of 53,744 units, up 13.8 percent from a year ago. “Sales of the all-new Altima sedan – the most innovative Altima ever - helped propel Nissan car sales to the best July on record at 53,744 cars sold,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “Initial reception of the all-new, 2013 Altima proved to be strong, with total Altima sales reaching 26,602 vehicles sold in July.” INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS Infiniti today reported sales of 11,619 units for July, an increase of 56.8 percent from 7,410 units a year earlier. The Infiniti G Sedan, with sales of 6,078, had an increase of 88.8 percent versus last year, making it the best July in the sport sedan’s history. The brand’s all-new 7-passenger luxury crossover, the Infiniti JX, saw sales of 1,999 in July and a total of 9,724 units since it went on sale in late March. Overall, Infiniti had its best July in seven years. View full article

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS 27.3% SALES INCREASE IN JULY – Best July since 1973 with 37,014 units sold – • Best year-to-date sales since 1973, a 34.1 percent increase • Best July ever for Passat with 9,007 units • Jetta Sedan achieved sales of 11,666 units • Best July ever for Tiguan, 2,966 units • High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 19.4 percent of sales in July. Herndon, VA, Aug 1, 2012 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 37,014 units sold in July, a 27.3 percent increase over prior year sales, a 34.1 percent increase year-to-date and the best July since 1973. “Volkswagen has proven demand and enthusiasm for our products with over 37,000 units sold for the month, continuing the pace of double-digit sales growth for 2012,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We’re pleased to see consumers embracing our strong lineup of award-winning, fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles and we expect our growth to continue.” The Volkswagen Passat continued its successful year with 9,007 units sold. The Passat, the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year, continued its year of accolades by being awarded the most appealing midsize car in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study. The Passat also was rated the Most Ideal Premium Mid-Size Car and received AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award in its class. The Beetle continues to gain momentum with 2,839 units sold. In August, Volkswagen joins the Discovery Channel as presenting sponsor of Shark Week and will debut the “Volkswagen Beetle Shark Observation Cage,” a one-of-a-kind Beetle shark cage created to cruise the ocean floor. The design, construction and submersion of the Beetle shark cage will be unveiled for viewers in a series of three, one-minute segments during Shark Week programming. Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 11,666, while Jetta SportWagen totaled 1,963. The Golf was recently rated the Most Ideal Compact Car according to a study by AutoPacific, had sales of 2,058 units. The Tiguan sold 2,966 units, the best July ever for the vehicle, while the Volkswagen Touareg sold 740 units, a 41 percent increase. View full article

Audi sets all-time U.S. July sales record with 28% increase Audi reports 19th consecutive month of record sales; premium category vehicles (A8, A7, A6, and Q7) represents 30.4% of July demand HERNDON, Va., Jul 31, 2012 - Audi established a new July record, with sales of 11,707 new vehicles representing a 28% increase above the old mark set in July 2011. The best July in the brand’s U.S. history also stands as the 19th consecutive month of record performance. The results for the first seven months of 2012 set a year-to-date record, as well. Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (the Audi A8, Audi A7, Audi A6, and Audi Q7) jumped 20% to equal 30.4% of total July sales demonstrating the brand move upmarket in the luxury sector is continuing unabated. Audi sales momentum benefitted strongly from robust demand for the technologically advanced Audi A6, with the model.line generating a 66.8% sales increase for the month and a 123.8% increase year to date. Availability of enhanced 2013 models allowed many best-selling Audi cars to hit their stride in dealerships nationwide. Interest in the thoroughly updated Audi A4 sent sales of that top-selling model line up 51.7% in July, while new models boosted Audi A5 sales 31.9% for the month and 6.6% year-to-date. The Audi Q5 also performed favorably with an increase of 10.0% for the month. “Audi models exude emotion and innovation, and consumers are responding,” said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “A record July kicks off a second half that will see the brand gain even more sales momentum.” Highlights: • July 2012 ranks as the best July in Audi of America history • Audi A4 sales up 51.7% compared to July 2011; YTD sales grew 4.4% compared to previous period. • Audi A5 sales up 31.9% compared to July 2011; YTD sales grew 6.6% compared to previous period. • Sales of Audi A6 increased 66.8% compared to July 2011; YTD sales up 123.8% compared to previous period. • Sales of Audi Q5 increased 10% compared to July 2011; YTD sales up 19.9% compared to previous period. • Sales mix for Audi TDI clean diesel models finish the month at 46.2% for the A3 TDI and 25.9% for Q7 TDI; sales of the Audi A3 TDI increased a solid 28.3% for the month. • For the record-setting month of July 2012, four Audi models recorded year-over-year sales increases of 20% or more, including the Audi A3, the Audi A4, the Audi A5 and the Audi A6 models. • Audi Certified pre-owned sales of 3,136 vehicles set a record as the second-best July despite the reduced inventory of available models for the program. ABOUT AUDI Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2011, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. AUDI AG is planning to invest a total of EUR 13 billion over the period 2012 through 2016 on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues. View full article

Chrysler Group LLC Reports July 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 13 Percent; Best July Sales in Five Years Best July sales since 2007 28th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in July compared with same month a year ago Chrysler brand sales up 35 percent; best July sales since 2008 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan sets sales record for month of July Chrysler 300 flagship sedan posts 41 percent increase; best July sales since 2008 Chrysler Town & Country minivan records double-digit sales gain and best July since 2006 FIAT brand sales up 22 percent; sets sales record for month of July Ram pickup truck sales up 17 percent; best July sales since 2007 Ram Truck brand has best July sales in four years Jeep brand sales up 7 percent; best July sales since 2005 Jeep Liberty sales increase 34 percent; largest percentage increase of Jeep brand models Jeep Grand Cherokee has best July sales in seven years Dodge brand sales up 6 percent; best July sales since 2005 Production of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart ramping up with addition of third crew at Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant Dodge Journey full-size crossover sets sales record for the month of July Dodge Dart, Fiat 500 and Jeep Patriot named to Consumer Guide Automotive’s list of the ‘10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000’ Auburn Hills, Mich. , Aug 1, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 126,089 units, a 13 percent increase compared with sales in July 2011 (112,026 units), and the group’s best July sales since 2007. The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each posted sales increases in July compared with the same month a year ago. Chrysler Group recorded its 28th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains in July. The Chrysler brand led the way with its 35 percent sales gain, the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand in July. “July was another solid month for Chrysler Group as we again demonstrated our disciplined and methodical approach to growing sales and profits,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “In July we recorded a 13 percent increase in sales and our 28th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. In addition we also announced a second quarter modified operating profit of $755 million representing our highest quarterly profits in more than a decade.” Chrysler Group’s 13 percent sales increase was driven in part by two models that set sales records for the month of July: the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and the Dodge Journey full-size crossover. Sales of the award-winning Journey were up 69 percent, the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group model in July. Also contributing to Chrysler Group’s July increase were the Ram pickup truck, the group’s volume leader, with its 17 percent sales increase, and the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan with a solid 41 percent gain. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, were up 22 percent while the Jeep Liberty mid-size SUV recorded a 34 percent sales increase, the largest year-over-year percentage sales gain of any Jeep model in July. Chrysler Group finished the month with a 65-days supply of inventory (341,699 units). U.S. industry sales figures for July are projected at an estimated 14 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). July 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 35 percent, the brand’s best July sales in four years and the largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand in July. All three Chrysler brand models contributed to the sales gain by logging double-digit sales increases in July compared with the same month a year ago. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan was the brand’s volume leader, setting a sales record for the month of July with its 43 percent sales increase. The Chrysler Town & Country minivan rolled up a 25 percent sales gain, its best July since 2006, while the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan, with a strong 41 percent gain, recorded its best July sales since 2008. FIAT Brand FIAT brand sales, up 22 percent compared with the same month a year ago, set a sales record for the month of July. The Fiat 500 Cabrio did particularly well with a triple-digit percentage sales increase in July versus the same month in 2011. The editors at Consumer Guide Automotive named the Fiat 500 to its annual list of the “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000.” Editors at the publication test drove and evaluated each new car with a base U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) under $18,000. The 2012 Fiat 500 topped this annual list. Ram Truck Brand The Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group’s volume leader, extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 27-consecutive months in July. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 17 percent in July compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s best July sales performance since 2007. Of the Ram 1500 sales, the regular cab pickups posted the largest percentage sales increase in July, while the crew cab trucks led in volume. The Ram Truck brand, which posted its best July sales in four years, continues to grow sales with its 2012 models while preparing to launch the all-new 2013 Ram 1500 with its best-in-class fuel economy, state-of-the-art technology, and class-exclusive features. Ram Truck dealers are expected to begin ordering the new Ram early this month with production slated to begin in September. Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were up 7 percent, the brand’s best July sales since 2005, and its 27th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, were up 22 percent, its best July sales in seven years. Jeep Liberty sales were up 34 percent, the largest percentage increase of all Jeep models in July. Sales of the Jeep Patriot were up 28 percent in July. Editors at Consumer Guide Automotive named the Patriot to its “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000” list in July. The Jeep Compass compact SUV had its best sales month of this year. Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales increased 6 percent in July, the brand’s best July sales since 2005. The Dodge Journey full-size crossover set a sales record for the month of July. With its 69 percent sales increase, the Journey, the most versatile and affordable crossover in America, turned in the largest year-over-year percentage sales increase of any Chrysler Group model in July. The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart compact car is beginning to arrive in dealership showrooms in greater numbers across the country. Sales of the Dart were up 282 percent in July compared with its first month of sales in June. Production of the Dart continues to ramp up with the addition of third crew at the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant. The Dart was one of three Chrysler Group models that made Consumer Guide Automotive’s annual list of the “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000.” View full article

Ford Fusion Achieves Best-Ever July Sales, Explorer Best July Sales in Six Years, F-Series Gains for 12th Straight Month Ford Fusion sales increase 21 percent – the best July ever – with 23,326 vehicles sold Explorer posts best July sales since 2006 with 11,313 vehicles sold F-Series sales total 49,314 vehicles, marking 12 straight months of monthly sales gains Ford Motor Company’s July U.S. sales totaled 173,966 – a 4 percent decline due to lower fleet sales; July retail sales grow 2 percent compared with last year DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 1, 2012 – Ford Motor Company’s U.S. retail sales increased 2 percent in July versus year-ago levels, driven by strong retail customer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Fusion exceeded its best-ever July sales record last month, with 23,326 vehicles sold. Mustang sales increased 8 percent versus last year, with 7,371 vehicles sold, representing its third straight month of sales gains since 2013 models started arriving in dealerships. Explorer sales totaled 11,313 vehicles in July – its best-ever July sales result since 2006. Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling vehicle, reported its 12th straight month of sales increases, with 49,314 F-Series sold. EcoBoost-equipped F-150s made up 42 percent of retail sales in July. Overall, Ford Motor Company sales were down 4 percent in July due to lower fleet sales. Fleet sales were down 16 percent. Retail sales were up 2 percent. View full article