William Maley

No, it's my fault.. I didn't catch that when I was reading it through. It's been fixed.. Thanks

How Much Is A Volt Worth In Three Years? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 17, 2011 So you just bought a brand new Chevrolet Volt and are wondering how much it will be worth within three years. Well, Kelly Blue Book has figured out and answer. They said, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be worth $17,000 after 36 months. That's only 42% of the Volt's $41,000 MSRP. Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting at KBB said the projected residual value is on the low side. But, Ibara points out the first 200,000 Volts will be offered with a $7,500 rebate dropping the MSRP to $33,500. Using the $33,500 MSRP and KBB believing gas prices will stick around the $4.00 level, KBB projects the Volt will hold 51% of its value. That happens to be higher than the 2011 Toyota Prius (46%) and the 2011 Ford Focus (37.5%). We're still scratching our heads on why KBB factored it in though. KBB says they will be setting the residual value on the Nissan Leaf. No word yet if KBB will factor the $7,500 rebate into their value for the Leaf. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

True..

Cadillac Taking Some Lessons From BMW For The ATS William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 16, 2011 Cadillac wants the ATS to succeed badly not only in North America, but worldwide. So they're are studying the big dog in the compact luxury class; the BMW 3-Series. According to Autoblog, GM has brought in various 3-Series models and stripped them down to their bare metal. The reason; to figure out what makes the 3-Series tick and how they can implement it into the ATS. It makes you wonder why didn't they think of this sooner, but no better time is better than the present. Hopefully, GM takes what they learn from tear downs and utilize this in developing other vehicles. Source: Autoblog

Saab Has Been Saved Once Again William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 16, 2011 Somehow, Saab has found another savior in China who has agreed to a joint venture after the deal with Hawtai Motor fell through. Who happens to be the knight in shining armor? The knight is Pang da Automobile Trade Co.,the largest distributor of vehicles in China. The deal agreed by the two companies has Pang da buying $43 million in Saab vehicles, and then buying $21 million in Saabs thirty days later. Also, Pang da will pay $92 million for a 24 percent stake in the automaker. These investments will help Saab with their cash problems and get production back up and running. Before the deal is signed, it will need approval from the Chinese government, GM, the European Investment Bank, and the Swedish National Debt Office. Source: Automotive News Press Release is Below Saab Automobile and Spyker Enter Into MOU With Pang Da Automobile On Distribution/Manufacturing Partnership For China And Equity Participation 16 May 2011 Trollhättan, Sweden – Spyker Cars N.V. (Spyker) announces today that Spyker and Saab Automobile AB (Saab Automobile) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pang Da Automobile Trade Co., Ltd (Pang Da), China’s largest publicly traded automobile distributor with over 1100 dealerships nationwide. The MoU includes a strategic alliance consisting of a 50/50 distribution joint venture and a manufacturing joint venture (MJV) for Saab branded vehicles as well as for an MJV-owned brand (the so-called 'child brand') in China. Saab Automobile will have up to 50 percent in the MJV, with Pang Da and a to-be-selected manufacturing partner owning the remaining shares. Pang Da shall make a EUR 30 million payment for the purchase of Saab vehicles and is expected to make an additional EUR 15 million for the purchase of more Saab vehicles within 30 days subject to certain circumstances. Additionally, Pang Da will take an equity stake in Spyker for a total amount of EUR 65 million at EUR 4.19 per share (the weighted average of the ten last trading days), representing 24 percent of Spyker on a fully diluted basis, and will have the right to nominate a member of the Supervisory Board of Spyker and /or the Board of Saab Automobile. Spyker, Saab Automobile and Pang Da signed an MoU on the formation of a joint ventures with respect to distribution and manufacturing in the Greater China market, subject to definitive transaction documentation and certain regulatory approvals. Pursuant to the MoU, Pang Da will transfer EUR 30 million to Saab Automobile as payment for the purchase of Saab vehicles and an additional EUR 15 million within 30 days for the purchase of additional vehicles depending on certain circumstances. Pang Da will take an equity participation in Spyker for a total amount of EUR 65 million at EUR 4.19 per share representing up to 24 percent of Spyker's outstanding share capital on a fully diluted basis. The MoU between Spyker, Saab Automobile and Pang Da contains the principles on which the parties will establish a 50/50 joint venture for the distribution of Saab-branded vehicles in China. The EUR 65 million share subscription by Pang Da will secure Saab Automobile’s medium term funding. Some of the transactions following the MoU are subject to agreement on definitive transaction documents and certain conditions, which include consents from certain Chinese governmental agencies, the European Investment Bank, GM and the Swedish National Debt Office. With the receipt of Pang Da's EUR 30 million initial payment, Saab Automobile aims to come to an agreement on payment and delivery terms with its suppliers as it secured the liquidity that is required to restart production as soon as possible. In order to improve lead times to customers and dealers on existing and future orders, Saab Automobile will work together with its suppliers to minimize any impact from the recent production stop. Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker and Saab Automobile said: "Both parties are confident that this partnership allows Saab Automobile and Pang Da to create a strong business, initially in the distribution and subsequently in the manufacturing of Saab vehicles in China. “Pang Da is a forward-looking, profitable and well-capitalized public company that, as the single largest automobile distributor in China, sees enormous potential for our brand in their home market. We will work hard to finalize the relevant agreements and firmly establish Saab in the world’s fastest growing car market. Pang Da taking a substantial equity stake in Spyker underlines their confidence in our plans for the future and China in particular." Mr. PANG Qinghua, CEO of Pang Da, said: “This partnership allows us not only to distribute Saab, the iconic European premium brand, in China but also to set up a manufacturing joint venture which will further enhance the competitive position of the Saab brand in China. “With the new products Saab has launched since it became an independent car manufacturer early last year, such as the all new Saab 9-5 and the Saab 9-4X which have been widely acclaimed, and not in the least the upcoming successor to the current Saab 9-3, we believe the timing is perfect for Saab to enter the Chinese market. Our size, financial strength and competence in addition to our ability to move fast will be crucial to Saab’s success in China. “Having just gone public ourselves three weeks ago, we are delighted to have the opportunity to become a substantial shareholder in Spyker, Saab's parent. We very much look forward to collaborating with Saab's management to successfully enter our promising home market.”

No, the last time the Rover V8 (Buick 215) was used in a Range Rover was in 2001. They switch to a BMW V8 when the Range Rover was redesign in 2002, then going to a Jaguar V8 in 2006.. I love that engine for all the vehicles it power for almost 40 years.. especially in this Rover..

I love this year of Grand Prix... I want this badly

Automakers Ask White House To Reject 62 MPG Standard William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 13, 2011 A trade group representing Detroit's Big Three, Toyota Motor Corp., and eight other manufacturers asked the Obama administration to say no to a proposal that would impose a 62 mpg requirement by 2025. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said in a letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson, "Fuel economy and greenhouse gas targets should not be arbitrary numbers, chosen before the necessary analyses are completed. That would circumvent the rulemaking process and undermine the ongoing collaborative effort to set sound standards." The letter from the trade group comes a few weeks after eighteen senators led by Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, asking LaHood and Jackson to consider a 62 MPG standard by 2025, which equates to a 6-percent increase from 2017 and on. The increase in fuel economy could cost anywhere from $770 to $3,500 per vehicle, depending on the stringency. Automakers argued that if the 62 MPG requirement was put into effect, that would cause sales of vehicles to drop by 14% due to rising cost of vehicles with new fuel saving measures. Also, it could lead to an equal 14% drop in the workforce (about 250,000 jobs). Daniel Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign, criticized the letter, "It is sad but typical that the automakers are trotting out the same tired excuses for not making efficient vehicles to meet the needs of American facing high gas prices," said Becker. Currently, a 35 MPG standard is in place for 2016. Source: The Detroit News

GTC Concept To Spawn A Production Version.. (We Think, Maybe) William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 12, 2011 File this one under the taking a grain of salt folder. Auto Express is reporting the Opel GTC Concept shown in 2007 has been given the green light. According to a leaked document, the name Calibra has been given and will use Epsilon II platform. The 2.8L Turbocharged V6 producing 321 HP and powers the Insignia OPC/VXR is pegged to be the top of the line motor. The coupe will come would be fitted with all-wheel drive and use a shorter wheelbase to give the car more agility. Auto Express says production of Calibra will begin on October 2012 at GM’s Russelsheim plant in Germany. Sales will begin in 2013. Now, there have been rumors of this car coming out for the past year and possibly coming across as a Buick. But, we'll wait for some evidence of this car coming out at all. Source: Auto Express

Yes

Cadillac Relaunches Certified Pre-owned Program Initiative aimed at boosting resale values, attracting new buyers to brand 2011-05-11 Enhances program IntelliChoice already ranks higher than Mercedes, Lexus, Audi and BMW Brand will cover first three months payments on financing rates as low as 1.9 percent for qualified buyers of certified pre-owned vehicles Includes 172-point vehicle inspection, 6-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation DETROIT – Cadillac is relaunching its certified pre-owned program to provide added confidence to customers seeking a used luxury automobile and help boost the resale value of Cadillacs. In its most recent rankings, IntelliChoice ranked Cadillac’s certified pre-owned program higher than programs from Mercedes, Lexus, Audi and BMW. Cadillac’s enhanced certified pre-owned program, being rolled out this spring, includes a more robust vehicle inspection system, a six-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance during the warranty period and courtesy transportation for warranty services. “In the luxury market, pre-owned automobiles are often an entry point for new customers to the brand,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac Sales and Service. “We want these customers to know that we stand behind the quality of our pre-owned Cadillacs.” Cadillac is bolstering the program with competitive financing options. For May and June, Cadillac will cover the first three monthly payments on interest rates as low as 1.9 percent for qualified buyers. As part of the enhanced program, Cadillac and its dealers will provide every buyer of a Cadillac certified pre-owned vehicle with a 172-point vehicle inspection and reconditioning certificate that includes a road-test, validation of key mechanical components, up-to-date maintenance services and interior and exterior detailing. Customers also will receive a vehicle history report. The limited warranty on Cadillac’s certified pre-owned vehicles covers most of the vehicle’s major mechanical components, including the engine, transmission, axles, struts, heating and air conditioning system and door and sunroof assemblies. Cadillac is promoting the program through TV, radio, print and on-line advertisements. “The enhanced certified pre-owned program is another building block to establish Cadillac as the new standard of the luxury market,” McNeil said. “While the immediate benefit is provided to buyers of these pre-owned vehicles, it’s also a key component for assuring strong resale values for our new car customers. An expanded pool of pre-owned Cadillacs thoroughly inspected by trained professionals will raise the brand’s long-term reputation for quality.”

I forgot about those two.. Good choices

The Saab Story Continues: Deal With Hawtai Motor Group Collapses William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 12, 2011 Related: Saab Financing Update: Additional Financing Acquired Saab can't seem to catch a break at all. Last week, Saab announced a partnership with Chinese auto maker, Hawtai Motor Company. The partnership would have brought much needed funds to the struggling Swedish automaker. However, Spyker Cars N.V released a statement this morning saying the partnership between Saab and Hawtai had fallen apart. "Since it became clear that Hawtai was not able to obtain all the necessary consents, the parties were forced to terminate the agreement with Saab Automobile and Spyker with immediate effect," Spyker said in a statement today. However, Saab is still in talks with the European Investment Bank to complete a 29 million Euro loan drawdown, waiting for consent from the Swedish National Debt Office to sell off some property, and looking to secure some short and medium-term funding. Spyker said in their statement that when the loan drawdown is approve or another type of funding comes through, production will restart. Saab is also in talks with another Chinese Automaker, Great Wall about a possible partnership. A source within Great Wall says the two companies have been in talks for awhile. "The two sides have never stopped talking and have been in touch with each other despite the Hawtai/Spyker deal." When asked about the talks, a Great Wall spokesman declined to comment. Source: The Detroit News, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Spyker Statement is Below SPYKER AND HAWTAI MOTOR GROUP CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT FUNDING AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP YET EARLIER AGREEMENT TERMINATED Zeewolde, The Netherlands, 12 May 2011 – Spyker Cars N.V. (Spyker) announces today that Hawtai Motor Group Company Limited (Hawtai) and Spyker terminated the agreement by and between Hawtai, Spyker and Saab Automobile AB (Saab Automobile) with respect to funding and strategic partnership. However, discussions are ongoing. As a result of this termination, Saab Automobile may enter into a strategic partnership with Hawtai or another Chinese party on manufacturing, technology and distribution in China. As indicated in the press release of 3 May 2011, the transaction with Hawtai was subject to definitive transaction documentation and certain conditions, which included the consent of different stakeholders. Since it became clear that Hawtai was not able to obtain all the necessary consents, the parties were forced to terminate the agreement with Saab Automobile and Spyker with immediate effect. The parties will continue their discussions about a possible cooperation, however now on a non-exclusive basis. Spyker and Saab Automobile continue to work on securing short and medium term funding. To that end Spyker and Saab Automobile are negotiating equity and debt financing and/or technology licensing with various (strategic) Chinese partners. BAIC indicated that it does not have any problems with Saab’s ongoing discussions with other Chinese partners. Discussions continue with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on completion of the current EUR 29 million drawdown under the EIB loan facility, on obtaining EIB consent for the sale of Saab property released under the collateral of the Swedish National Debt Office (NDO) and on various conditions proposed by the EIB. As soon as the EIB drawdown or other equivalent funding is confirmed, Saab Automobile plans to restart production depending on the outcome of discussions with its suppliers on terms to resume supplies of materials and services to Saab Automobile.

Honda Ridgeline - A car based pickup with a trunk and Honda's reliability... You would think it would sell. Even with the Motor Trend Truck of the Year, it didn't Pontiac GTO would be on my short list as well..

Former GM CEO, Robert Stempel, Passes Away At 77 William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 10, 2011 Robert C. Stempel, the former CEO of General Motors from 1990 to 1992 passed away today in Florida at age 77. Stempel began his career at GM in 1958 at Oldsmobile. He would become the head of Pontiac, Opel, and the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac group before being named CEO in 1990. His tenure of being GM's CEO would be short. A $7 Billion loss in 1991, 12 plant closures, and 74,000 jobs caused the board to force Stempel out in 1992. Stempel was however a gifted engineer, leading the development of catalytic converter during the 70's. He also played a big role in pushing GM to build the EV1 during early 90's. After leaving GM, Stempel went to ECD Ovonics, a battery and alternative energy firm in Auburn Hills, MI. He would serve as the chairman and later on, the CEO. At the time of his death, Stempel was on the board of Envia Systems, a small green storage systems company. Source: The Detroit News Statement is Below GM Statement on passing of former Chairman and CEO Robert C. Stempel “The General Motors family mourns the passing of Bob Stempel, who admirably led the company during very difficult times in the early 1990s. Bob was a very popular chairman with employees, and his many accomplishments as a visionary engineer included leading the development of the catalytic converter, one of the great environmental advancements in auto history. "His knowledge of battery development led to the push for the EV1 electric car, and Bob continued to build his expertise in the electrification of the automobile after he left GM in 1992."

GMC Moving On Up? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 9, 2011 General Motors has been doing a pretty good job of separating Chevrolet from GMC. The Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia is a good example; the vehicles share a lot of under bits, but have their own identity. GM is now looking to extend that separation between the two brands. GM's president of North America, Mark Reuss did an interview with Automotive News last week. He talked about how GM's approach of using two brands to sell pickups needs to be better executed for the future. Before, GM would price Chevrolet and GMC products similar and have the same incentives. That in turn caused GMC to lose some of its image. "We need to make sure that we drive the differentiation in the product and the price to create that separation that we know we can on GMC and Chevrolet. I don't think we have the margin opportunity set up quite right with GMC," said Reuss. GM's plan to move GMC upmarket; leverage the Denali brand. "I think we can do premium Chevrolets, and take GMC and move it even further up." If GMC was to go that route, the Denali nameplate would have to be placed on more vehicles. Currently the Sierra, Sierra HD, Yukon/XL, and Acadia have a Denali model in their lineups. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

GM Executive Calls Out Nissan Leaf, Talks About Spring Hill William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 6, 2011 Mark Reuss, General Motors North America president, recently did an interview with the Nashville Business Journal talking about GM's future, the Volt, and other things. When Reuss was asked about the Leaf, he showed no mercy. “(The Leaf) has a finite range and requires infrastructure and charging to run it, where the Volt is really an extended-range electric vehicle. The Volt can really be the only car you own. You better be living within a certain range for the Leaf. … It’s a lot different market, a lot different car and a completely different driver," Reuss said. “I’m not sure if I’d put the leaf in the hands of my three kids. Say, what if they can’t charge it? What if they get to school and can’t charge it? The Leaf is a single-purpose car.” The paper also asked Reuss what was going to happen to Spring Hill plant. The plant which built the Chevrolet Traverse till 2009 has been on stand by for vehicle production. Currently, the plant employs 1,000 workers in engine manufacturing and other operations. “When the economy dictates stability on changing our break-even point as a company for expansion … then, Spring Hill is at the top of the list,” Reuss said. “It’s a world-class production facility sitting there. The only thing that has to happen is that we convert the body shop to make a specific model.” Source: Nashville Business Journal

Leaked Draft Shows What Could Be Coming Down The Line For Auto Safety William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 6, 2011 Congress is looking at whether to reauthorize the highway bill, which will bring with it a wave of changes . A 500 page draft of a bill was leaked this week on capitol hill and gives some indication of what the Obama Administration and Congress are looking at. One of ideas the bill listed was to form a Surface Transportation Revenue Alternatives Office. The office would "study framework that defines the functionality of a mileage-based user fee system and other systems." This would help provide funding to fix roads. An official from the Obama Administration disowned the proposal. "This was an early working draft proposal that was never formally circulated within the administration. This is not a bill supported by the administration," said Transportation Department spokeswoman Olivia Alair. Other ideas in the draft include an increase of the maximum penalties for automakers that fail to recall vehicles (from $15 million to $300 million), giving regulators the ability to require more than two recall notices if the rate of repairs wasn't high enough, and automakers footing the bill for government expenses with the the New Car Assessment Program. Source: The Detroit News

I think it's time for a visit to the Honda Service department

GM Puts Production Cuts For Pickups Under Consideration William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 5, 2011 General Motors is considering whether to cut production of their pickup to help lower their inventory. According to GM's vice president of U.S. sales, Don Johnson, GM's pickup inventory rose to 275,000 vehicles in April. In, March the inventory stood at 264,000 vehicles. "We're going to do something about it, but we haven't made those calls yet." Buyers shifted away from trucks last month, "but no one month makes a trend, so we've got to see where this one holds," GM North American President, Mark Reuss. Sales for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are up this year with the Silverado seeing a 19% increase and the Sierra seeing a 35% increase. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

GM Issues Two Recalls For The Cruze William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 5, 2011 GM has issued two new recalls for their hot-selling Chevrolet Cruze. The first recall has 154,122 Cruzes coming in for an inspection of intermediate steering shaft covers to see if they were installed correctly. This is the second recall issued for the Cruze's steering. Last month, 2,100 Cruzes were recalled after a customer had a steering wheel detach from the steering column. Recall number two is for 120,295 Cruzes equipped with a automatic transmission. The problem stems from an issue where the transmission is in gear, but the vehicle shows it in a another gear. Dealers will inspect the transmission shift linkage and replace if necessary. Source: Left Lane News

Borrego was cancelled last year, I think.. Just clearing out stock

Saab Plans World Tour With Russian Investor And Chinese Automaker William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 4, 2011 Saab is planning a global PR tour to introduce their new Russian Investor, Vladimir Antonov and Chinese Partner, Hawtai Motor Group. The plan has Saab's Chairman, Victor Muller traveling to auto shows and speaking to the press about the investment and partnership. It's similar to effort by Muller last year saying Saab is still here. "If and when Antonov gets involved, we want to include him. We want people to meet him and know who he is. Obviously we want to include our Chinese joint-venture partners as well in our tour," said Michele Tinson, a spokesman for Saab Cars North America. For now, the tour is on hold due to the European Investment Bank approves the transfer of Saab's assets to Antonov. Also, the partnership between Saab and Hawtai Motor Group must be approved by several government agencies. If everything gets approved, Saab could be on tour within a few weeks. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Corvette Muscle: GM Invests $131 Million in Bowling Green About 250 additional jobs in Kentucky to support next-generation Chevrolet sports car 2011-05-04 BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – General Motors said Wednesday it will invest $131 million in the Bowling Green Assembly plant to support production of the next generation Chevrolet Corvette, adding about 250 jobs. “This is a significant day for anyone who believes that America should build world-class, high-performance products,” said Mark Reuss, GM North America president. "Corvette has no domestic peer for performance and pedigree and stands alongside the world's best supercars with almost 60 years of continuous heritage. "This investment in Kentucky is among $3.4 billion made in the United States since mid-2009 to keep or create more than 9,000 jobs for American workers," Reuss said. The announcement came at an event held at the plant with employees and several special guests, including Gov. Steve Beshear. The governor last June signed a bill designating the Corvette as the official state sports car of Kentucky. “Kentucky has a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship with GM and this significant investment further demonstrates the strength of our partnership,” Beshear said. The plant in Bowling Green is scheduled to continue building the current generation Corvette for at least the next two model years, including the 2012 model year that begins this summer. During this period, the investment starts to take effect, preparing the facility for the next-generation Corvette. Bowling Green is the exclusive manufacturer of all versions of the Chevrolet Corvette –Coupe, Convertible, Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1. Corvette’s current generation, the sixth in its 58-year history, has seen the car enter the realm of the world’s highest-performing cars. Nearly 400 production workers, represented by the UAW Local 2164, assemble these vehicles on a one-shift, 10-hour, Monday-Thursday production schedule. The plant employs many specialized operations, including unique hand-crafted techniques. Bowling Green has been home to Corvette production since 1981. “We need to rebuild the great American middle class. There is no better way to achieve this worthy goal than providing meaningful jobs like the ones being created in Bowling Green,” said UAW Vice President Joe Ashton. “ Our members have earned this investment through their hard work focused on the Corvette customers’ unique desire for high performance, quality, and style. “I offer my congratulations to a great American Union Workforce, Local 2164, for a job well done.” The additional jobs will be filled in accordance with the United Auto Workers -GM National Agreement. Approximately 50,000 tourists visit the Bowling Green plant annually to catch a glimpse of the manufacturing process, some even watching their new cars being completed before taking delivery from the neighboring National Corvette Museum.

Behind the Numbers April 2011 Sales For Asian Automakers William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 4, 2011 American Honda Motor Co posted a 5.7% increase in April for a total of 124,799 vehicles. Honda saw sales of 113,195, an increase of 5.9 percent. Acura saw an increase in sales of 4.2%. Other Interesting Facts: • 26,777 Civics were sold during April. Expect this number to drop in the coming months with the news of Honda warning dealers about a restriction of Civic supply. • Speaking of the Civic: the Civic Hybrid is the big loser in April, seeing a 81.2% drop in sales • The big gainer award goes the Fit, seeing a 66.3% sales increase (8,116 vehicles) • Acura’s RL & ZDX could be saying farewell within the next couple years if they keep posting low sales numbers (181 and 176 vehicles respectively) • The TSX Wagon sold 365 vehicles for April Hyundai Motor Company reported sales of 61,754 vehicles, a 40% increase from last year. Total sales so far in 2011 are 30% above last year. Other Interesting Facts: • Two Hyundai models; the Elantra and Sonata topped 20,000 vehicles sold (22,100 and 21,738 respectfully) • Equus sold 222 vehicles • Azera and Santa Fe saw a sales drop in April Kia Motors America posted sales of 47,074 vehicles for April, an increase of 56.7%. Other Interesting Facts: • Sorento still holds the title for Kia’s best selling vehicle. In April, 12,001 were sold • Sales of new Optima totaled 6,533 vehicles Mazda USA reported a 9% sales increase for April. Total sales for April were 20,638 vehicles. Other Interesting Facts: • CX-7 and CX-9 posted their best April sales (2,873 and 2,750 vehicles) • Mazda5 saw a 14.1% drop in sales • 92 buyers decided to buy an RX-8 this month Mitsubishi Motors North America posted a 106% increase in sales for April; 8,081 vehicles were sold during the month. Other Interesting Facts: • Lancer Evolution sales were up 12% • Sales of the Eclipse Spyder were up 206% Nissan North America reported a sales increase of 12.2% for April. Nissan saw sales go up 14.5% to 64,765 vehicles. Infiniti saw sales slip 6.2% to 6,671 vehicles. Other Interesting Facts: • Leaf outsold the Chevrolet Volt this month (573 vs. 493). That’s due to GM putting more emphasis on building demo units for dealers • Nissan’s new Cargo Van, the NV sold 260 vehicles • The Quest minivan saw a 8225% sales increase in April (999 vehicles sold) • Only Two Infiniti models saw a sales increase; the G37 Coupe (0.4%) and the QX56 SUV (73.7%) Subaru of America posted their April sales of 24,762 vehicles, an increase of 6.74%. Subaru said this was their best April in the company’s history. Other Interesting Facts: • Outback was the big winner in April for Subaru, 9,465 vehicles sold American Suzuki reported April sales of 2,132 vehicles, an increase of 9%. Other Interesting Facts: • SX4 was the sales leader; 1000 vehicles sold • Kizashi was the big gainer in April; a 42% sales jump in April Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. posted April sales of 159,540 vehicles, a drop of 2.4%. Toyota sold 141,964 vehicles in the month of April, a 1.7% drop from last April. Lexus saw their sales drop 7.8% to 17,576 vehicles. Other Interesting Facts: • Toyota’s Hybrid lineup saw a 8.8% decrease in sales this month • The new tC is the big sales star for Scion, 2,674 vehicles sold • Lexus’ HS sold 279 vehicles, a drop of 75% Related Behind The Numbers Content: Behind the Numbers - April 2011 Domestics Behind the Numbers - April 2011 Europeans