William Maley

Behind the Numbers April 2011 Sales For Europeans William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 4, 2011 Audi reported a 7.5% increase in sales for April. This makes it the forth consecutive month of record sales for the four rings. Other Interesting Facts: • Only two models saw a drop in sales; the A5 (-22.2%) and the TT (-2.9%) • A7 is off to a good start, 408 sold in April • TDIs make up a good amount of sales for the A3 (61% or 366 vehicles) and the Q7 (47% or 371 vehicles) BMW posted sales of 18,801 vehicles, an increase of 8.9% from last April. Mini reported an increase of sales to 67.7%. Other Interesting Facts: • X3 is still climbing the sales chart. 2,277 X3s were sold • 3-Series saw a 14.5% sales drop in April • 1,709 Mini Countrymans were sold during April, making it Mini's second most popular vehicle Jaguar/Land Rover posted April sales of 4,231 vehicles, an increase of 16% over last April. Jaguar sold 1,249 vehicles in April, an increase of 39%. Land Rover saw sales jump 8% to 2,982 vehicles. Other Interesting Facts: • The XJ is Jaguar's big seller for the month with 578 vehicles sold • Range Rover was the big gainer, a 21% increase in sales Mercedes-Benz reported a 5.1% increase in sales for the Month of April. This is their best April on record since 2008. Other Interesting Facts: • E-Class holds on to its title of being the head of the pack with 5,342 vehicles sold. C-Class is behind by only 110 vehicles • The SLS Supercar sold 54 vehicles, bringing it's total to 309 vehicles for the year • CLS-Class was the loser for April. Sales dropped 78.2% Porsche Cars North America said April 2011 was their best selling month since March 2007. 3,172 vehicles were sold, an increase of 82% Other Interesting Facts: • The 911 was up 66% for the month of April Volkswagen posted sales of 28,542 vehicles for April. That's an increase of 23% and is their best selling month since November 2003. Other Interesting Facts: • 23% of VW's April sales were vehicles equipped with a TDI engine (About 6,565 vehicles) • The Jetta walked away with being the top seller. 13,905 Jetta sedans sold in April, an increase of 87.3% • 7 people decided April was the time buy a New Beetle Convertible Related Behind The Numbers Content: Behind the Numbers - April 2011 Asian Manufacturers Behind the Numbers - April 2011 Domestics

Yep.. GM reported a 31% increase to commercial sales

Behind the Numbers April 2011 Sales For Domestics William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 3, 2011 GM posted a 27% increase in sales for April. Chevrolet's Cruze was the big winner, selling 25,160 units for the month. The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain saw increases of 53% and 61% respectively. Other interesting points: • 33% of April sales were to Fleets • 32% of Regals sold were the CXL Turbo model (About 1,448 vehicles) • Cadillac sold 1 XLR for the month • Camaro still holds a slight edge over the Ford Mustang. (10,852 vs. 8,180) • The Silverado saw a 0.9% drop while the Sierra saw a 12.4% increase Ford reported sales of 189,778 vehicles for the month of April, a 16% increase compared to last year. Cars were up 25% while trucks and SUVs were up 11%. Other interesting points: • 50% of F-150s sold in April were equipped with a V6 engine • Mustang outsold the whole Lincoln lineup (8,180 vs. 7,236) • Flex saw a 50.8% drop in sales (1,949 vehicles from last April) • Fleets are going crazy with their orders for Crown Vics; 114.5% increase for April (about 3,516 vehicles) • Explorer is the fastest-turning vehicle for Ford, selling 12,593 vehicles • MKX and MKZ were the only vehicles to see an increase in sales for April, 40.1% and 16.5% respectfully Chrysler posted sales of 117,225 vehicles for April, an increase of 22% from last year. Chrysler says this is their best April since 2008. Other interesting points: • The 200 saw a 22% increase in April compared to March sales and doubled last year's Sebring sales. • Fiat sold 882 500s for the month of April • Only five Dodge vehicles saw an increase of sales in April: Journey (3%), Caliber (8%), Avenger (26%), Nitro (44%), and Durango (253100%) • Grand Cherokee is still the top dog in Jeep's Lineup: 9,802 vehicles sold this month • Ram Trucks sales increase 29% to 19,260 vehicles Related Behind The Numbers Content: Behind the Numbers - April 2011 Asian Manufacturers Behind the Numbers - April 2011 Europeans

Honda Warns Dealers About Civic Supply William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 3, 2011 Honda has put a warning out to their dealers with the 2012 Civic. In a memo sent to dealers, American Honda Motor Co. sales boss John Mendel said the supply will be “severely restricted, with limited availability of certain models.” The memo also states production of the new Civic will, “be at significantly reduced levels at least during the summer months,” because of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March. As a result, analysts said sales of the new Civic could drop below 2010 sales of 260,000 units. “With an all-new and improved model, Honda of course targeted to sell more,” said the Manager of Honda Public Relations, Christina Ra. When asked about how much damage to sales would happen due to the supply restriction Ra said, “Obviously, if a customer really needs to make a purchase, wants the Civic and can’t get it… there are choices that must be made on the customer’s part.” Ra would not comment on how dealers would cope with the problems, only saying the dealers would be left to govern themselves. However there is some good news. Ra said that Honda hopes to get production up to normal levels by the end of the year. Source: Auto Guide

I want to install a 5.0 V8 into a Town Car or the LS sedan.. a sleeper Its a crime against nature, but I'd rather see a LSA or 392 Hemi installed in a Town Car/LS sedan than the 5.0. I'm just not into the 5.0, or Fords modular V8s for that matter. Aggghhh...so wrong on so many levels...like trying to breed a dog w/ a cat.. I really like Ford's new 5.0 from what I've read... I'm fine with that

I want to install a 5.0 V8 into a Town Car or the LS sedan.. a sleeper

MKS Yeah, Lincoln's naming structure needs to go

Lincoln Ponders A Performance Division William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 2, 2011 Nearly every luxury brand have a performance line that's designated by either a single letter or group of letters; Cadillac's V, BMW's M, Mercedes-Benz's AMG, and Audi's S and RS to name a few. One brand not on this list is Lincoln, but that could be changing. Rumor has it that Ford is deciding whether to create a performance line for Lincoln. The move would help Lincoln show that it's serious in competing with other luxury brands. The vehicles that are presumed to get some muscle are the MKS and MKZ sedans, using modified EcoBoost engines and a AWD system to put the power onto the road. A decision could be made by the end of the year. Source: AutoBlog, Car & Driver

Chrysler Posts First Profit After Bankruptcy Chrysler announces their first quarter results and it's good news. Chrysler Posts First Profit After Bankruptcy

Chrysler Posts First Profit After Bankruptcy William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 2, 2011 Chrysler has announced a $116 million profit for the first quarter of 2011, their first profit since exiting bankruptcy in 2010. Sales in the first quarter rose 18% to 394,000 vehicles sold. First quarter revenues rose to $13.1 billion, a increase of 35% compared to the first quarter last year. Chrysler attributes their revenue increase to their lineup which includes 16 new and refreshed vehicles they have brought out. “Chrysler Group’s improved sales and financial performance in the first quarter show that our rejuvenated product lineup is gaining momentum in the marketplace and resonating with customers. These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, suppliers and dealers, all of whom are helping Chrysler create a new corporate culture built on the quality of our products and processes, and simple, sound management principles," said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. Press Release is Below Chrysler Group LLC Achieved Net Income of $116 Million in First Quarter 2011; First Quarterly Net Income Since Company Began Operations in June 2009 Net Income totaled $116 million in Q1 2011 compared to a net loss of $197 million in Q1 2010 Modified Operating Profit totaled $477 million in Q1 2011, up from $143 million in Q1 2010 Net Revenues in Q1 2011 were $13.1 billion, up 35 percent from $9.7 billion in Q1 2010 Cash at March 31, 2011, was $9.9 billion, up $2.5 billion from December 31, 2010 Auburn Hills, Mich. , May 2, 2011 - Chrysler Group LLC today announced its preliminary financial results for the first quarter (Q1) 2011, reporting that it achieved its first quarterly net income since the Company began operations in June 2009. Net Income in Q1 2011 was $116 million compared to a net loss of $197 million in Q1 2010. “Chrysler Group’s improved sales and financial performance in the first quarter show that our rejuvenated product lineup is gaining momentum in the marketplace and resonating with customers,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. “These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, suppliers and dealers, all of whom are helping Chrysler create a new corporate culture built on the quality of our products and processes, and simple, sound management principles. “We remain focused on delivering great products to our customers and continuing to achieve the sales and financial targets outlined in our 2010-2014 business plan,” added Marchionne.

Cadillac Working On A Convertible? William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 1, 2011 Cadillac's recent track record with convertibles has been abysmal. The Allanté from the late 80's and the recent XLR had high aspirations, but fell flat in sales. Car & Driver is now reporting that Cadillac is working a convertible that will fit between the ATS and CTS. The convertible will use a fabric roof to help with the vehicle's weight. Engine choices for the convertible could range from turbo-4, V6, or V8s. The convertible is expected to come out in late 2013 as a 2014 model. Source: Car & Driver

Saw this in Troy, MI. Just left me speechless...

shame

Saab's Future Looks Bleak William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 29, 2011 Good news has been eluding Saab over the past month. Production problems, issues with suppliers, and money problems shows why Saab wants to forget this month. Now, Saab is reporting more bad news. In a statement released today, Saab reported a first quarter net loss of 72 million Euros ($107 million). Also, Saab said they would not be able to meet their production forecasts for 2011. "It is unclear at this time what the consequences of the recent production stoppages and funding issues will be for our full year 2011 forecast but it is realistic to assume that realizing our 80.000 cars sales forecast is no longer feasible," said CEO Victor Muller in a statement. However, some good news is coming to Saab. Earlier this week, Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov was given the go ahead by the Swedish Government and General Motors to invest approximately 30 million euros, in return for a 29.9 percent stake in Saab. To help raise more money, Saab is looking to Chinese auto manufacturers. "We have opened up alternative routes to fund the company mid and short term including, but not limited to, discussions with Chinese car manufacturers," said Muller. Muller didn't say which Chinese auto makers they're in talks with, but rumors point to China Youngman Automobile Group, Great Wall Motor Co and Jiangsu Yueda Group. If a deal is created with one of these automakers, that gives Saab an entrance into the world's largest auto market. Saab is even asking their shareholders to give funds to help restart vehicle production. "To ensure adequate liquidity both in the short term and for the remainder of this year, management is currently raising funds from current shareholders and pursuing various initiatives to improve the group's liquidity and strengthen the group's balance sheet," Saab said in a statement. Update: Saab Secures 59.1€ million in short term financing Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuQCqCdZZ-s

UAW May Negotiate With Big Three At Once William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 28, 2011 UAW President Bob King said the union may hold contracts talk with Detroit Three at the same time. King was speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Automotive Press Association in Detroit talking about UAW and the future. “We have very advanced and good relationships, and we should be able to work together. I would hope that we don’t have to get to the point of picking a target.” King said to reporters. Usually, the UAW picks one automaker they think can give them the best contract and then uses that with the other automakers. This gives UAW members similar contracts with all automakers. However, King faces some challenges with the upcoming negotiations. Some UAW members want the $7000 to $30000 in concessions they made in 2009 back. Also, Ford could be the hardest to negotiate with. King has said that Ford's President and CEO Alan Mulally’s $26.5 million pay package is “morally wrong." King talked about Mulally's pay at the luncheon, saying Mulally doesn't understand how his pay hurt the morale of Ford employees. “Alan Mulally is a good CEO, and I think he has done a lot of good, but he has a blind spot here. He is making it more difficult for us for the upcoming negotiations by taking that kind of money.” Source: Detroit Free Press

Corvette Performance Reaches Higher in 2012 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette Z06 Gallery Interior enhancements, new performance packages highlight upgrades 2011-04-28 DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today that it will once again elevate Corvette’s performance capabilities with a series of improvements for the 2012 model year that improve on-track performance and on-road comfort. They include enhancements to the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models as well as interior upgrades across the Corvette lineup. Sports car fans will get their first look at the 2012 models – including the racing-inspired appearance of the Chevrolet Centennial Edition – at a special event this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. Production begins in July. “We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track,” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. “For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car.” New Michelin Cup ZP tires elevate Z06/ZR1 performance Corvette’s greater performance for 2012 begins with the new, optional Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available on the two highest-performing models, the lightweight, 505-hp (377 kW) Z06 and the maximum-performance, 638-hp (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. They are competition-oriented tires, optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability. When combined with the Corvette’s exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology – which manages torque delivery for maximum performance – the tires are expected to help set new benchmarks for Corvette performance. Engineers estimate an 8-percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration, to more than 1.1g, and improved braking distance. Testing at Virginia International Raceway has demonstrated improvement of approximately three seconds per lap. The Cup ZP tires were developed by the same Michelin engineers who develop tires for Corvette Racing in the American Le Mans Series and are essentially street-legal versions of a racing tire. They are included in the optional Z07 performance package on the Corvette Z06 and a new PDE performance package on the ZR1. The 285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear) tires are matched with all-new aluminum Cup-style wheels in satin black or machined finishes. They are about five pounds lighter (2.2 kg) and stronger than the 20-spoke wheel offered in 2011. Performance Traction Management (offered on the Z06 for the first time in 2012) is an advanced system that optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance. The system also integrates traction control, active handling and selective ride control systems to enhance race track driving consistency and overall performance. When full throttle is applied upon exiting a corner, it automatically manages acceleration dynamics. A full-width racing-style spoiler for improved aerodynamics is also included in both the ’12 Z07 and PDE packages. The Z06 model will now offer Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology – an innovation Corvette pioneered several years ago. And as before, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes will be a part of the Z07 chassis package (they are standard on ZR1). Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires remain standard on the ZR1. A carbon fiber hood will be an available option on 2012 Z06 models, while the standard manual transmission for ZR1 will include taller gearing in fifth and sixth gears, for a 2-mpg improvement in highway fuel economy. Interior and feature changes All 2012 Corvette models will include a new seat design and a new steering wheel. The seats feature larger bolsters on the seat back and cushion areas, which provide better driver support, especially in high-performance driving while remaining comfortable for daily street driving. Microfiber suede seat inserts are optional and improve tactile feel, as well as add additional support. The new seats are complemented by the revised steering wheel, featuring model-specific badges, streamlined switch trim and wrapped spokes. Padded center console and armrests for all models are now included for 2012. An additional visual touch inside the car is contrasting color stitching – in red, blue and yellow – which is available with the custom leather-wrapped interior. Also coming in 2012 is a new Bose uplevel audio system, which includes nine speakers (compared to seven in 2011) for improved audio quality that is more precisely tuned to the cabin’s acoustics. New tweeters located in the instrument panel and improved Bose Nd next-generation bass performance is the main benefit that Corvette drivers will hear. A new Technology Package (2LT trim level) brings together many of the Corvette’s popular infotainment features and makes them available for more models. The package’s equipment includes the navigation radio, head-up display, Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and a USB port. Wrapping up the new features for 2012 is the availability for customers to select brake caliper colors, for more personalization of their Corvette. The calipers are offered in the red, yellow, silver or gray.