William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 4, 2013 While the high price and slow sales led to end of the Aston Martin Cygnet last month, Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said the decision to end the model is due to Toyota killing the iQ next year. The Cygnet was essentially a dressed up version of the iQ. “We stopped the Cygnet as Toyota itself will stop the iQ in 2014 and we don’t want to invest any more,” Bez told Autocar. “I think Aston did a good thing with the Cygnet and I’m disappointed it didn’t work out. It’s a great little car, particularly in London. It will be a cult car in the future and will be well looked after.” Bez also said that he had big plans for the Cygnet, but they never came to fruition. “I wanted to bring it to the US, but there was no support for it. I wanted a supercharged engine, but there was also no support." When asked for a comment, Toyota said there are no plans to end iQ and declined to comment further. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 4, 2013 Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced that a new five-year revival program for Alfa Romeo is in the works and will be introduced next year. "We continue to work in a pretty determined fashion in trying to reshape the Alfa Romeo platform and I think we will be in a position to outline more at the end of the first quarter of 2014," said Marchionne. For those keeping score, this is Marchionne's forth revival plan for the brand within nine years. The plan focuses on a new rear- and all-wheel drive architecture that is reportedly being developed. This platform will underpin four new models: Guilia sedan and wagon, flagship sedan, and a mid-size SUV. The architecture will likely be used for Chrysler and Dodge products as well. A source tells Automotive News that this new architecture will underpin the next-generation Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Challenger. With this new plan comes something we're used to with Alfa Romeo: Delays! The earliest we begin seeing the new vehicles is around late 2015 or early 2016. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 3, 2013 Years ago, automakers and enthusiasts were enthralled with the likes of high-performance pickup trucks. Models such as the Chevrolet 454SS, GMC Syclone, Ford Lightning, and Dodge Ram SRT-10. But as time went on, the trucks and the interest drifted away. However, the idea of high-performance pickups could be coming back. Just before the opening of the SEMA show, Chevrolet unveiled the Silverado Cheyenne concept. The Silverado Cheyenne concept takes a standard regular-cab Silverado and drops in a 6.2L EcoTec V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet also dropped 200 pounds out of the Cheyenne concept by replacing the standard bumpers, tailgate, and cargo box with carbon fiber parts. Other changes to the Silverado Cheyenne include lowered ride height, a rear stabilizer bar, and a Borla exhaust. A set of Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and nineteen-inch wheels come from the Camaro Z/28. "The Cheyenne concept explores the performance possibilities of the all-new Silverado, which is already built on a mass-efficient layout and delivers a greater balance of performance and efficiency than any other full-size truck in Chevrolet's history," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. Now, the Silverado Cheyenne is just a concept for now. But Perry did say "but we are continually exploring new ways to give Silverado customers more." Let's hope the Cheyenne is one of those ways. Source: Chevrolet William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Silverado Cheyenne Concept: Mini Mass, Max Performance 2013-11-03 LAS VEGAS – The Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne concept vehicle to be unveiled at the SEMA Show on Monday, Nov. 4, embraces the adage that less is more. The performance-oriented version of the all-new 2014 Silverado regular cab combines a reduced curb weight with the performance of the new 420-horsepower 6.2L V-8 for a strong power-to-weight ratio and exhilarating performance. A lowered ride height, a rear stabilizer bar and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes complement the Cheyenne concept's high-performance character with enhanced handling and braking capability. "The Cheyenne concept explores the performance possibilities of the all-new Silverado, which is already built on a mass-efficient layout and delivers a greater balance of performance and efficiency than any other full-size truck in Chevrolet's history," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. The unique lightweight features built into the concept vehicle include carbon fiber replacements for the bumpers, tailgate and inner cargo box, shaving approximately 200 pounds from the 4,503 pounds base curb weight of a 5.3L-equipped Silverado regular cab with a 6'6" box. Cheyenne designers matched the form of the lightweight components with their low-mass function. The carbon fiber front bumper includes racing-inspired ground effects styling complemented by carbon body-side ground effects while the carbon fiber tailgate incorporates a spoiler. The hood features a Camaro Z/28-inspired extractor vent. The Camaro Z/28 Brembo carbon ceramic brakes save more weight because the carbon ceramic-matrix rotors are significantly lighter than conventional steel rotors. On the Camaro Z/28, for example, they save more than 20 pounds – and it saves un-sprung weight, too, which enhances driving performance with more immediate and direct handling. The truck rolls on charcoal-painted 19-inch Camaro Z/28 aluminum wheels and high-performance tires. The Cheyenne diet removes the trailer hitch, spare tire, interior center console and some of the sound-deadening material. The truck also has a lightweight aluminum driveshaft and composite rear leaf springs. "Lightweighting is a time-honored method of making the most of a vehicle's performance which Chevrolet has demonstrated time and again with vehicles like the original 2001 Corvette Z06 and the 2014 Camaro Z/28," said Perry. "And like those vehicles, the Cheyenne complements its lower weight with more horsepower." The all-new EcoTec3 6.2L V-8 that powers the concept truck is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque – the most power in the light-duty truck segment. It's unavailable in regular-production Silverado regular cab models, giving the Cheyenne a 65-horsepower and 77 lb-ft boost over the production 5.3L V-8. A Borla performance exhaust system adds an authoritative note to the 6.2L's output. What remains is the Silverado's production six-speed automatic transmission, which features hill descent control, as well as fuel-saving electric power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with hill start assist. Inside, the Cheyenne's performance theme is conveyed with Recaro sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel, similar to the steering wheel offered in the Camaro ZL1. Available safety features, including lane departure warning, front and rear park assist and a rear-vision camera, enhance safety without detracting from the truck's performance. All Silverado models feature a fully boxed frame that serves as the foundation for their strength and capability. The main rails and major cross members are formed from high-strength steel, providing a rigid base for maximum hauling capability. "Elements such as high-strength steel in the frame and body structure are found on all production models, while some also feature aluminum suspension components, contributing to the Silverado's everyday performance. With the Cheyenne concept, we've taken the low-mass concept to a new level – with exciting results," Perry said. "It is only a concept right now, but we are continually exploring new ways to give Silverado customers more." View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 2, 2013 TheDetroitBureau.com had the chance to talk with the Vice President of Global Cadillac, Bob Ferguson. During their conversation, Ferguson said there is the possibility of offering a larger and more luxurious electric vehicle. “We’re bullish on this technology," said Ferguson. He went onto say "This will lead to a progression of (battery-based) cars for Cadillac." General Motors is hoping that Cadillac's first electric vehicle, the ELR, becomes a success, especially in the Northeast and West Coast. This would make the case for this new model a bit easier. The report says this new model would likely use the powertrain from the next-generation Volt. Ferguson also talked about the Elmiraj concept. He said the vehicle is garnering more and more support at GM, but the management isn't quite sold yet. Cadillac is trying to work up a business case that will be presented to them. Source: TheDetroitBureau.com William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 1, 2013 Acura announced today that the second member of the RLX family, the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will debut this month at the L.A. Auto Show. The Sport Hybrid will utilize a 3.5Ldirect-injected i-VTEC V6 engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a trio of electric motors to generate 377 horsepower, and get up to 30 MPG Highway. We'll have more info when the RLX Sport Hybrid is revealed on November 20th. Source: Acura Press Release is on Page 2 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD On Display at LA Auto Show RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the most powerful and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever made, with 377 total system horsepower; delivering V-8 power and 4-cylinder fuel efficiency The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, the flagship of the Acura luxury-performance sedan lineup, will be on display at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 20, 2013. Acura's first luxury sedan to use hybrid powertrain technology and electric-powered all-wheel-drive, the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD delivers V8-like performance with 4-cylinder fuel efficiency, along with the outstanding handling and all-weather performance capabilities of Acura's torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the most powerful and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever made, and combines a 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 engine with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and three high-output electric motors. As a result, the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD has total system power of 377 horsepower and an anticipated EPA fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon combined. The RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will join the 310-horsepower RLX with Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) in the Acura model line in 2014. The RLX P-AWS model made its world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in 2012 and went on sale earlier this year. View full article

Volvo Announces October Sales ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Nov. 1, 2013) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) reported U.S. sales of 3,919 units, a 6.7 percent decrease versus October 2012. Year-to-date sales are down 6.7 percent over the first ten months of 2012. The S60 sports sedan was the top seller for the month with 1,276 units sold, a 10.7 percent increase versus October 2012. The XC60 crossover finished the month right behind with 1,244 units sold. Also showing increases this month were S80 (up 7.4 percent), XC70 (up 5.7 percent) and C70 (up 38.0 percent) month-over-month.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER REPORTS U.S. SALES FOR OCTOBER 2013 Jaguar Land Rover North America increases 52 percent in October Jaguar continues industry-leading growth streak with 117 percent growth in October on new XF and XJ All Wheel Drive models and F-TYPE sales Land Rover brand has its best October sales performance in its 26 year U.S. history, increasing 37 percent on strong Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque demand (MAHWAH, NJ) – November 1, 2013 – Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported October 2013 U.S. sales: Jaguar sales were 1,515 units, 117 percent up from 699 units in October 2012; Land Rover sales were 4,286 units, up 37 percent from 3,129 units in October 2012. Jaguar Land Rover North America October U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,801 units, a 52 percent increase from 3,828 units in October 2012. Year to date through October, Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 19 percent, with Jaguar up 36 percent and Land Rover up 14 percent. "The Jaguar Land Rover business in the United States is flourishing in the wake of multiple new product introductions for both brands and rising consumer demand,” said Andy Goss, Group Sales Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover. The Jaguar brand, led by our updated lineup of sedans and sports cars, continues its dramatic growth streak with a more than doubling of its monthly business. On the Land Rover, side we had our best October ever as the Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque continued their consistent growth pace this year, and we are just starting to ramp up availability of the new Range Rover Sport.” U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS Land Rover Range Rover sales were 1,184 units, up 194 percent from 403 in its run out month in October, 2012. Year to date, the Range Rover model is up 49 percent from 2012. In the 2013 J.D. Power 2013 U.S. APEAL Study, the Range Rover was the industry’s highest scoring model. Range Rover Evoque increased 49 percent to 959 units from 645 units in October, 2012. Year to date, the Range Rover Evoque is up 33 percent. The Land Rover LR2 and LR4 models are up 44 percent and 19 percent respectively for the month of October. Year to date, Land Rover is up 14 percent from 2012. Jaguar For the month of October, the Jaguar XF was the Jaguar volume and growth leader with 611 units sold, up 120 percent from 278 sales in October 2012. Year to date, the XF is up 39 percent. The current MY XF lineup includes the new 2.0T model as well as all wheel drive and V-6 options. The Jaguar XJ sales were 454 units, up 75 percent from 260 in October, 2012. All Wheel Drive models now make up approximately half of all XJ sales. The F-TYPE convertible sports car added 353 units this month. Year to date, Jaguar sales are 13,962, up 36 percent from 10,249 sales, with both XJ and XF sales increasing on the appeal of new powertrains and All Wheel Drive.

BMW Group U.S. Reports October 2013 Sales BMW sales up 4.2 percent MINI sales down 3.2 percent WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported October sales of 33,274 vehicles, an increase of 2.9 percent from the 32,339 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 10.6 percent on sales of 295,474 in the first ten months of 2013 compared to 267,267 in the same period in 2012. "The momentum of October is a good indicator of what's ahead in the final 60 days of the year, especially with sales of the new X5 and the 4 Series beginning to have an impact," said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. "All of the leading indicators – sales, order rates, showroom traffic, finance applications – are up, very good signs." BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW vehicles increased 4.2 percent in October for a total of 27,574 compared to 26,451 vehicles sold in October, 2012. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 12.8 percent on sales of 240,139 compared to 212,848 sold in the first ten months of 2012. In October, best performing vehicles included the BMW X1 with an impressive increase of 60.4 percent compared to October 2012. The BMW 3 and newly launched 4 Series, both leaders in their segments, also ended the month with an increase of 20.4 percent compared to October 2012. The BMW 5 and 6 Series increased sales 18.7 percent and 19.6 percent, respectively, over sales in October 2012. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles In October, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 23.4 percent to 15,502 vehicles compared to the 12,563 vehicles sold in October, 2012. January through October, BMW used vehicle sales are up 9.2 percent on volume of 147,638 compared to 135,139 in the same period of 2012. MINI Brand Sales In October, MINI USA reported sales of 5,700 automobiles, a decrease of 3.2 percent from the 5,888 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 1.7 percent on volume of 55,335 compared to 54,419 in the first ten months of 2012. MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles In October, MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned and pre-owned) continued its year of record breaking, smashing last year's October sales with an increase of 30.4 percent to 1,962 vehicles from 1,505 sold in October, 2012. January through October, MINI used vehicle sales are up 19.1 percent on volume of 18,143 compared to 15,233 in the same period of 2012.

Toyota Growth Is Steady With Nearly 9 Percent Sales Increase In October 2013 All-new Tundra up almost 23 percent; All-new Avalon posts triple-digit gains for eighth month in a row TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported October 2013 sales results of 168,976 units, an increase of 4.8 percent over October 2012 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw-volume basis, unadjusted for 27 selling days in October 2013 versus 26 selling days in October 2012, TMS sales increased 8.8 percent from the year-ago month. Toyota Division posted October 2013 sales of 146,257 units, up 4 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota division sales increased 8 percent over October 2012. "Consumers showed resiliency in October with steady auto sales despite headwinds caused by the government shutdown," said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. "The growth in the auto industry continues to play a leading role in the economic recovery, and Toyota is on track for a strong close to the year." Lexus reported October sales of 22,719 units, a 10.2 percent increase on a DSR basis and a 14.5 percent increase on a raw volume basis, both year-over-year. "Industry growth is being driven by new products, and we have two of the hottest new models on the market today - the new IS and GX SUV," said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "And as we move into November and December, traditionally two excellent months for Lexus, we're poised to close out the year with strong sales." Other Highlights: All-new Corolla posts sales of 23,637 units All-new Avalon posts triple-digit gains for eighth month in a row Camry posts sales of almost 30,000 units TMS hybrids retain more than half of the market with sales of nearly 23,800 units Prius family records sales of 15,623 units All-new RAV4 increases 60.8 percent with a best-ever October Sienna up 10.1 percent with sales of more than 8,500 units Toyota division pickups post sales of more than 22,000 units All-new Tundra up almost 23 percent All-new Lexus IS up more than 68 percent Lexus LS up more than 26 percent Lexus ES is volume car leader with sales of nearly 6,000 units Lexus RX up more than 15 percent with sales of almost 8,000 units *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume

Honda October Sales Rise on Record CR-V and Strong Civic Sales; Acura Posts over 17-Percent Increase on Record Sales of Truck of the Year Candidate MDX CR-V boasts record October sales Civic sales up 32.1 percent over October 2012 Acura light trucks post record October sales on strength of all-new MDX and RDX TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported October 2013 U.S. total sales of 114,538 units, an increase of 7.1 percent compared with October 2012 (up 3.1 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate, or DSR*). Year-to-date sales reached 1,273,550, an increase of 8.5 percent. Honda Division October sales reached 100,242, an increase of 5.7 percent compared to last October. Acura Division posted sales of 14,296, an increase of 17.5 percent compared to October 2012. Honda CR-V surpasses the previous October record set in 2006, with sales of 22,554 up 11.6 percent from October 2012 Civic sales for October were the best since 2001 and up substantially over the previous year with an impressive 32.1 percent rise, posting sales of 27,328 Accord posted October sales of 25,162, with America's best-selling retail model handily passing the 300,000-unit mark for year-to-date, up 11.2 percent versus 2012 "Despite consumer uneasiness early in the month, real demand remains strong across the Honda brand and we remain on track to achieve number one retail sales this year for our core models: Civic, Accord, CR-V and Odyssey," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "With the all-new Accord Hybrid arriving at dealerships this week and a significantly updated Civic coming later in the year, we anticipate sales will continue to be hot even as the weather cools down heading into winter." Acura Acura posted October sales of 14,296, an increase of 17.5 percent compared to last October with Acura light trucks recording their best October since 2007 MDX sales set an October monthly record with 5,608 units, up 48.7 percent compared to last October RDX also set an October record with sales of 3,333, up 25.3 percent compared to last year RLX posted its best sales month since its release in March "The poise and power of Acura's line of light trucks continues to win over an ever-increasing number of discerning SUV customers," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura sales. "With MDX recording its best October since 2004 and RDX continuing to set sales records month over month, Acura has the strongest one two punch in the industry." *The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 27 days for October 2013 and 26 days for October 2012. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 256 days for 2013 and 255 days for 2012. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported October sales of 39,754 units as the brand's introduction of seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles this calendar year continued with the arrival of the all-new, second-generation Soul urban passenger vehicle and the 2014 model year Optima midsize sedan. Looking ahead, all-new 2014 Forte5 and Forte Koup models will begin arriving in showrooms later this month, and the Los Angeles Auto Show will provide the backdrop for the unveiling of the all-new 2015 K900 – a rear wheel drive flagship sedan that will take value to new levels of sophistication.

Mercedes-Benz Launches Into Fourth Quarter With Highest October On Record At 30,069 Best month yet for 2013 MONTVALE, N.J., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In the 10th consecutive month of its 2013 sales streak, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported total October sales of 32,620 units for the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, a 22.4% increase from the 26,642 vehicles sold in the same period last year. Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone broke October records at 30,069, up 25.4%, while year-to-date sales rose 13.7% to a landmark 245,125 units. Adding year-to-date volumes of 16,978 for Sprinter Vans and 7,450 vehicles at smart, MBUSA's year-to-date totals reached 269,553 units, making this the best October in the company's history. "It's been an extraordinary year for the brand, embodied in two cars— the CLA and the S-Class —as stunning as they are technologically fit," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "More importantly, October sales show they're resonating with customers. The recently-launched CLA is already one of the top volume models and our flagship S-Class, just rolling into dealerships, is up 75%. With sustained momentum and compelling product across the model range, we're looking toward a record finish in the final stretch of 2013." Mercedes-Benz October sales were led by the C-, E- and CLA-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class came in first at 6,548 units, followed close behind by the E-Class with sales of 6,456—an increase of 22.6% from October 2012. Sales of MBUSA's newest star, the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe, rounded out the top three at 4,895. The Sprinter model line posted month-to-date gains of 22.3% at 2,038 units, driven by the popularity of its redesigned 2014 lineup on sale since September. Month-to-date sales at smart totaled 513 units. Sales of Mercedes-Benz's BlueTEC diesel models were 1,536 for the month, up 60% versus October 2012 (960) and up 10.1% for the year at 13,368. The company's high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 729, an increase of 49.4% from last October. Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded sales of 7,612 vehicles in October, an increase of 13.1% when compared to October 2012 (sales of 6,732 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 80,502 vehicles, an increase of 21.4% over the 66,318 vehicles sold during the comparable period last year.

November 1, 2013 SUBARU BREAKS PREVIOUS BEST YEAR AND SETS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEARLY SALES RECORD October sales increased 32 percent over last October Year-to-date sales are 347,890, up 28 percent over 2012 Cherry Hill, N.J. - Today Subaru of America, Inc. reported that the company has surpassed its previous annual sales record with two months of reporting remaining for the year. Subaru sold 34,483 vehicles in October and 347,890 total vehicles in 2013. The previous record for annual sales was set in 2012 with 336,441 vehicles sold. This new record means that 2013 will be the fifth consecutive year of sales records for Subaru of America and the sixth consecutive year of sales increases. Subaru is the only manufacturer to increase sales each year for the last six years. October sales for Forester increased 137 percent, reaching 12,581 vehicles sold. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2014 Forester a 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Forester was also named Motor Trend 2014 Sport/Utility Vehicle of the Year – a second win for Forester and a third win for the Subaru brand. “We have incredibly hardworking retailers who have made these results possible; and we have the right product for consumers,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “2013 will be another very successful year for Subaru and we look forward to sales of the XV Crosstrek Hybrid – Subaru’s first-ever hybrid vehicle – in December.” “We have seen record numbers of consumers shopping the Subaru brand and we have seen wonderful acceptance across our line-up. Consumers are not just shopping a single model – there has been demand for Outback, Forester, XV Crosstrek, Impreza as well as our performance models WRX and STI,” said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Almost 60 percent of our sales this year have been to customers new to the brand and we have worked closely with our parent company to smartly manage our inventory to meet the demand,” added Cyphers.

Mitsubishi Motors Sales Climb Nearly 20 Percent In October CYPRESS, Calif., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported October sales of 4,972, up 19.4 percent compared to October 2012. Sales of the U.S.-built Outlander Sport led the way with 2,009 units sold, an increase of 19.9 percent for the month compared to prior year sales. Sales of the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander showed a year-over-year gain of more than 65 percent in October. "This marked MMNA's best October of sales since 2010," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "Sales of our Outlander and Outlander Sport – 'American's Safest CUV Line-up' – remained very strong, and we are continuing the roll-out of the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door sub-compact – the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered, non-hybrid vehicle in America." MMNA reported 475 Mirage sales in October. Yokozawa added, "We are looking forward to November with great anticipation. Mirage will be reaching dealerships in many additional markets and we will be dramatically increasing the television advertising for Outlander and Outlander Sport from last year." Highlights of October sales: Outlander Sport sales were up 19.9 percent compared to October 2012 and are up 38.7 percent year-to-date. Outlander sales were up 65.5 percent for the month and 47.1 percent year-to-date. Lancer sales are up 22.0 percent year-to-date. Lancer Evolution sales are up 1.3 percent year-to-date. Lancer Sportback sales are up 6.6 percent year-to-date. Sales of the all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV are up 114 percent year-to-date.

MAZDA REPORTS BEST OCTOBER SALES IN SIX YEARS IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported October U.S. sales of 19,738 vehicles, representing an increase of 6.0 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through October are up 5.3 percent versus last year, with 240,229 vehicles sold. Key October sales notes: Sales of 19,738 vehicles represents Mazda's best October since 2007. Celebrating its best October since 2008, Mazda6 posted a significant gain of 104.6 percent year-over-year with 3,100 vehicles sold. Mazda CX-5 continues to gain popularity among consumers as 5,833 vehicles were sold in October, accounting for a 54.4 percent increase YOY. SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY is the no-compromise answer to fuel efficiency and outstanding driving dynamics. Mazda vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY accounted for 77.6 percent of October sales. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported October sales of 2,602 vehicles, down 6.0 percent versus October of last year. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Hyundai Motor America Reports All-Time Record October Sales Core vehicles lead the charge with Sonata up 18 percent, Santa Fe up 36 percent Auto show season brings more product news and a big announcement in L.A. COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales for the month of October of 53,555 units, up seven percent versus the same period in 2012, representing the best October in company history. "October was a bit of a roller coaster ride for the entire automotive sector so we feel pretty good about exceeding prior year sales results and posting our best-ever October performance," said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of national sales. "We expect continued economic and political stabilization throughout the final two months of 2013, which should ease uncertainty, boost consumer confidence and restore a robust growth curve for new vehicle sales." The core vehicles in the Hyundai line-up all saw sales gains during the month of October. Accent, Sonata, Elantra and Santa Fe sales were up 7, 18, 3 and 36 percent, respectively, with Sonata and Santa Fe aided by the arrival of freshened 2014 models with high-demand features like blind spot detection. The new 2014 Equus continues its roll, with sales up 14 percent. Azera,Tucson, Genesis and Veloster 2014 models are just now arriving at Hyundai dealerships. "Consumers sidelined during the government shutdown took to showroom floors later in the month, with Hyundai sales pacing well over prior year levels in the last two weeks," said John Krafcik, president and CEO. "While we continue to rebuild dealer inventories on core models like Sonata and Santa Fe, we're also looking forward to the Los Angeles Auto International Auto Show in a few weeks, where we'll be introducing a refreshed 2014 Elantra line-up and our take on the next generation of electric vehicles." Fleet sales represented 18 percent of total sales in October. Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales for the month were 6,405 a gain of 106 percent.