William Maley

FCA US Reports March 2017 U.S. Sales Dodge brand sales up 10 percent; four Dodge brand vehicles post sales gains Ram Truck brand sales up 6 percent; Ram pickup sales increase 6 percent year over year Jeep® Grand Cherokee sales increase 22 percent compared with same month a year ago Fiat 500 sales up 12 percent for the month April 3, 2017 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC today reported U.S. sales of 190,254 units, a 5 percent decrease compared with sales in March 2016 (199,467 units). In March, fleet sales of 43,992 units were down 15 percent year over year as FCA US continues its strategy of reducing its sales to the daily rental segment. Fleet sales represented 23 percent of total FCA US sales in March. FCA US retail sales of 146,262 units were down 1 percent for the month, and represented 77 percent of total March sales. Dodge brand and Ram Truck brand sales increased year over year in March. Dodge brand sales were up 10 percent, led by the 100 percent increase in Dodge Journey crossover sales. Ram Truck brand sales were up 6 percent in March as the Ram pickup and Ram ProMaster van each posted year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Jeep® Grand Cherokee – the Jeep brand’s volume leader in March – were up 22 percent compared with the same month in 2016. Sales of the Fiat 500 and the all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan increased year over year as well in the month. Dodge Brand Four Dodge brand vehicles posted year-over-year sales increases in March, led by the Dodge Journey crossover’s 100 percent sales gain. Sales of the Dodge Challenger were up 17 percent in March. The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon – the Dodge brand’s new ultimate performance halo car – will be unveiled this month during the 2017 New York International Auto Show week. The Dodge Grand Caravan minivan and the Dodge Viper also turned in year-over-year sales gains for the month. Dodge brand sales were up 10 percent compared with the same month in 2016. Ram Truck Brand Ram pickup truck sales increased 6 percent in March, compared with the same month a year ago. In addition, sales of the Ram ProMaster van were up 24 percent for the month. Ram Truck brand sales, which include the pickup, ProMaster and ProMaster City, were up 6 percent in March. The brand last month unveiled a new exterior color shade for its luxurious and capable Laramie Longhorn line of pickup trucks. RV Match Walnut Brown will serve as the model’s new two-tone contrast color, replacing White Gold. The Ram Laramie Longhorn is the Texas Auto Writers Association’s Luxury Truck of Texas. FIAT Brand Sales of the Fiat 500 increased 12 percent in March, compared with the same month a year ago. Fiat 124 Spider sales were up 39 percent compared with the previous month of February. Experts at Cars.com consider the all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider best in its segment, naming it the “Best New Convertible” of 2017. Jeep® Brand The Jeep Grand Cherokee – the brand’s volume leader for the month – recorded a 22 percent year-over-year sales increase in March for its best sales month this year. The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass – the most capable compact SUV ever with the most advanced 4x4 systems in its class – began shipping to Jeep dealerships in March. The new Compass expands the Jeep brand’s global reach with an unmatched combination of attributes that includes legendary and best-in-class 4x4 off-road capability, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, premium and authentic Jeep design, superior on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings. Chrysler Brand Sales of the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica – the most awarded minivan of 2016 and 2017 – were up in its third month of year-over-year comparisons, and increased 3 percent compared with sales in the previous month of February. March also was the Pacifica’s best sales month so far this year. The Pacifica continues to earn a plethora of awards and accolades in 2017, landing on Kelley Blue Book’s list of the “12 Best Family Cars of 2017” in the best minivans category, and “2017 North American Utility of the Year.” Alfa Romeo Brand Alfa Romeo brand sales of 555 units were up 1,191 percent compared with the same month a year ago. Maserati Brand Maserati brand sales of 1,312 units were up 32 percent compared with the same month in 2016. U.S. Sales Summary March 2017 Month Sales Vol % CYTD Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Compass 2,651 7,823 -66% 8,552 22,987 -63% Patriot 5,968 9,264 -36% 16,180 29,211 -45% Wrangler 16,336 17,586 -7% 41,311 41,922 -1% Cherokee 14,589 16,302 -11% 40,755 48,438 -16% Grand Cherokee 20,374 16,693 22% 56,600 47,658 19% Renegade 8,065 8,872 -9% 25,345 22,154 14% JEEP BRAND 67,983 76,540 -11% 188,743 212,370 -11% 200 2,565 4,971 -48% 6,620 15,915 -58% 300 4,969 6,172 -19% 15,063 17,141 -12% Town & Country 95 14,200 -99% 341 37,228 -99% Pacifica 9,340 30 New 25,052 140 New CHRYSLER BRAND 16,969 25,373 -33% 47,076 70,424 -33% Dart 1,578 5,137 -69% 4,658 16,241 -71% Avenger 0 8 -100% 0 23 -100% Charger 8,236 8,798 -6% 22,319 26,345 -15% Challenger 6,225 5,325 17% 15,725 16,128 -2% Viper 71 65 9% 178 137 30% Journey 11,858 5,931 100% 34,400 23,892 44% Caravan 15,602 13,124 19% 40,054 38,057 5% Durango 6,506 7,241 -10% 16,729 20,093 -17% DODGE BRAND 50,076 45,629 10% 134,063 140,916 -5% Ram P/U 46,384 43,647 6% 119,199 113,298 5% Cargo Van 0 1 -100% 0 3 -100% ProMaster Van 4,048 3,263 24% 10,047 8,302 21% ProMaster City 1,317 1,886 -30% 3,333 4,551 -27% RAM BRAND 51,749 48,797 6% 132,579 126,154 5% Giulia 484 0 New 966 0 New Alfa 4C 71 43 65% 140 158 -11% ALFA BRAND 555 43 1191% 1,106 158 600% 500 1,671 1,494 12% 4,020 3,595 12% 500L 106 535 -80% 284 1,262 -77% 500X 726 1,056 -31% 1,966 3,258 -40% Spider 419 0 New 961 0 New FIAT BRAND 2,922 3,085 -5% 7,231 8,115 -11% TOTAL FCA US LLC 190,254 199,467 -5% 510,798 558,137 -8% Total Car & MPV 51,432 59,902 -14% 136,381 172,370 -21% Total UV's 87,073 90,768 -4% 241,838 259,613 -7% Total Truck & LCV 51,749 48,797 6% 132,579 126,154 5% MASERATI BRAND 1,312 997 32% 3,288 2,250 46%

GM Was the Fastest Growing Automaker in March, Driven by Chevrolet and Buick Strong Retail Share Gain for the First Quarter DETROIT — General Motors (NYSE: GM), which grew its retail sales faster than any other full-line automaker in 2016, outpaced the industry once again in March. The company also gained retail share in the first quarter of 2017. “The economy is strong and we see more growth ahead for our brands,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of sales operations. “More people are working, consumer confidence is at a 16-year high, fuel prices are low and Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have a wave of new crossovers to compete in the industry’s biggest and hottest segments.” At Buick, crossovers are expected to account for more than 75 percent of retail deliveries in 2017, up from 66 percent in 2016, driven by the Encore, Envision and Enclave. GMC, which has the highest average transaction prices (ATPs) of any non-luxury brand, will launch the all-new 2018 Terrain in late summer, complementing the redesigned Acadia that went on sale in late summer 2016. Cadillac will benefit from a full year of production of the new XT5 crossover, which is now the second best-selling vehicle in its segment. Chevrolet, which grew retail market share in 2015 and was the industry’s fastest-growing brand in 2016, is particularly well positioned. Chevrolet had its best March and first quarter retail sales since 2007. “Chevrolet will have the industry’s broadest and freshest lineup of utility vehicles led by the all-new 2018 Equinox and Traverse, plus we have a unique three-truck pickup strategy and a dominant position in large SUVs,” McNeil said. “We also have a first-mover advantage in many segments. It will be years before key competitors are able to launch rivals to the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Colorado and Trax.” Highlights (vs. 2016) First Quarter Overview GM’s retail sales were 546,838 units, up 1.9 percent, and retail market share was up 0.2 percentage points to an estimated 16.8 percent. The gains were primarily driven by crossovers, which were up 21 percent. Truck deliveries were up half a percentage point. Chevrolet increased its first quarter retail share by an estimated 0.1 percentage point, as did GMC. Commercial deliveries were up 4 percent, and daily rental deliveries were down 8 percent, or about 6,000 units. Total fleet sales were down 3 percent. Total sales were 689,521 units, up 1 percent, and market share was up an estimated 0.3 percentage points to an estimated 16.7 percent. Average transaction prices were approximately $34,000, in line with last year’s first quarter. March Overview Retail sales were 203,113 units, up 5 percent, and market share was up 0.6 percentage points to an estimated 16.1 percent. Chevrolet’s estimated retail market share increased 0.4 percentage points and Buick was up 0.3 percentage points. Total sales were 256,224 units, up 2 percent, and market share was up an estimated 0.4 percentage points to 15.9 percent. Commercial deliveries were up 3 percent driven by a 67 percent increase in Malibu deliveries and strong pickup and large van sales. Daily rental sales down 18 percent, or more than 5,100 units. Fleet sales were down 9 percent. Brand Highlights (vs. 2016) Chevrolet Crossovers On a retail basis in March, the Trax was up 51 percent, the Equinox was up 26 percent and the Traverse was up 24 percent. For the quarter, Trax retail sales were up 54 percent, the Equinox was up 16 percent and the Traverse was up 7 percent. Bolt EV sales in the quarter were 3,092 units, with limited availability. The days to turn is exceptionally low at 14 days. Chevrolet Trucks Chevrolet had its best first quarter truck sales since 2008, up 6 percent. Key drivers were the Suburban, up 26 percent; the Tahoe, up 11 percent; and strong full-size van sales to small business customers and fleets. Silverado sales were essentially equal to a year ago. Chevrolet retail truck sales in the first quarter were up 2 percent, with the Tahoe up 9 percent, the Colorado up 7 percent and the Suburban up 5 percent. Silverado sales were essentially equal to a year ago. The Tahoe and Suburban had their best March total sales since 2008, and their best first quarter total and retail sales since 2008. The Colorado had its best first quarter retail sales since 2005. Chevrolet Cars Retail deliveries were very strong in March, up 9 percent. The drivers were the Cruze, up 63 percent; the Sonic, up 14 percent; the Spark, up 50 percent; the Volt, up 15 percent; and the Camaro, up 2 percent. During the quarter, retail car deliveries were down 11 percent, reflecting industry-wide changes in customer demand. However, Cruze retail sales were up 22 percent during the quarter; the Spark was up 37 percent; and the Volt was up 39 percent. The Volt had its best first quarter total and retail sales ever. Buick Sales Buick had its best March retail sales since 2005, with sales up 22 percent. The LaCrosse was up 60 percent on a retail basis in March, the Encore was up 17 percent and Regal was up 7 percent. On a total sales basis, it was Buick’s best March since 2006, with deliveries up 15 percent. First quarter retail deliveries were the highest since 2004, driven by a 29 percent increase in crossover sales. The Encore has posted seven consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains, and it had its best-ever March and first quarter sales. The Envision had its best month since launch. GMC Sales Total GMC sales were up 12 percent in March, driven by a 47 percent increase in crossover deliveries. The Acadia, which was redesigned last year, was up 84 percent and the Terrain was up 14 percent. The Yukon XL was up 17 percent. March was the highest-ever month for Denali models, at 29 percent of GMC retail sales. Total GMC sales for the first quarter were the best since 2000, with deliveries up 10 percent. First quarter retail deliveries were up 4 percent, with the Acadia up 30 percent and Sierra HD models up 22 percent. Cadillac Sales Cadillac XT5 retail sales in March were 22 percent higher than the outgoing SRX, and ATPs were about 9 percent higher. Cadillac’s ATPs continue to be in the upper echelon of luxury brands at more than $54,000. Full-year Guidance We believe strong car-buying fundamentals are reflected in the retail component of the light vehicle SAAR (seasonally-adjusted annual rate), which was 14 million in March, up 0.3 million versus a year ago. The retail SAAR for the first quarter was 14.3 million, up 0.1 million. Ten all-new or recently redesigned crossovers are expected to drive GM’s sales and share higher in 2017. GM’s deliveries to daily rental companies are expected to decline for the third year in a row. The company expects inventory in the second quarter to be lower than the first quarter, in a range around 90 days’ supply. The decline reflects strong sales, lower car production and strategic, launch-related growth in truck and crossover stocks. The company expects to end 2017 at essentially the same inventory levels as 2016 on a days’ supply basis, but with fewer cars and more trucks and crossovers in stock. As expected, incentives were down sharply from February 2017, according to J.D Power PIN estimates. Spending as a percentage of average transaction price (ATP) declined from approximately 14.9 percent to about 13.5 percent. The launches of new crossovers and adjustments to passenger car inventories will help moderate incentive spending going forward.

Overall Ford Motor Company U.S. March 2017 sales totaled 236,250 vehicles – a 7 percent decline versus a year ago Retail sales declined 2 percent last month, with 157,740 vehicles sold Fleet sales of 78,510 vehicles were down 17 percent, reflecting a strong year-ago comparison, with customer orders front-loaded in early 2016 Ford Motor Company average transaction pricing increased $1,800 last month, compared to an industry increase of $190* Ford F-Series sales totaled 81,330 pickups – a 10 percent increase versus a year ago, with overall average transaction pricing up more than $2,500* Ford Super Duty high-series trucks – Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum – represented 56 percent of 2017 Super Duty retail sales last month Ford Escape posts record March retail sales with a 13 percent gain Ford Expedition grew 43 percent, with 5,472 SUVs sold Lincoln retail sales up 5 percent; retail car sales up 11 percent, while SUVs gain 2 percent

Nissan Group reports March 2017 U.S. sales NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Group today announced U.S. sales in March 2017 set an all-time record at 168,832 units, an increase of 3 percent over the prior year. Nissan highlights: Nissan Division finished March with 150,566 sales, up 1 percent and also the best month on record. Overall sales of Nissan crossovers, trucks and SUVs set an all-time record, up 26 percent. Sales of the Rogue compact crossover set a March record at 39,512, up 43 percent. Sales of the Pathfinder SUV had an all-time record month at 10,442, up 20 percent. Nissan TITAN sales climbed to 5,539, up 335 percent. Nissan Armada finished the month up 215 percent, with 3,094 sales. NISSAN DIVISION MARCH MARCH Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg Nissan Division Total 150,566 149,784 0.5 373,330 217,760 71.4 Versa 12,336 16,244 -24.1 31,075 36,499 -14.9 Sentra 21,960 26,201 -16.2 51,414 62,944 -18.3 Cube 0 3 -100.0 0 13 -100.0 Altima 28,511 34,856 -18.2 73,985 85,332 -13.3 Maxima 6,961 6,588 5.7 15,597 16,225 -3.9 LEAF 1,478 1,246 18.6 3,287 2,931 12.1 Juke 1,487 2,498 -40.5 4,088 5,871 -30.4 370Z 500 576 -13.2 1,248 1,344 -7.1 GT-R 75 66 13.6 195 162 20.4 Total Car 73,308 88,278 -17.0 180,889 211,321 -14.4 Frontier 6,973 8,198 -14.9 15,566 21,395 -27.2 Titan 5,539 1,274 334.8 11,295 3,271 245.3 Xterra 1 0 N/A 1 28 -96.4 Pathfinder 10,442 8,713 19.8 26,720 22,408 19.2 Armada 3,094 981 215.4 7,291 2,848 156.0 Rogue 39,512 27,713 42.6 101,421 69,036 46.9 Murano 7,317 8,657 -15.5 17,249 21,618 -20.2 Quest 620 1,763 -64.8 3,870 5,750 -32.7 NV 1,863 1,791 4.0 4,533 4,517 0.4 NV200 1,897 2,416 -21.5 4,495 5,352 -16 Total Truck 77,258 61,506 25.6 192,441 156,223 23.2 156,223 INFINITI MARCH MARCH Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg Infiniti Total 18,266 13,775 32.6 43,561 32,660 33.4 Infiniti Q40 0 22 -100.0 0 48 -100.0 Infiniti Q50 3,800 5,590 -32.0 10,450 11,868 -11.9 Infiniti Q60 1,829 105 1641.9 3,371 409 724.2 Infiniti Q70 1,072 577 85.8 1,962 1,563 25.5 Infiniti QX30 2,960 0 0.0 6,532 0 0.0 Infiniti QX50 1,724 1,512 14.0 4,318 3,902 10.7 Infiniti QX60 3,821 3,905 -2.2 8,668 9,007 -3.8 Infiniti QX70 1,077 661 62.9 2,905 1,809 60.6 Infiniti QX80 1,983 1,403 41.3 5,355 4,054 32.1 Total Car 6,701 6,294 6.5 15,783 13,888 13.6 Total Truck 11,565 7,481 54.6 27,778 18,772 48.0 NISSAN GROUP MARCH MARCH Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2017 2016 % chg 2017 2016 % chg TOTAL VEHICLE 168,832 163,559 3.2 416,891 250,420 66.5 Total Car 80,009 94,572 -15.4 196,672 225,209 -12.7 Total Truck 88,823 68,987 28.8 220,219 174,995 25.8 Selling days 27 27 75 75

American Honda Nets New March Sales Records Apr 3, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif. American Honda trucks have best-ever March sales. rising 8.4 percent Honda Division trucks also set new March record with a 12.6 percent gain Honda CR-V sails past previous March best with a 23 percent increase Honda HR-V continues record pace, gaining 19.6 percent for the month Acura MDX sales rise 1.3 percent in March ahead of new Sport Hybrid model launch American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported total March sales of 137,227 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 0.7 percent over March 2016. Honda Division was up 1.8 percent on sales of 125,531 units while Honda trucks set a new March record, gaining 12.6 percent on sales of 61,975. Acura Division sales were down 21.2 percent in March, on sales of 11,696 vehicles. Honda Led by trucks with a record month and bolstered by resilient car sales, Honda Division gained 1.8 percent in March. CR-V and HR-V continued their hot streaks, both blowing double-digit holes in their own March records while Ridgeline also made a notable contribution. On the passenger car side, Fit was up 6.1 percent while Civic topped 31,000 sales. Accord posted a strong March with 26,824 new buyers. Honda trucks had best ever March sales, gaining 12.6 percent on sales of 61,975 CR-V led truck gains with a March record of 32,872 vehicles, up 23 percent HR-V set a new March record, rising 19.6 percent on sales of 7,653 Ridgeline sales surpassed 3,700 units in March With another strong month of nearly 32,000 in sales, Civic was easily the best-selling passenger car in America on a retail basis in the first quarter of 2017 "Many automakers are looking for signs of market stability as consumers continue to head towards trucks and SUVs," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "But cars are still a compelling choice for many, especially when you have the right formula. Civic is a great example." Acura Strong sales of Acura trucks in March continued to set the pace for the Acura brand, even as the company prepared to launch the MDX Sport Hybrid—the third and newest installment of the brand’s high-performance Sport Hybrid technology—along with the Acura NSX supercar and RLX Sport Hybrid model. The new MDX is the latest salvo in the evolving Acura lineup prioritizing performance through both powertrain and design. And on April 11, a refreshed and significantly enhanced 2018 TLX will be revealed in New York, bringing the Acura Precision Concept-inspired design language to the sedan lineup. MDX sales totaled 4,141 units in March, up 1.3 percent over 2016 "With the Acura MDX already posting strong sales in the luxury SUV segment, the new MDX Sport Hybrid adds a new performance dimension to provide greater market visibility of our performance hybrid technology and greater purchase consideration for Acura products," said Jon Ikeda, vice president & general manager of the Acura division. American Honda Vehicle Sales for March 2017 Month-to-Date Year-to-Date March 2017 March 2016 DSR** % Change MoM % Change March 2017 March 2016 DSR** % Change YoY % Change American Honda Total 137,227 138,221 -0.7% -0.7% 365,293 357,703 2.1% 2.1% Total Car Sales 67,342 73,768 -8.7% -8.7% 173,606 190,100 -8.7% -8.7% Total Truck Sales 69,885 64,453 8.4% 8.4% 191,687 167,603 14.4% 14.4% Honda Total Car Sales 63,556 68,314 -7.0% -7.0% 163,800 176,393 -7.1% -7.1% Honda Total Truck Sales 61,975 55,055 12.6% 12.6% 169,731 143,435 18.3% 18.3% Acura Total Car Sales 3,786 5,454 -30.6% -30.6% 9,806 13,707 -28.5% -28.5% Acura Total Truck Sales 7,910 9,398 -15.8% -15.8% 21,956 24,168 -9.2% -9.2% Total Domestic Car Sales 54,063 69,038 -21.7% -21.7% 139,999 178,977 -21.8% -21.8% Honda Division 50,387 63,716 -20.9% -20.9% 130,486 165,603 -21.2% -21.2% Acura Division 3,676 5,322 -30.9% -30.9% 9,513 13,374 -28.9% -28.9% Total Domestic Truck Sales 69,885 64,453 8.4% 8.4% 191,687 167,603 14.4% 14.4% Honda Division 61,975 55,055 12.6% 12.6% 169,731 143,435 18.3% 18.3% Acura Division 7,910 9,398 -15.8% -15.8% 21,956 24,168 -9.2% -9.2% Total Import Car Sales 13,279 4,730 180.7% 180.7% 33,607 11,123 202.1% 202.1% Honda Division 13,169 4,598 186.4% 186.4% 33,314 10,790 208.7% 208.7% Acura Division 110 132 -16.7% -16.7% 293 333 -12.0% -12.0% Total Import Truck Sales 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0 0.0% 0.0% Honda Division 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0 0.0% 0.0% Acura Division 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0 0.0% 0.0% MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION Honda Division Total 125,531 123,369 1.8% 1.8% 333,531 319,828 4.3% 4.3% * ACCORD 26,824 30,523 -12.1% -12.1% 69,815 77,073 -9.4% -9.4% * CIVIC 31,520 32,855 -4.1% -4.1% 81,654 87,303 -6.5% -6.5% CLARITY FCV 23 0 0.0% 0.0% 92 0 0.0% 0.0% CR-Z 129 163 -20.9% -20.9% 336 483 -30.4% -30.4% * FIT 5,060 4,771 6.1% 6.1% 11,902 11,513 3.4% 3.4% INSIGHT 0 2 -100.0% -100.0% 1 21 -95.2% -95.2% CROSSTOUR 0 110 -100.0% -100.0% 3 566 -99.5% -99.5% * CR-V 32,872 26,730 23.0% 23.0% 94,057 71,188 32.1% 32.1% HR-V 7,653 6,398 19.6% 19.6% 19,696 15,515 26.9% 26.9% ODYSSEY 7,727 11,224 -31.2% -31.2% 21,027 27,439 -23.4% -23.4% PILOT 9,945 10,593 -6.1% -6.1% 25,224 28,726 -12.2% -12.2% RIDGELINE 3,778 0 0.0% 0.0% 9,724 1 972,300.0% 972,300.0% *** Memo: Accord FHEV 1,843 51 3,513.7% 3,513.7% 5,421 190 2,753.2% 2,753.2% Memo: Civic Hybrid 15 166 -91.0% -91.0% 39 470 -91.7% -91.7% Acura Division Total 11,696 14,852 -21.2% -21.2% 31,762 37,875 -16.1% -16.1% ILX 824 1,554 -47.0% -47.0% 2,256 4,287 -47.4% -47.4% NSX 37 0 0.0% 0.0% 133 0 0.0% 0.0% RLX 110 130 -15.4% -15.4% 293 331 -11.5% -11.5% TLX 2,815 3,768 -25.3% -25.3% 7,124 9,087 -21.6% -21.6% TSX 0 2 -100.0% -100.0% 0 2 -100.0% -100.0% MDX 4,141 4,088 1.3% 1.3% 10,956 11,956 -8.4% -8.4% RDX 3,769 5,310 -29.0% -29.0% 11,000 12,212 -9.9% -9.9% *** Memo: RLX Hybrid 30 19 57.9% 57.9% 68 49 38.8% 38.8% Memo: TSX Wagon 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0 0.0% 0.0% Selling Days 27 27 75 75 **** Hybrid 2,054 401 412.2% 412.2% 5,998 1,213 394.5% 394.5% * Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts ** Daily Selling Rate *** Memo line items are included in the respective model total **** Hybrid includes FHEV, PHEV, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Insight, ILX Hybrid, RLX Hybrid, RLX Sport Hybrid, MDX Sport Hybrid and NSX

When trying to describe Volvo, you may use terms such as sensible, anonymous, or different. The Swedish automaker has always gone down a different road than everyone else and at times it has proved to be a success. But at other times, it has put the automaker behind the pack. Currently, Volvo is on the upswing with the XC90 SUV that shocked everyone with its handsome looks, polished interior, and a comfortable drive. This has garnered a lot of attention from the press as the XC90 walked away with numerous awards. But it has also put the next 90 Series model, the S90 in a tough spot. It already finds itself in a tough position competing in the midsize luxury sedan class where there are plenty of models to draw people away. Now, the S90 faces a tough yardstick in the form of the XC90. Can the S90 meet these high expectations put upon it? Restraint is the key word when it comes the S90’s exterior design. Volvo could have gone ahead and go all out with the latest design trends, but instead their designers went with something simple and it works beautifully for the most part. You can tell Volvo is paying homage to their older models as the profile is somewhat boxy, but the corners have been rounded to give a sleek appearance. The front end comes with a large concave grille and headlights featuring the distinctive ‘Thor’s Hammer’ daytime-running lights. For the back, Volvo fitted a set of C-shaped taillights and a peculiar trunk lid design. However, the design choices made here don’t fully mesh with the rest of the S90. Step inside and the S90 becomes a feast for the eyes. Our Inscription tester came with elegant materials such as matte wood trim, Nappa leather, and metal surrounds for the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system. There is also a lot of minimalism in the S90’s interior with many of the vehicle’s functions being controlled through a nine-inch touchscreen featuring Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system. Using this system is a bit of a hit and miss. The pluses are how simple it is to use Sensus thanks to an easy to understand interface and the ability to use gestures like on a smartphone such as swiping left to right. A downside to Sensus is how long it takes to boot-up when you first start the vehicle (on average, we found it took about a minute before we could fully use the system). The system also becomes somewhat distracting to use when you’re on the move. There were times where I found myself wishing for an extra knob or button to control the climate system for example. One area Volvo didn’t skimp on was comfort. Up front, both driver and passenger get 10-way power adjustments with the option of adjustable side and thigh bolstering. It is easy to find a position that will work for you and the seats provide excellent support for the long distance. Those sitting in the back will be happy with the extensive amount of head and legroom on offer. Plus, passengers sitting in the back get their own set of climate controls and manual window shades. Volvo differs from the rest of competition by only offering four-cylinder engines in the S90. Our test S90 came with T6 which is a 2.0L four-cylinder with super and turbocharging. Output stands at 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. While the T6 engine may not offer thrilling acceleration, what it does offer is a smooth and steady stream of power. Plus, the supercharger makes turbo lag nonexistent on the low end of the rpm band. Volvo also deserves a lot of credit for the amount of work done in the refinement department. Those who went for a ride in the S90 thought it was powered by a V6 because of how smooth and quiet it was. Imagine the look of surprise when I told them that it was a twin-charged four-cylinder. EPA Fuel Economy figures for the S90 T6 is rated at 22 City/31 Highway/25 Combined. My average for the week landed around 23.2 mpg with most of the time being spent in urban areas. The S90’s ride is almost like the one you would find in a proper luxury sedan. Most bumps and imperfections are smoothed over by the S90’s compliant suspension. We say most because of one feature fitted to our tester; the optional 20-inch wheels made the ride a little bit harsher than if we had the standard 19-inch wheels. The larger wheels also cause more tire noise to come inside the cabin. Volvo does offer an optional air suspension which should solve this issue. But for our money, we would recommend skipping both the larger wheels and air suspension. Wind noise is kept to almost near silent levels. Where the Volvo S90 will fall apart for some is in the handling. Compared to some of the competition, the S90 doesn’t feel as athletic when going around a corner. The suspension does a decent job of keeping body roll in place, but the steering doesn’t quite have the feel you would want in these situations. Also, we found the steering to be slightly too heavy for the daily grind. One feature that may surprise people on the S90 is Volvo’s Pilot Assist system. Standard across the board, Pilot Assist is a semi-autonomous driving system that can drive the vehicle at speeds up to 80 mph on the freeway. I tried this system out and found to be somewhat disconcerting to use. The main reason for this was the vehicle automatically making small steering adjustments to keep it in the lane. One thing you cannot do with Pilot Assist is to take your hands off the steering wheel. The system will detect this and flash warning to put your hands on the wheel. If you don’t, Pilot Assist will automatically turn off. The Volvo S90 may not be exciting to look at or drive, but that might its greatest strength. The understated look of the exterior hides one of the best interiors not only in the class but in the industry as a whole. It is also nice to be in a vehicle that cares more about providing a comfortable ride than sharp handling. The XC90 set a high bar for future Volvo models and the good news is that S90 was able to clear it. Disclaimer: Volvo Provided the S90, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2017 Make: Volvo Model: S90 Trim: T6 Inscription Engine: Super & Turbocharged 2.0L DI Four-Cylinder Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 316 @ 5,700 Torque @ RPM: 295 @ 2200–5400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/31/25 Curb Weight: 4,080 lbs Location of Manufacture: Gothenburg, Sweden Base Price: $52,950 As Tested Price: $66,365 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: Inscription Package - $3,300.00 Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound - $2,650.00 Climate Package with HUD - $1,950.00 Vision Package - $1,950.00 20" Inscription Alloy Wheels - $1,010.00 Convenience Package - $1,000.00 Metallic Paint - $560.00 View full article

We know Cadillac is planning a major product offensive beginning with the XT3 crossover next year, along with a few other products such as a seven-seat crossover and a competitor to the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA. Automobile Magazine reports that Cadillac is planning eight all-new or redesigned models by 2022. They include, XT3: (Compact crossover) in 2018 CT3: (ATS Replacement) in 2018 XT7: (Seven-seat crossover that is reported to be on Omega. Other reports put say it will use the platform underpinning the redesign Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse) in 2019 CT5: (Replacement for the CTS) in 2019 XT1 or XT2 (Subcompact crossover) in 2020 XT5 Redesign (Possibly going on Omega) in 2021 CT1 or CT2 (A3 and CLA fighter) in 2021 CT8: (Flagship using Omega) in 2021 All of these models are expected to use an evolutionary design theme from the Escala concept. It is still unknown whether or not the CT1/CT2 will use the Delta front-wheel drive platform or use Alpha. The brand is also planning investments totaling $800 million into their retail operations in the U.S. Source: Automobile Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers and Gears View full article

More good news for Volkswagen as the EPA has finally given the ok for the company to start selling repaired TDI vehicles. Bloomberg has learned from Volkswagen Group of America spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan that dealers can sell TDI models from the 2015 model year once they have been updated with new software. The fix will also include new hardware for the diesel engine, but dealers don't have to wait for the parts to come in early next year. "We are still finalizing the details of this program and will provide more information on its implementation at the appropriate time,” said Ginivan. It should be noted this is only a symbolic step as only 67,000 vehicles are eligible for this - 12,000 of which are currently sitting on dealer lots. The big question is whether or not anyone is interested in buying a Volkswagen TDI vehicle considering all of the trouble it has brought. Source: Bloomberg View full article