William Maley

There is a new twist in the fate of the Ford Fusion. The Detroit News obtained a letter from November that Ford sent out to suppliers saying plans for a redesigned Fusion for North America had been canceled. This follows a report from last month where Ford notified suppliers that it will not produce the next-generation Fusion at their Hermosillo, Mexico plant. This doesn't mean the Fusion nameplate is going away anytime soon. A source tells the paper that the Fusion and Mondeo (sister model sold outside the U.S.) will be in Ford's portfolio for at least three to four years. This possibly hints that Ford executives are having a rethink as to the future of the Fusion. Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to comment on the letter or future of the Fusion, only saying in a statement, “Fusion remains an important part of the Ford lineup for years to come with even more new fresh features on the way. We will have more news to share in the future.” Ford reported a 21.1 percent drop in Fusion sales for 2017, continuing a sales decline for a third year. Like other midsize sedans, the reason for the fall in sales is due to the increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Not helping are redesigned models from Toyota and Honda. “It does make sense. A lot of vehicles on the market right now that are not SUVs are kind of caught in this death spiral. They are on an aging platform and they’re in a segment that’s not showing any growth," said Karl Brauer, industry analyst and executive publisher of Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. “Anyone at any high-level point of decision-making is going to ask why they’re spending this money.” Source: The Detroit News View full article

Porsche Sets U.S. Sales Record in 2017 with 55,420 Vehicles Delivered, Up 2.1 Percent Eighth consecutive year of growth as Porsche dealers sell 3,913 vehicles in December 2017 ATLANTA, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of the Porsche 911, 718 Boxster and Cayman, Panamera, Cayenne, and Macan model lines, today announced 3,913 retail sales in December. This brings 2017 to a close with 55,420 vehicles sold, a 2.1 percent increase over the previous year. "Demand for four-door and two-door Porsche sports cars allowed PCNA to achieve another annual record in 2017, making it the eighth consecutive year of increased sales," said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA. "The Macan and Panamera model lines posted double-digit growth, and we can expect an additional boost with the arrival of our all-new Cayenne in the second half of the year." Porsche 911 sales also grew, with just under 9,000 retail deliveries of the iconic sports car. Model December Sales Year-to-Date 2017 2016 2017 2016 ALL 911 773 711 8,970 8,901 ALL BOXSTER/CAYMAN 301 373 5,087 6,260 ALL PANAMERA 455 36 6,731 4,403 ALL CAYENNE 940 1,099 13,203 15,383 ALL MACAN 1,444 1,796 21,429 19,332 GRAND TOTALS* 3,913 4,015 55,420 54,280 *918 Spyder sales are reflected in 2016 grand total figures.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS REPORTS ITS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF SALES GROWTH Calendar year 2017 sales close at 103,686 up 7.7 percent over 2016 December sales of 8,501 are up 15.1 percent over last December Outlander Sport posted its best December sales month ever with 3,678 vehicles sold Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) continued its sales momentum in 2017 posting its fifth consecutive calendar year sales increase. Total 2017 sales were 103,686, an increase of 7.7 percent over 2016, and the first time the brand has surpassed 100,000 vehicles sold since 2007. For the month of December, total sales were 8,501 an increase of 15.1 percent over December 2016. Mitsubishi's adventurous Outlander Sport posted its best December sales month ever since the launch of the vehicle in 2010 with total December sales of 3,678 up 47.1 percent compared to December 2016. Not far behind, Outlander recorded sales of 3,018 up 22.4 percent over last year. December also marked the start of sales for the much-anticipated Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Featuring a highly efficient 2.0-liter gas engine and two high-performance electric motors, along with Mitsubishi's superior Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV delivers SUV capabilities and EV fuel economy. "2017 was a remarkable year for Mitsubishi as we continued our rebuilding effort and posted another year of sales growth. In just five years, Mitsubishi sales have increased nearly 80 percent, and we're doing that with fleet sales that are lower than industry average," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president and chief operating officer, MMNA. "With the launch of the Outlander PHEV late this past month and the all-new Eclipse Cross hitting showrooms in March, the brand is poised to continue its strong momentum into 2018." December YTD 2017 2016 2017 2016 i‐MiEV 0 3 6 94 Mirage 1023 1555 22386 22226 Lancer 683 860 12725 14304 Outlander Sport 3678 2500 33160 33067 Outlander 3018 2465 35310 26576 Outlander PHEV 99 0 99 0 Total 8501 7383 103686 96267

BMW Group U.S. Reports December 2017 and Year-End Sales. BMW Group sales increase 3.7 percent in December. BMW brand sales increase 4.3 percent. MINI brand sales decrease 1.0 percent. BMW Group Electrified Vehicles Sales total 21,208 in 2017. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 3, 2018… Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 4.3 percent in December for a total of 34,253 compared to 32,835 vehicles sold in December 2016. For the full year, BMW brand sales were down 2.4 percent on total sales of 305,685 vehicles compared to 313,174 sold in 2016. Notable individual vehicles in December included the BMW 5 Series, the BMW X1 and the BMW X5. Sales of the BMW 5 Series increased 124 percent to 4,743 vehicles. The BMW X5 was up nearly 10 percent to 6,847 vehicles while the BMW X1 was up 6.4 percent to 4,454 vehicles. “Momentum has been building throughout 2017 and the December results have put us in a strong position for the New Year,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “Our BMW models are attracting entirely new customers to our dealerships, especially the BMW 5 Series, X models, and our electrified vehicles. There’s much more to come in 2018 with the next new model – the BMW X2 - premiering at the Detroit Auto Show in less than two weeks.” MINI Brand Sales For December, MINI USA reported 4,611 vehicles sold, a decrease of 1.0 percent from the 4,658 sold in the same month a year ago. In 2017 MINI USA reported a total of 47,105 vehicles sold, a decrease of 9.5 percent from the 52,030 vehicles sold in 2016. BMW Group Sales In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported December sales of 38,864 vehicles, an increase of 3.7 percent from the 37,493 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. In 2017 BMW Group reported sales of 352,790, a 3.4 percent decrease compared to 365,204 vehicles sold in 2016. BMW Group Electrified Vehicle Sales Sales of BMW Group electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles increased 31.2 percent in 2017 to 21,208, accounting for 6.0 percent of total BMW Group sales in the U.S. BMW offers six electrified vehicle models in the U.S., including the BMW i3 and BMW i8, as well as the BMW i Performance models: BMW 330e, BMW 530e, BMW 740e and the BMW X5 xDrive 40e. MINI offers the MINI Countryman plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle.

Just a few weeks ago, Infiniti dropped a teaser for their showing at the Detroit Auto Show. We didn't know much aside from the deep-cut in the hood and a different grille design. Today, Infiniti dropped another picture and some more information on their concept. The Q Inspiration looks to be Infiniti's take on the Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera with a sloping roofline and hatchback shape for the rear. Fenders are flat slabs of metal and there is a large vent behind the front wheel. "We aim to take traditional sedan architecture to its next stage of evolution. The Q Inspiration offers an alternative form; something more flowing in appearance and muscular in stance, with an unusually long and balanced cabin. Experimenting with new proportions in an established segment with the arrival of smarter, compact powertrains, the Q Inspiration features a shorter hood and elongated body, with all the benefits to interior wellbeing, comfort and space that this layout entails," said Karim Habib, INFINITI Executive Design Director in a statement. The "smarter, compact powertrains" has us wondering if the Q Inspiration will get a version of Infiniti's variable-compression engine that debuted in the QX50 or go pure EV. We'll likely have the answer when the Q Inspiration debuts on January 15th. More of our Detroit Auto Show Coverage can be found here. Source: Infiniti Press Release is on Page 2 INFINITI hints at future design with Q Inspiration Concept NASHVILLE, Tenn. – INFINITI has released the first image of its new Q Inspiration Concept ahead of its debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Representing the next step in INFINITI design, the exterior of Q Inspiration features clear and concise lines and eschews classical sedan forms with its elongated silhouette. It is the first manifestation of INFINITI's new form language for an era of advanced powertrains and presents a design vision for vehicles in this segment. "We aim to take traditional sedan architecture to its next stage of evolution. The Q Inspiration offers an alternative form; something more flowing in appearance and muscular in stance, with an unusually long and balanced cabin. Experimenting with new proportions in an established segment with the arrival of smarter, compact powertrains, the Q Inspiration features a shorter hood and elongated body, with all the benefits to interior wellbeing, comfort and space that this layout entails." Karim Habib, INFINITI Executive Design Director View full article

KIA MOTORS AMERICA ANNOUNCES DECEMBER SALES Forte, Optima and Soul Models Pass the 100,000 Unit Mark for the Second Consecutive Year IRVINE, Calif., January 3, 2018 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced December sales of 43,039 vehicles. Kia’s 2017 sales total of 589,668 units featured several standout performances, including: The expansion of Kia’s EcoDynamics footprint with 27,237 Niro hybrid vehicles sold in less than 12 full months in showrooms, making Niro the third best-selling hybrid vehicle in the U.S.1 Best-ever annual sales for the Forte family of compact cars A 52.9-percent increase in sales of the Cadenza premium sedan to the highest annual total since arriving in the U.S. in 2013 Three nameplates – Soul, Forte and Optima – surpassing the 100,000-unit mark for the second straight year “2017 was an important year in the ongoing maturation of the Kia brand as we ranked number one in the entire industry in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study for the second consecutive year and saw two nameplates reach new sales heights,” said Justin Sohn, president and CEO, KMA. “With the highly anticipated Stinger now arriving in showrooms and a host of new and refreshed products scheduled to debut this year, including the all-new Niro PHEV, Kia will continue to strengthen its position as today’s world-class automaker.” MONTH OF DECEMBER YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2017 2016 2017 2016 Rio 1,618 1,269 16,760 28,700 Forte 7,922 7,560 117,596 103,292 Optima 7,081 12,572 107,493 124,203 Cadenza 896 428 7,249 4,738 K900 35 80 455 834 Niro 2,397 N/A 27,237 N/A Sportage 5,585 6,207 72,824 81,066 Sorento 7,740 11,782 99,684 114,733 Sedona 1,329 2,028 23,815 44,264 Soul 7,610 12,427 115,712 145,768 Stinger 826 N/A 843 N/A Total 43,039 54,353 589,668 647,598 # # #

January 3, 2018 , Cherry Hill, N.J. - SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. ANNOUNCES DECEMBER 2017 AS BEST-EVER SALES MONTH; SETS BEST-EVER YEARLY SALES RECORD Best December ever - monthly sales increase 5.4 percent over December 2016 73 consecutive months of yearly month-over-month growth Best December ever for Crosstrek and Impreza Best year ever for Outback, Impreza and Crosstrek 46 consecutive months of more than 10,000 Outbacks sold 53 consecutive months of more than 10,000 Foresters sold 10 consecutive months of 50,000+ vehicle sales Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record-breaking sales of 647,956 vehicles for the 2017 calendar year; an increase of 5.4 percent over the previous annual record of 615,132 vehicles set in 2016. This is the ninth consecutive year of record sales for Subaru of America and tenth consecutive year of sales increases. The December sales total of 63,342 vehicles marks the automaker’s best-ever sales month, topping the previous best month of August 2017 (63,215). December also marks the tenth consecutive month of 50,000+ vehicle sales for the company. In 2017, Outback, Impreza and Crosstrek sales were notably strong as each achieved new annual sales records. Outback and Impreza finished the year with sales of 188,886 and 86,043, up 3.3 percent and 55.8 percent, respectively. Crosstrek, all-new for 2018, added 110,138 sales to the year-end total, while the Forester achieved 177,563 sales in 2017. Legacy added 49,837 annual sales. On the performance side, the automaker’s WRX and STI models achieved annual sales of 31,358. “We closed 2017 with our ninth consecutive year of record sales and our tenth consecutive year of sales increases which underscores the successful growth the Subaru brand has enjoyed over this time,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. “Since 2008, our franchise has grown at a compound annual growth rate of about 15 percent per year and we have to thank our dedicated retailers, distributors, Subaru Corporation, as well as our passionate colleagues for their commitment in making these record breaking results possible.” “December represented the best month ever for Subaru of America, capping off the best year in the company’s 50-year history, in both sales and market share,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales. “Subaru is well positioned to continue its success into 2018 with the all-new 3-row Ascent and an upcoming hybrid coming later this year,” added Walters. Carline Dec-17 Dec-16 % Chg Dec-17 Dec-16 % Chg MTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Forester 17,441 18,015 -3.2% 177,563 178,593 -0.6% Impreza 8,037 5,126 56.8% 86,043 55,238 55.8% WRX/STI 2,424 2,938 -17.5% 31,358 33,279 -5.8% Legacy 4,593 5,960 -22.9% 49,837 65,306 -23.7% Outback 18,248 20,695 -11.8% 188,886 182,898 3.3% BRZ 297 214 38.8% 4,131 4,141 -0.2% Crosstrek 12,302 10,229 20.3% 110,138 95,677 15.1% TOTAL 63,342 63,177 0.3% 647,956 615,132 5.3%

Nissan Group reports December and 2017 calendar year U.S. sales NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group today announced total calendar year 2017 U.S. sales of 1,593,464 units, an increase of 1.9 percent over the prior year, setting an all-time record. In December 2017, Nissan Group sold 138,226 units, a decrease of 9.5 percent versus the prior year. Nissan Division calendar year highlights: In 2017, Nissan Division set an all-time record with 1,440,049 total sales, up 1 percent. For the second consecutive time, the Rogue crossover was Nissan's top-selling model with 403,465 sales, an increase of 22 percent. In 2017, Nissan trucks, SUVs and crossovers set an all-time record with 765,624 total sales, a 15 percent increase over the prior year. Nissan set annual sales records for Rogue and NV200. Nissan Division December highlights: Murano crossover sales increased 23 percent to 9,718, a December record. Significant gains were also made by TITAN (+27 percent) and Armada (+36 percent). INFINITI today reported all-time record sales of 153,415 vehicles in the U.S. for the year, an increase of 11 percent over 2016. For December, INFINITI sold 16,379 vehicles, down 10 percent. Sales of the QX30 premium active crossover increased 12 percent with 830 vehicles delivered – its best December and an increase of 524 percent for its best year. The QX80 full-size SUV increased 24 percent to 2,516 for its all-time best month and up seven percent for the year. Overall, INFINITI crossovers and sport utility vehicle sales increased 14 percent for the year. NISSAN DIVISION DEC DEC Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg Nissan Division Total 121,847 134,545 -9.4 1,440,049 1,426,130 1.0 Versa 7,125 8,918 -20.1 106,772 132,214 -19.2 Sentra 16,834 17,037 -1.2 218,451 214,709 1.7 Cube 0 0 N/A 0 15 -100.0 Altima 18,199 24,763 -26.5 254,996 307,380 -17.0 Maxima 5,016 5,293 -5.2 67,627 62,670 7.9 LEAF 102 1,899 -94.6 11,230 14,006 -19.8 Juke 245 1,290 -81.0 10,157 19,577 -48.1 370Z 304 368 -17.4 4,614 5,913 -22.0 GT-R 36 46 -21.7 578 698 -17.2 Total Car 47,861 59,614 -19.7 674,425 757,182 -10.9 Frontier 5,880 6,069 -3.1 74,360 86,926 -14.5 Titan 5,582 4,396 27.0 52,924 21,880 141.9 Xterra 0 0 N/A 1 38 -97.4 Pathfinder 6,053 9,368 -35.4 81,065 81,701 -0.8 Armada 3,368 2,474 36.1 35,667 14,035 154.1 Rogue 40,172 40,477 -0.8 403,465 329,904 22.3 Murano 9,718 7,881 23.3 76,732 86,953 -11.8 Quest 1 791 -99.9 4,950 11,115 -55.5 NV 1,638 1,937 -15.4 17,858 17,873 -0.1 NV200 1,574 1,538 2.3 18,602 18,523 0.4 Total Truck 73,986 74,931 -1.3 765,624 668,948 14.5 INFINITI DEC DEC Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg Infiniti Total 16,379 18,198 -10.0 153,415 138,293 10.9 Infiniti Q40 - 0 N/A 0 59 -100.0 Infiniti Q50 5,583 5,794 -3.6 40,739 44,007 -7.4 Infiniti Q60 869 1,018 -14.6 10,751 3,970 170.8 Infiniti Q70 406 580 -30.0 5,772 5,872 -1.7 Infiniti QX30 830 740 12.2 14,093 2,259 523.9 Infiniti QX50 1,785 2,026 -11.9 16,857 16,973 -0.7 Infiniti QX60 4,098 4,928 -16.8 40,444 42,120 -4.0 Infiniti QX70 292 1,086 -73.1 6,878 6,261 9.9 Infiniti QX80 2,516 2,026 24.2 17,881 16,772 6.6 Total Car 6,858 7,392 -7.2 57,262 53,908 6.2 Total Truck 9,521 10,806 -11.9 96,153 84,385 13.9 NISSAN GROUP DEC DEC Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg TOTAL VEHICLE 138,226 152,743 -9.5 1,593,464 1,564,423 1.9 Total Car 54,719 67,006 -18.3 731,687 811,090 -9.8 Total Truck 83,507 85,737 -2.6 861,777 753,333 14.4 Selling days 26 27 306 307

Mercedes-Benz USA Closes Out 2017 with Best Sales Month Ever Record December Total of 35,203, Up 10.0% Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported highest monthly sales in its history with a best-ever December total of 35,203 units, an increase of 10.0% from the 32,011 vehicles sold during the same period last year. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported best-ever December sales with 4,047 units (up 4.8%) and smart reported 166 units, bringing MBUSA to a record December with 39,416 vehicles (up 6.4%). On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 337,246 units. “We are proud to build upon the strong momentum we established as the luxury leader,” said Dietmar Exler, president and CEO of MBUSA. “MBUSA’s success stems from our incredible product lineup, the best dealers in the industry and a laser focus on customer experience.” Mercedes-Benz volume leaders in December included the C-Class, GLC and GLE model lines. The C-Class took the lead at 6,500, followed by GLC sales of 6,152. The GLE rounded out the top three with 5,823 units sold. Mercedes-AMG high-performance models sold 3,788 units in December, with a total 33,904 sold year-to-date (up 45.8%). Mercedes-Benz Passenger Vehicles Dec-17 Dec-16 Monthly % YTD 2017 YTD 2016 Yearly % B-CLASS 111 54 105.6% 744 632 17.7% CLA 2,279 1,876 21.5% 20,669 25,792 -19.9% C-CLASS 6,500 7,345 -11.5% 77,447 77,167 0.4% E-CLASS/CLS 5,385 4,851 11.0% 51,312 50,896 0.8% S-CLASS 2,184 1,494 46.2% 15,888 18,803 -15.5% SLC 260 330 -21.2% 2,860 3,397 -15.8% SL 277 304 -8.9% 2,940 3,722 -21.0% AMG GT 183 99 84.8% 1,608 1,227 31.1% GLA 2,580 2,351 9.7% 24,104 24,545 -1.8% GLC 6,152 4,018 53.1% 48,643 47,872 1.6% GLE 5,823 5,574 4.5% 54,595 51,791 5.4% GLS 2,998 3,262 -8.1% 32,248 30,442 5.9% G-CLASS 471 453 4.0% 4,188 3,950 6.0% TOTAL 35,203 32,011 10.0% 337,246 340,237 -0.9% Vans1 4,047 3,860 4.8% 34,994 34,304 2.0% smart 166 1,186 -86.0% 3,071 6,211 -50.6% MBUSA Combined Total Dec-17 Dec-16 Monthly % YTD 2017 YTD 2016 Yearly % GRAND TOTAL 39,416 37,057 6.4% 375,311 380,752 -1.4% 1 Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner Sprinter and Metris Vans are sold and marketed in the U.S. by Mercedes-Benz USA and Daimler Vans USA, respectively.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER SETS NEW U.S. FULL YEAR SALES RECORD WITH 114,333 SALES IN 2017, A 9 PERCENT INCREASE FROM 2016 RECORD HIGH For the full year 2017, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales reached 114,333 units, up 9 percent compared to 105,104 units in 2016, and establishing a new all-time U.S. sales record for the combined brands Jaguar Land Rover 2017 full year U.S. sales reach 114,333 for an all-new U.S. annual sales record for the two brands combined Jaguar F-PACE and Range Rover Velar push brands to increases in 2017 For 2017, the Land Rover brand reaches a new U.S. annual high mark of 74,739 units For the full calendar year, the Jaguar brand, driven by the performance of the F-PACE and XE, reaches 39,594 units, increasing 27 percent over 2016 For December, Jaguar Land Rover reaches 11,394 units sold (MAHWAH, NJ) – January 3, 2018 -- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC today reported December 2017 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales reached 7,980 units sold, down only 4 percent from December 2016; Jaguar sales for the month were 3,414 units; Jaguar Land Rover December U.S. sales for both brands hit 11,394 units, a 9 percent decrease from 12,573 units in December 2016. For the full year 2017, Jaguar Land Rover U.S. sales reached 114,333 units, up 9 percent compared to 105,104 units in 2016, and establishing a new all-time U.S. sales record for the combined brands. For the Land Rover brand, 2017 U.S. sales reached 74,739 units, a slight increase of 1 percent, surpassing 2016’s previous U.S. high of 73,861 units. As the flagship model for the brand, the Range Rover achieved impressive double-digit growth annually; selling 16,869 units for the full calendar year. For Jaguar, 2017 U.S. sales reached 39,594 units, an increase of 27 percent vs. 31,243 units in 2016 and maintaining Jaguar’s position among the industry’s growth leaders in the U.S. market. The Jaguar F-PACE performance SUV continued to be the brand’s top seller for the second consecutive year since being launched. "Jaguar Land Rover in the U.S. achieved another record year for 2017 as our newest models broadened the appeal of both of our great brands," said Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. "Our continued growth is a testament to the efforts of our retailers and employees, and the appeal of expanded product lineups. In the coming year, we look forward to the launches of our first electrified vehicles, the 2019 MY Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug in hybrid models and the Jaguar I-PACE all-electric performance SUV.” U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS Land Rover For the month of December, Land Rover sales reached 7,980 units, down 4 percent compared to last year. Offering new levels of refinement, elegance and technology to the segment, the Range Rover Velar sold 1,694 units in December, making it the most popular vehicle among Jaguar and Land Rover buyers for the last three consecutive months since its launch in late August. The Range Rover Sport hit 1,452 units in December vs. 2,802 units sold in December 2016. The Discovery Sport hit 1,466 units in December vs.1,659 units sold in December 2016. For the full year 2017, Land Rover brand U.S. sales reached a new all-time high of 74,739 units, surpassing last year’s sales of 73,861 units. Full year sales were led by the brand volume leader Range Rover Sport, with 19,153 sales. Diesel powered versions of Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Discovery continue to play an important role in the Land Rover lineup with a 14 percent take rate. Jaguar For the month of December, Jaguar sales were 3,414 units, a 20 percent decrease from 4,294 units in December 2016. For 2017, the Jaguar brand has increased 27 percent to 39,594 units from 31,243 in 2016, making Jaguar brand as one of the fastest growing premium brands in the U.S. market for the second year in a row. The outstanding annual sales performance was largely attributable to the popularity of Jaguar F-PACE and Jaguar XE. The award-winning Jaguar F-PACE had another strong year with sales hitting 18,946 units, an increase of 89 percent from 10,016 units in 2016. As the second volume leader for the brand, Jaguar XE sold 9,278 units in 2017 compared to 6,656 units in 2016, an increase of 39 percent.

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS DECEMBER AND 2017 YEAR-END SALES RESULTS 339,676 units delivered marks a 5.2 percent increase over 2016 Herndon, VA — (January 3, 2018) Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported sales of 30,281 units delivered in December 2017 and 339,676 total sales for 2017. This marks a year-to-date increase of 5.2 percent over 2016 and an 18.7 percent decrease over December 2016. December 2017 highlights include: As the company expands its model lineup to include more family-friendly SUVs, SUV sales attributed more than 48 percent of the vehicles delivered. Sales of the Chattanooga-built Atlas totaled 6,070 units delivered, the best month ever for the vehicle. Sales of the 2018 Tiguan and Tiguan Limited totaled 8,061 units delivered. Calendar year 2017 highlights include: The Golf family continues to be an important part of the Volkswagen lineup. Sales of the family, driven by the addition of the all-wheel drive SportWagen Alltrack, increased by 11.8 percent over 2016. SUV sales attributed for 23 percent of sales in 2017, which include the all-new Atlas and 2018 Tiguan. December 2017 Sales December 17 December 16 Yr/Yr% change December 17 YTD December 16 YTD Yr/Yr% change Golf 775 1,870 -58.6% 13,552 13,764 -1.5% GTI 1,912 2,777 -31.1% 22,486 23,934 -6.0% Golf R 6 546 -98.9% 2,706 4,493 -39.8% e-Golf 343 443 -22.6% 3,534 3,937 -10.2% Golf SportWagen 1,493 3,332 -55.2% 26,700 15,559 71.6% Total Golf Family 4,529 8,968 -49.5% 68,978 61,687 11.8% Jetta Sedan 7,233 13,079 -44.7% 115,808 121,102 -4.4% Jetta SportWagen (now Golf SportWagen) N/A N/A N/A N/A 5 -120.0% Total Jetta 7,233 13,079 -44.7% 115,807 121,107 -4.4% Beetle Coupe 582 1,092 -46.7% 8,627 9,830 -12.2% Beetle Convertible 253 504 -49.8% 6,539 5,837 12.0% Total Beetle 835 1,596 -47.7% 15,166 15,667 -3.2% Eos* N/A N/A N/A 1 387 -99.7% Passat 3,015 7,241 -58.4% 60,722 73,002 -16.8% CC 54 374 -85.6% 1,355 3,237 -58.1% Tiguan 2,291 5,575 -58.9% 25,960 43,638 -40.5% 2018 Tiguan 5,770 N/A N/A 21,023 N/A N/A Touareg 484 396 22.2% 3,545 4,223 -16.1% Atlas 6,070 N/A N/A 27,119 N/A N/A TOTAL 30,281 37,229 -18.7% 339,676 322,948 5.2% *Eos production ended in July 2015

Made some clarifications to the story.

Toyota Motor North America Reports December 2017, Year-End Sales TMNA posts best-ever light truck sales for the year RAV4 posts best-ever year with more than 400K units Lexus NX posts best-ever month, quarter, year PLANO, Texas, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today reported December 2017 sales of 222,985 vehicles, a decrease of 8.3 percent from December 2016 on a volume basis. With one less selling day in December 2017 compared to December 2016, sales were down 4.8 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. For the year, TMNA reported sales of 2,434,515 vehicles, a 0.6 percent decrease. Toyota division posted December sales of 187,524 units, down 7.2 percent on a volume basis and 3.6 percent on a DSR basis. For the year, Toyota division reported sales of 2,129,383 vehicles, a 0.5 percent increase. "We finished 2017 on a high note, reflecting the continued strength of our product portfolio and establishing Toyota as the number one retail brand for the sixth year in a row," said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. "We are well positioned to continue our retail leadership in 2018, driven by a growing economy, consumer confidence and segment-leading products like RAV4 and Camry." Lexus posted December sales of 35,461 vehicles, down 13.9 percent on a volume basis and down 10.6 percent on a DSR basis. For the year, Lexus sales of 305,132 were down 7.9 percent. "With another very successful December to Remember, Lexus closed out 2017 with more than 300,000 vehicle sales," said Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken. "In 2018, Lexus dealers will have even more options for customers as we bring 15 all-new and special edition models to the market. We're looking forward to an amazing year." December 2017 Highlights Toyota is the number one retail selling brand Camry posts best-ever December sales of 43,331 units; best-ever quarterly sales of 104,574 units TMNA light trucks down 5.6 percent; up 9 percent for a best-ever year Toyota division SUV posts 70,945 units in December; posts a best-ever quarter and year RAV4 sales of 32,542 units, a best-ever quarter and year with more than 400,000 units 4Runner sales were up 4 percent for a best-ever month; up 14.6 percent for the year with best-ever year Highlander sales of 21,041 units for December; posts best-ever year up 12.7 percent Toyota division pickups up 1.8 percent in December Tacoma up 6.8 percent for a best-ever December and year since introduction; up 3.4 percent for year Tundra posted sales of 10,886 units in December Lexus division LUVs down 4.3 percent for December; up 2.9 percent for a best-ever year NX up 0.5 percent in December; a best-ever month, quarter and year RX posts monthly sales of 13,951 units GX posts monthly sales of 3,325 units; up 8.1 percent for the year *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume TOYOTA U.S. SALES SUMMARY DECEMBER 2017 -- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- 2017 2016 DSR % VOL % 2017 2016 DSR % VOL % TOTAL TOYOTA 222,985 243,229 -4.8 -8.3 2,434,515 2,449,630 -0.3 -0.6 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV 187,524 202,047 -3.6 -7.2 2,129,383 2,118,402 0.8 0.5 TOTAL LEXUS 35,461 41,182 -10.6 -13.9 305,132 331,228 -7.6 -7.9 YARIS IA (INCL SCI IA) 1,908 1,997 -0.8 -4.5 35,727 27,983 28.1 27.7 YARIS LIFTBACK 203 760 -72.3 -73.3 8,653 10,872 -20.2 -20.4 TOTAL YARIS 2,111 2,757 -20.5 -23.4 44,380 38,855 14.6 14.2 iQ 0 0 0 0 0 6 -100 -100 xD 0 0 0 0 2 9 -77.7 -77.8 xB 0 0 0 0 0 2,677 -100 -100 tC 6 102 -93.9 -94.1 203 9,336 -97.8 -97.8 COROLLA IM (INCL SCI IM) 1,437 1,807 -17.4 -20.5 20,501 17,727 16 15.6 COROLLA SEDAN 18,532 29,402 -34.5 -37 308,695 360,483 -14.1 -14.4 TOTAL COROLLA 19,969 31,209 -33.6 -36 329,196 378,210 -12.7 -13 86 (INCL FR-S) 425 557 -20.8 -23.7 6,846 7,457 -7.9 -8.2 MIRAI 296 116 165 155.2 1,838 1,034 78.3 77.8 AVALON 2,427 5,051 -50.1 -52 32,583 48,080 -32 -32.2 PRIUS 9,482 12,444 -20.9 -23.8 108,662 136,632 -20.2 -20.5 CAMRY 43,331 33,412 34.7 29.7 387,081 388,618 -0.1 -0.4 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. CAR 78,047 85,648 -5.4 -8.9 910,791 1,010,914 -9.6 -9.9 CT 9 968 -99 -99.1 4,690 8,903 -47.1 -47.3 IS 2,777 4,432 -34.9 -37.3 26,482 37,289 -28.7 -29 RC 686 1,042 -31.6 -34.2 7,363 11,165 -33.8 -34.1 ES 5,047 6,239 -16 -19.1 51,398 58,299 -11.5 -11.8 GS 916 1,325 -28.2 -30.9 7,773 14,878 -47.6 -47.8 LS 306 609 -47.8 -49.8 4,094 5,514 -25.5 -25.8 LC 290 0 0 0 2,487 0 0 0 LFA 0 0 0 0 3 6 -49.8 -50 TOTAL LEXUS CAR 10,031 14,615 -28.7 -31.4 104,290 136,054 -23.1 -23.3 TOTAL TOYOTA CAR 88,078 100,263 -8.8 -12.2 1,015,081 1,146,968 -11.2 -11.5 SIENNA 8,941 11,169 -16.9 -19.9 111,489 127,791 -12.5 -12.8 C-HR 3,866 0 0 0 25,755 0 0 0 RAV4 32,542 37,214 -9.2 -12.6 407,594 352,154 16.1 15.7 FJ CRUISER 0 0 0 0 4 9 -55.4 -55.6 VENZA 0 1 -100 -100 14 589 -97.6 -97.6 HIGHLANDER 21,041 25,425 -14.1 -17.2 215,775 191,379 13.1 12.7 4RUNNER 11,954 11,489 8 4 128,296 111,970 15 14.6 SEQUOIA 1,152 1,575 -24 -26.9 12,156 12,771 -4.5 -4.8 LAND CRUISER 390 456 -11.2 -14.5 3,100 3,705 -16.1 -16.3 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. SUV 70,945 76,160 -3.3 -6.8 792,694 672,577 18.2 17.9 TACOMA 18,705 17,514 10.9 6.8 198,124 191,631 3.7 3.4 TUNDRA 10,886 11,556 -2.2 -5.8 116,285 115,489 1 0.7 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PICKUP 29,591 29,070 5.7 1.8 314,409 307,120 2.7 2.4 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. TRUCK 109,477 116,399 -2.3 -5.9 1,218,592 1,107,488 10.4 10 NX 7,410 7,375 4.3 0.5 59,341 54,884 8.5 8.1 RX 13,951 14,882 -2.7 -6.3 108,307 109,435 -0.7 -1 GX 3325 3474 -0.6 -4.3 27,190 25,148 8.5 8.1 LX 744 836 -7.6 -11 6,004 5,707 5.5 5.2 TOTAL LEXUS TRUCK 25,430 26,567 -0.6 -4.3 200,842 195,174 3.2 2.9 TOTAL TOYOTA TRUCK 134,900 142,966 -2 -5.6 1,419,427 1,302,662 9.3 9 Selling Days 26 27 306 307 DSR = Daily Selling Rate

Mazda Reports December 2017 and Full-Year 2017 Sales Crossover Volume and a Strategy for the Future Mark the Year IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported December U.S. sales of 26,893 vehicles, representing a decrease of 6.5 percent versus December of last year. There were 26 selling days in December 2017, versus 27 the year prior. As such, on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, the company posted a decrease of 2.9 percent. The company also reported calendar year (CY) 2017 total sales (combined fleet and retail) today, totaling 289,470, down 2.8 percent, versus CY2016. There were 306 selling days in CY2017, versus 305 in CY2016; the full-year DSR represented a decrease of 3.1 percent. Key December and CY2017 sales notes: As part of Mazda's brand value management strategy, MNAO continued to significantly reduce fleet sales with 11,346 vehicles sold in CY2017. This number represents a decrease of 44.3 percent year-over-year (YOY). Backing fleet numbers out of the total vehicles sold, MNAO posted a 0.2 percent increase in retail-only sales for CY2017, with 278,124 vehicles sold. Mazda CX-5 posted record sales numbers in December, marking its best-ever month since first going on sale in February of 2012. Posting its tenth best-ever month in CY2017, CX-5 recorded a YOY increase of 17.6 percent, with 14,097 vehicles sold in December. Following the introduction of the new 2017 Mazda CX-5 in March, a record 127,563 CX-5 vehicles were sold in CY2017; marking an increase of 13.7 percent YOY, and beating its previous best-ever sales year in CY2016. Sales of the seven-passenger Mazda CX-9 rose 26.3 percent YOY, with 3,276 vehicles sold in the month of December. With 25,828 vehicles sold in CY2017, the CX-9 finished the year up 60.9 percent. The Mazda MX-5 Miata finished December down 32.0 percent YOY, with 493 vehicles sold, while full-year sales of the two-seat roadster were 11,294, marking a YOY increase of 19.3 percent. As crossover vehicle sales continue to dominate the U.S. market, Mazda's CX-line posted YOY sales growth, with CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9 posting an increase of 16.8 percent in December. The three crossover vehicles finished the year up 15.6 percent, with 169,746 vehicles sold in CY2017. With much of the U.S. now in the winter months, Mazda's i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive system – available as an option on all Mazda crossover SUVs – continues its popularity among crossover SUV buyers, with 59.9 percent of buyers choosing the option. MNAO reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales of 3,858 vehicles in the month of December, marking an increase of 20.8 percent YOY. Full-year sales resulted in a record CPO year for MNAO, posting YOY sales growth of 17.0 percent with 43,730 vehicles sold. Month-To-Date Year-To-Date December December % % MTD December December % % YTD 2017 2016 Change DSR 2017 2016 Change DSR Mazda3 5,669 8,102 (30.0)% (27.3)% 75,018 95,567 (21.5)% (21.8)% Mazda5 - 2 (100.0)% (100.0)% 10 375 (97.3)% (97.3)% Mazda6 1,776 3,688 (51.8)% (50.0)% 33,402 45,520 (26.6)% (26.9)% MX-5 Miata 493 733 (32.7)% (30.2)% 11,294 9,465 19.3% 18.9% CX-3 1,582 1,646 (3.9)% (0.2)% 16,355 18,558 (11.9)% (12.2)% CX-5 14,097 11,989 17.6% 22.1% 127,563 112,235 13.7% 13.3% CX-9 3,276 2,594 26.3% 31.1% 25,828 16,051 60.9% 60.4% Total Vehicles CARS 7,938 12,525 (36.6)% (34.2)% 119,724 150,930 (20.7)% (20.9)% TRUCKS 18,955 16,229 16.8% 21.3% 169,746 146,844 15.6% 15.2% TOTAL 26,893 28,754 (6.5)% (2.9)% 289,470 297,773 (2.8)% (3.1)% Selling Days 26 27 306 305

American Honda Sets 3rd Straight Annual Sales Record with Best-Ever December Jan 3, 2018 - TORRANCE, Calif. American Honda breaks all-time annual record for total Honda and Acura vehicle sales with 1,641,429 units in 2017, a gain of 0.2% New light truck annual sales mark set for Honda and Acura combined, rising 3.3% Honda Division sets 4th consecutive annual sales record, up 0.7% on sales of 1,486,827 in 2017 with all-time sales marks for Civic, CR-V and HR-V Honda trucks achieve best month ever (up 3.4%) and annual (up 4.1%) sales Acura RDX tops 50,000 units in sales for the third year in a row American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) today reported its third consecutive all-time annual sales record on sales of 1,641,429 Honda and Acura vehicles in 2017, an increase of 0.2 percent over its previous best set in 2016. AHM also set new annual and monthly sales records for light trucks, recording 840,450 sales in 2017 for a 3.3 percent gain, and 86,740 sales in December, rising 1.4 percent. The Honda Division also reported record annual sales, gaining 0.7 percent on total vehicle sales of 1,486,827 while Honda trucks set new December and annual records, rising 3.4 percent on December sales of 75,856 and 4.1 percent on 2017 sales of 734,269. Total Acura Division sales declined 12.2 percent in December on sales of 15,062, and 4.2 percent in 2017 on total vehicle sales of 154,602. Honda With eight completely new or refreshed models in 2017, including a new generation of electrified vehicles, the Honda brand continued its commitment to strengthening passenger car light truck sales by leveraging its North American production operations to attract a record number of customers for the 4th consecutive year. Honda's effort to better leverage its North America production operations to grow light truck sales continued to pay dividends: Newly dedicating a production line in Honda's Alabama to Pilot in October helped the three-row SUV to December sales of 18,602, a jump of 54 percent. CR-V, built at three plants in North America, also posted strong December sales of 36,983 units, to set a new annual sales mark of 377,895 as Honda's best-selling model. HR-V set a new annual record as well, topping last year's mark by 14.6 percent on sales of 94,034 for the year. Honda also maintained its unique commitment to passenger car and strong retail sales leadership: Civic continued its record run with sales of 31,406 units in December on the way to a new all-time annual sales mark of 377,286 units. The all-new 2018 Accord continued to show strength in the incentive-heavy mid-size segment, as the 2.0 turbo model began to hit showrooms – triggering the full marketing launch set to begin in January. Overall, Accord topped 320,000 sales in 2017. Sales of the all-new Honda Clarity series of electrified vehicles reached a major milestone with December sales of more than 1,400 units signaling Honda's effort to take electrification mainstream, led by the launch of the all-new 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid in all 50 states. Overall, Honda Division set the following sales records: Total vehicles, best ever annual sales – 1,486,827 Trucks, best ever monthly sales – 75,856 Trucks, best ever annual sales – 734,269 "2017 was a terrific year for the Honda brand with the continued fortification of our light truck and passenger car lineups, and a new generation of electrified vehicles combining to reach a record number of new customers for a fourth consecutive year," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of the Automobile Division & general manager of Honda Sales. "Eight all-new or refreshed product launches is an impressive achievement for any car company, but it put us in a strong, competitive position to maintain our unique commitment to retail sales to individual buyers." Acura Acura recorded its best sales month in 2017 in December, showing a positive trend with sales increasing over the last three months of the year. In addition to strong truck sales for RDX and MDX, sedan sales showed promise with TLX topping 3,000 sales in December. RDX ended 2017 with 51,295 sales for the year, the only vehicle in the fast-growing entry luxury SUV segment with three consecutive years above 50,000 units in sales – a critical foundation for the all-new RDX Prototype that will make its world debut the North American International Auto Show this month. "The continued strength of the RDX is a great foundation for the next-generation RDX we will debut to the world in prototype form in Detroit later this month," said Jon Ikeda, vice president & general manager of Acura Sales. "This is the first in a new generation of Acura products based on our Precision Crafted Performance brand direction and we're pleased to reach this moment with growing momentum for the Acura brand."

Audi of America - Up 16.3% (26,977 Vehicles Sold This Month, 226,511 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 15.1% (8,501 Vehicles Sold This Month, 103,686 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 6.4% (39,416 Vehicles Sold This Month, 375,311 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW Group U.S. - Up 3.7% (38,864 Vehicles Sold This Month, 352,790 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford Motor Company - Up 0.9% (242,049 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,586,715 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 0.3% (63,342 Vehicles Sold This Month, 647,956 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Down 2.5% (3,913 Vehicles Sold This Month, 55,420 Vehicles Sold This Year) General Motors Co. - Down 3.3% (308,539 Vehicles Sold This Month, 3,002,241 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda North American Operations - Down 6.5% (26,893 Vehicles Sold This Month, 289,470 Vehicles Sold This Year) American Honda Motor Co. - Down 7% (149,317 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,641,429 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota Motor North America - Down 8.3% (222,985 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,434,515 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar Land Rover North America - Down 9% (11,394 Vehicles Sold This Month, 114,333 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan Group - Down 9.5% (138,226 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,593,464 Vehicles Sold This Year) FCA US LLC - Down 11% (171,946 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,059,376 Vehicles Sold This Year) Maserati North America, Inc. - Down 15.8% (1,427 Vehicles Sold This Month, 13,697 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen of America - Down 18.7% (30,281 Vehicles Sold This Month, 339,676 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia Motors America - Down 20.8% (43,039 Vehicles Sold This Month, 589,668 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai Motor America - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Brands: Acura - Down 12.2% (15,062 Vehicles Sold This Month, 154,602 Vehicles Sold This Year) Alfa Romeo - Up 3,812% (2,034 Vehicles Sold This Month, 12,031 Vehicles Sold This Year) Audi - Up 16.3% (26,977 Vehicles Sold This Month, 226,511 Vehicles Sold This Year) BMW - Up 4.3% (34,253 Vehicles Sold This Month, 305,685 Vehicles Sold This Year) Buick - Up 4.7% (22,285 Vehicles Sold This Month, 219,231 Vehicles Sold This Year) Cadillac - Down 28.6% (15,304 Vehicles Sold This Month, 156,440 Vehicles Sold This Year) Chevrolet - Down 2.9% (206,804 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,065,883 Vehicles Sold This Year) Chrysler - Up 3% (17,208 Vehicles Sold This Month, 188,545 Vehicles Sold This Year) Dodge - Down 23% (27,885 Vehicles Sold This Month, 446,996 Vehicles Sold This Year) Fiat - Down 33% (1,738 Vehicles Sold This Month, 26,492 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ford - Up 1.9% (231,430 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,475,556 Vehicles Sold This Year) Genesis - GMC - Up 1.2% (64,146 Vehicles Sold This Month, 560,687 Vehicles Sold This Year) Honda - Down 6.3% (134,255 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,486,827 Vehicles Sold This Year) Hyundai - Infiniti - Down 10% (16,379 Vehicles Sold This Month, 153,415 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jaguar - Down 20% (3,414 Vehicles Sold This Month, 39,594 Vehicles Sold This Year) Jeep - Down 12% (73,205 Vehicles Sold This Month, 828,522 Vehicles Sold This Year) Kia - Down 20.8% (43,039 Vehicles Sold This Month, 589,668 Vehicles Sold This Year) Land Rover - Down 4% (7,980 Vehicles Sold This Month, 74,739 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lexus - Down 13.9% (35,461 Vehicles Sold This Month, 305,132 Vehicles Sold This Year) Lincoln - Down 17% (10,619 Vehicles Sold This Month, 111,159 Vehicles Sold This Year) Maserati - Down 15.8% (1,427 Vehicles Sold This Month, 13,697 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mazda - Down 6.5% (26,893 Vehicles Sold This Month, 289,470 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz - Up 10% (35,203 Vehicles Sold This Month, 337,246 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mercedes-Benz Vans - Up 4.8% (4,047 Vehicles Sold This Month, 34,994 Vehicles Sold This Year) MINI - Down 1% (4,611 Vehicles Sold This Month, 47,105 Vehicles Sold This Year) Mitsubishi - Up 15.1% (8,501 Vehicles Sold This Month, 103,686 Vehicles Sold This Year) Nissan - Down 9.4% (121,847 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,440,049 Vehicles Sold This Year) Porsche - Down 2.5% (3,913 Vehicles Sold This Month, 55,420 Vehicles Sold This Year) Ram Trucks - Down 7% (49,876 Vehicles Sold This Month, 556,790 Vehicles Sold This Year) Smart - Down 86% (166 Vehicles Sold This Month, 3,071 Vehicles Sold This Year) Subaru - Up 0.3% (63,342 Vehicles Sold This Month, 647,956 Vehicles Sold This Year) Toyota - Down 7.2% (187,524 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,129,383 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volkswagen - Down 18.7% (30,281 Vehicles Sold This Month, 339,676 Vehicles Sold This Year) Volvo - View full article

Three-peat: Chevrolet’s Retail Share Grows for Third Consecutive Year – up 1 point since 2015 Buick and GMC Buck the Industry to Post Double-digit Retail Sales Gains in December GM December retail sales up 2 percent; retail share tops 18 percent Best Commercial and Government deliveries since 2008 and largest 2017 share gain of any automaker DETROIT — General Motors (NYSE: GM) delivered 3,002,241 vehicles in the United States in 2017, including more than 1.3 million trucks and 965,090 crossovers. In the process, GM set new annual sales records for pickup and crossover deliveries, electric vehicles sales, average transaction prices and more. GM also reduced year-end inventories more than its target. Inventories were 752,554 units, down 90,000 from a year ago. Days supply was 63 days. Chevrolet Momentum Chevrolet has been GM’s most powerful growth engine. The brand delivered year-over-year retail market share increases in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Since the end of 2014, Chevrolet’s retail share has grown from 10.2 percent, according to Polk registration data, to an estimated 11.2 percent. The Fastest Growing Crossover Company GM crossover deliveries were up 17 percent year over year, driven by record sales of the Chevrolet Equinox, Traverse and Trax, as well as the Buick Envision, Buick Encore and GMC Acadia. GM grew its retail share of the crossover market more than any other automaker, according to the latest J.D. Power PIN estimates. GM’s retail share grew 1.6 percentage points to 13.1 percent. The only other major automaker to gain retail share was up less than one point. Chevrolet became the industry’s fastest-growing crossover brand in 2017 based on retail market share, with the all-new Equinox and Traverse gaining more than one point of share in their respective segments. Equinox retail deliveries were up 21 percent and Traverse was up 31 percent. The Trax was up 5 percent. Crossovers helped Buick deliver its best calendar year sales since 2004. The Buick Encore delivered its best year ever. It has been Buick’s volume leader for three straight years. Crossovers now account for more than 80 percent of Buick’s retail deliveries, compared with about two-thirds last year. Retail crossover sales for the brand were up 26 percent year over year, with the Enclave up 14 percent, the Encore up 8 percent and Envision up 167 percent. Cadillac’s retail crossover deliveries were up 9 percent, driven by the new XT5. The Industry’s Best-selling Trucks GM sold more pickup trucks in the United States than any other automaker for the fourth year in a row – a record 948,909 units – thanks to its unique three-truck strategy. Since 2014, Chevrolet and GMC have been the only brands to offer mid-size, light- and heavy-duty pickups. GM sold 239,719 full-size SUVs and has led the segment since the launch of the Chevrolet Suburban in 1935. Combined, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, have earned more than 75 percent retail market share for the fourth consecutive year. At GMC, more than half of Sierra HD customers and more than 70 percent of Yukon customers purchase premium Denali models. The Cadillac Escalade has earned at least 30 percent of the retail market for large luxury SUVs for four consecutive years, with ATPs that are more than $20,000 above its closest domestic competitor. The Leader in Affordable, Long-range EVs Chevrolet delivered more than 43,669 electric vehicles in 2017, including 23,297 Bolt EV crossovers and 20,349 Volt sedans. In December, the Bolt EV had its best month since launch. Record ATPs GM’s average transaction prices (ATPs), which are net of incentive spending estimates, were more than $35,400 for the year and they surpassed $38,000 in December. Both are records, and significantly above the industry average of $31,600 for the calendar year. Best Commercial and Government Deliveries Since 2008 Total Commercial and Government deliveries were more than 296,000 units, the most since 2008. Commercial and Government deliveries are now the largest component of GM’s fleet deliveries, following a cumulative reduction of 170,000 rental deliveries since 2014. 2017 marked the first year that GM Commercial and Government deliveries have been greater than daily rental deliveries in the last quarter century. Based on Polk registration data through October, GM has gained more Commercial and Government market share in 2017 than any other automaker. Total and Retail Sales GM’s total sales in 2017 were down 1 percent year over year, outperforming the industry, which is expected to be down 2 percent. GM’s retail deliveries, which are more than 80 percent of total sales, were down 1 percent year over year, in line with the industry’s expected performance. December Highlights (vs. a year ago) Corporate Industry sales and retail sales are all expected to be down about 4 percent. Fleet sales are expected to be down 5 percent. There was one less selling day. GM’s retail market share is expected to surpass 18 percent, up one percentage point for the company’s best month of the year. Retail sales totaled 254,449 units, up 2 percent. GM’s Commercial and Government deliveries were up a combined 7 percent and daily rental deliveries were down 40 percent. Total fleet sales were down 22 percent. GM’s incentives as a percentage of ATP in the fourth quarter of 2017 averaged 13.3 percent, in line with the fourth quarter of 2016, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates. GM incentives during the month of December averaged 14.8 percent. Chevrolet Chevrolet’s retail market share increased 0.2 percentage points to an estimated 11.5 percent and ATPs for the month were the best-ever at more than $34,000. The Equinox and Traverse had their best December total sales ever with increases of 21 percent and 19 percent, respectively. Silverado total sales were up 25 percent. The Silverado light-duty crew cab had its best month ever. Buick Buick total sales were up 5 percent and retail deliveries were up 15 percent. On a retail basis, the Enclave was up 46 percent, the Envision up 93 percent and the Encore was up 2 percent. Retail market share increased an estimated 0.2 percentage points to 1.6 percent. GMC GMC total sales were up 1 percent for the brand’s best sales month in more than 12 years. Retail deliveries were up 14 percent and share increased an estimated 0.6 percentage points to 4.1 percent. December ATPs were the highest on record at approximately $47,500. Calendar year ATPs of $43,700 also set a new record. Retail deliveries of the Sierra were up 18 percent, the Yukon was up 54 percent, and the Yukon XL was up 51 percent. The Acadia was up 1 percent. Denali deliveries set a monthly and full-year record, with penetration approaching 40 percent in December and 30 percent for the year. Full-year Denali deliveries were approximately 140,000 units. Denali ATPs are about 25 percent higher than overall GMC ATPs. Cadillac Cadillac ATPs set a new monthly record of $58,300. 2018 Outlook Mustafa Mohatarem, GM’s chief economist, forecasts 2018 total vehicle sales (including medium and heavy trucks) to exceed 17 million units for the fourth year in a row. Light vehicle sales are forecasted to be in the high 16 million-unit range. “In 2017, we had solid GDP growth and good news on employment, wages and consumer sentiment, which helped deliver very strong retail sales for the auto industry,” he said. “This year, many consumers will see their take-home pay rise because of tax reform. That will keep the broad economy growing, and help keep sales at very healthy levels even as the Fed increases interest rates.” GM is well positioned heading into the new year because of its low inventories and multi-year strategy to redesign and expand its truck and crossover portfolio. On a retail basis, 78 percent of GM sales are now trucks and crossovers, compared with an industry average of 65 percent. “We are winning customers in the fastest-growing parts of the market, and our momentum continues to grow because we have strengthened our brands, grown our Commercial and Government business, sharply reduced rental sales and successfully transitioned to a crossover- and truck-focused business,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “We are starting 2018 with very lean inventories for such a strong industry, and we see more room to grow because Chevrolet, Buick and GMC will have a full year of sales of their all-new crossovers, and we are going to launch the industry’s best full-size pickups.”

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

Back at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, Jeep introduced the Yuntu SUV concept. Designed for the Chinese market, the Yuntu features 3-rows and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Jeep is going forward with bringing the Yuntu to production as evidenced by a new set of spy photos. Despite the camouflage, there is no mistaking this is a Jeep thanks to the seven-slot grille. The overall shape matches up with a design trademark filing made last year in China with a boxy profile and a rear end similar to the Dodge Durango. It appears the design of the headlights and taillights carry over. A source tells Motor1 the Yuntu provides a preview of what Jeep has in store for their new flagship, the Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer. The design hasn't been finalized, so there could be some changes in store. The source also says Jeep is planning to offer two wheelbase lengths for the Wagoneer. It is unclear what platform underpins the Yuntu - speculation has it on a unibody platform, likely Cherokee. We have heard that the Wagoneer will be using platform that underpins the Ram 1500. We'll keep you updated if we hear any new details. Source: Autoblog, Motor1 View full article