William Maley

MAZDA REPORTS FEBRUARY SALES - Four Vehicles Post Historical Sales Numbers - IRVINE, Calif., March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported February U.S. sales of 24,936 vehicles, representing a decrease of 2.8 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through February are down 6.8 percent versus last year, with 46,255 vehicles sold. Key February sales notes: Mazda achieved its second-best February since 1994 with 24,936 vehicles sold. The all-new 2014 Mazda6, Mazda's second vehicle to launch with the full suite of SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, continues its strong sales start with 1,300 vehicles sold in February. Demand for this all-new vehicle still outweighs availability as vehicles make their way to dealerships. Mazda5 celebrated its best-ever February with 2,260 vehicles sold, accounting for a 48.8 percent increase versus last year. Mazda3 recorded its second-best February ever, with 10,554 vehicles sold. CX-5 achieved its second-best month of sales since it was launched a year ago, with 5,451 vehicles. CX-9 experienced a 27.8 percent YOY increase, representing 2,594 vehicles sold and its second-best February ever. In the U.S., Mazda's total SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY vehicle sales for February (comprised of the 2014 Mazda6, CX-5 and certain models of the 2013 Mazda3) accounted for 57.0 percent of the company's total sales for the month.

Volvo Announces February Sales ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (March 1, 2013) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) reported U.S. sales of 4,867 units, a 7.5 percent decrease from February 2012. Year-to-date sales are up 0.2 percent over the first two months of 2012. The S60 sports sedan, one of two midsize luxury vehicles to earn IIHS' inaugural Top Safety Pick+ award, was the top seller for the month with 2,036 units sold, followed by the XC60 crossover with 1,496 units sold.

Mitsubishi Motors Reports 27.8 Percent Sales Increase in February Fri, Mar 01, 2013 - CYPRESS, Calif. - Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported a year-over-year sales increase of 27.8 percent in February. The 6,051 units sold marked Mitsubishi's largest monthly sales total since March 2012. Outlander Sport sales were 1,644 for the month, an increase of almost 20 percent compared to February 2012. Sales of the fuel-efficient CUV, now manufactured in Normal, Illinois, showed an increase versus the prior year for the sixth consecutive month. MMNA will launch a national marketing campaign this month that focuses on MMNA's 30 year sales history in the U.S. and 25 years of Mitsubishi manufacturing in Normal, Illinois. A special limited-edition Outlander Sport will concurrently start arriving in dealerships. Other Mitsubishi February sales highlights: Lancer sales were up 89 percent, and are up 97 percent year-to-date. Sales of the all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV continued to grow with 337 units. Sales of the Outlander were up 92 percent and are up 51 percent for the year.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER REPORTS U.S. SALES FOR FEBRUARY 2013 Jaguar Land Rover North America sales increase 18 percent for February 2013 Land Rover U.S. sales increase 20 percent for February 2013 Best overall Land Rover February retail sales month ever Jaguar U.S. sales increase 12 percent for February 2013 Jaguar and Land Rover kick off the month-long Drive The Extraordinary Sales Event (MAHWAH, NJ) – March 1, 2013 Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported February 2013 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales were 3,905 units, 20 percent up from 3,255 units in February 2012; Jaguar sales were 1,148 units, 12 percent up from 1,022 units in February 2012. Jaguar Land Rover North America February U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,053 units, an 18 percent increase from 4,277 in February 2012. "With a combined 5,053 sales, this is the best February since 2006 for Jaguar Land Rover in North America,” said Andy Goss, President, JLRNA. “We are especially pleased that Land Rover achieved its best February US sales performance ever, driven by sales of the world’s first all-aluminum SUV, the 2013 Range Rover. The Jaguar XF had its best month since 2010 and sales continue to be led by the retail availability of Jaguar sedans with new powertrains and all-wheel drive.” Today, Jaguar and Land Rover kick off the month- long Drive The Extraordinary Sales Event. Customers can visit their local retailers to see the transformed, innovative and seductive Jaguar line-up featuring Instinctive All Wheel Drive™ as well as Land Rover’s 2013 model year lineup featuring the most luxurious and capable vehicles, including the all-new, all-aluminum Range Rover. U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS Land Rover For the month of February, the Range Rover hit 825 sales, up 38 percent from 598 in February 2012. Range Rover Sport was the volume leader with 1,261 units sold, up 16% from 1,091 in February 2012. Sales for Range Rover Evoque are up 37% with 981 units sold. The all-new Range Rover, featuring weight-saving aluminum architecture, is available in showrooms now, and with a starting price of $83,545 ranging up to $130,995 for the Autobiography. For MY13, the Land Rover LR2 receives significant interior and exterior design updates, as well as a fuel efficient 240-hp Turbocharged four cylinder engine. Land Rover's 2013 model year line-up features five models: The 240-hp 2.0 liter powered LR2 and Range Rover Evoque; the LR4 powered by the 375-hp 5.0 liter V8; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the Naturally-aspirated 375-hp V8 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. Jaguar For the month of February, the Jaguar XF was the volume leader with 588 sales, up 22 percent from 481 sales in February 2012. Sales for the Jaguar XJ hit 404 units, up 22 percent from 331 in 2012. In showrooms now are new Jaguar rear wheel drive sedans with the 3.0 liter supercharged V6 and the 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine. Jaguar XF 3.0 liter All Wheel Drive sedan arrived in dealerships in February. For MY13 is the transformed Jaguar U.S. lineup: Instinctive All Wheel Drive™ – Available on both the XF and XJ Supercharged 340hp V6 engines in the XF and XJ Turbocharged 240hp four cylinder engine available in the XF Eight Speed ZF® Automatic Transmissions on all XF and XJ models Auto Engine Stop/Start on select XF and XJ models Jaguar's 2013 Model Year line-up features three models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by either the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 in rear wheel or all wheel drive configuration, naturally-aspirated 385-hp 5.0 liter V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 or the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8; the Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by the 240-hp 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder, supercharged 340-hp 3.0 liter V6 in rear wheel or all wheel drive configuration, the naturally-aspirated 385-hp 5.0 liter V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 or, in the XFR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains; and the XK coupe and convertible sports cars powered by either the naturally-aspirated 385-hp V8, or for the XKR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. Jaguar also offers its highest performance models ever, the 2013 Jaguar XKR-S coupe and convertible with a 550-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrain. The Jaguar F-TYPE convertible will join the lineup in summer of 2013.

Mercedes-Benz USA February Sales Hit Record Highs At 24,051 Best-Ever Months for Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter models, up 21.9% and 48.0%, respectively MONTVALE, N.J., March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported today sales of 24,051, a 22.2% increase over the 19,679 vehicles sold in February 2012 making it the highest volume on record for the month. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone achieved its highest February numbers with sales of 22,040, up 21.9%. On a year-to-date basis, the 48,110 vehicles sold represent a 16.2% increase. "We're building on January's momentum to bring us to a record first quarter," said Steve Cannon , president and CEO of MBUSA. "The auto industry's on the up and we're ideally positioned to take advantage of the strengthening market. With the strong product cadence we have mapped out for the year, we'll continue bringing new buyers to Mercedes-Benz while offering an expanded palette for our existing owners." Mercedes-Benz February sales were fueled by the C-, E-, and GL-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – was the volume leader posting sales of 7,302, up 39.4%. The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 4,211 and the much acclaimed GL-Class rounded out the top three with sales of 2,800, up 77.8% compared to February 2012. At the high-end, February sales increased as well with the S-Class up 16.4% and the SL-Class up 353.1% when compared to the same period last year. The Sprinter model line also continued its momentum marking a record month with 1,228 vans sold, a 48.0% increase fromFebruary 2012, while smart recorded sales of 783 vehicles, up 1.8% for the month. Sales of the high-performance AMG models were 497 for the month and sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models finished the month at 1,251. Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 7,541 vehicles in February; an increase of 26.0% when compared to February 2012 (sales of 5,985 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 15,700 vehicles, an increase of 21.4% over the comparable period (with sales of 12,930 vehicles).

BMW Group U.S. Reports February 2013 Sales BMW brand sales up 0.5 percent MINI brand sales down 13.6 percent BMW Motorcycle sales down 2.7 percent Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 1, 2013 The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported February sales of 25,613 vehicles, a decrease of 2.2 percent from the 26,184 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. “The February results showed there’s a strong underlying demand ready to fuel momentum in the coming months,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “We’ll all be glad to leave the harsh February weather behind and welcome Spring and the new models that come with it.” BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 0.5 percent in February for a total of 21,311 compared to 21,204 vehicles sold in February, 2012. In February, best performing included the 5 Series, up 5.1 percent to 4,248 units; the 6 Series, up 45.6 percent to 770 units; and the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, up 21.9 percent to 3,931 units. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles In February, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 1.3 percent to 13,544 vehicles compared to the 13,375 vehicles sold in February, 2012. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported sales of 4,302 automobiles in February, a decrease of 13.6 percent from the 4,980 sold in the same month a year ago. MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles In February, sales of MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 15.5 percent to 1,583 automobiles from the 1,371 sold in February, 2012.

Toyota Motor Sales Continues to See Steady Growth in February All-New Avalon and RAV4 Post Record Sales; Trucks Outperform Cars TORRANCE, Calif. (March 1, 2013)– Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported February 2013 sales results of 166,377 units, an increase of 8.7 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Unadjusted for 24 selling days in February 2013 versus 25 in February 2012, TMS sales were up 4.3 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division posted February total sales of 149,038 units, up 8.7 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota Division sales increased 4.4 percent over February 2012. “Despite rising gas prices, severe winter storms and concerns about the federal budget, February was a good indication of the overall strength of the market,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With the most fuel efficient full line of vehicles, Toyota is well positioned, and we’re encouraged by very positive consumer reaction to our new Avalon and RAV4.” Lexus Division reported February total sales of 17,339, up 8.3 percent on a DSR basis and up 3.9 percent by raw volume, compared to the same period last year. Other Highlights: Avalon posted its best month since November 2007, up 63.1 percent with sales of 5,703 units RAV4, bolstered by sales of the all-new 2014 model, recorded its best-ever February with sales of 13,329 units, up 5.1 percent Corolla sales of 24,999 units were up 12.9 percent Camry posted sales of 31,270 units, while the Prius Family recorded sales of 17,812 Total TMS truck sales of 70,051 units, up 16.1 percent Total TMS Hybrid sales were 26,966 units, up 2.3 percent on a DSR basis Both Tundra and Highlander posted their best February sales since 2008, up 15.5 and 14.1 percent, respectively Tacoma recorded sales of 12,644 units, up 18.5 percent, its best February since 2008 Lexus RX sales of 6,938, up 19.8 percent Lexus ES sales of 4,817, up 60.7 percent *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume (compared to the year-ago month).

Nissan Reports February 2013 U.S. Sales FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported February U.S. sales of 99,636 units, down 6.6 percent from last year's record-setting February total of 106,731. Nissan Division sales in February totaled 90,489, down 7.2 percent from the prior year, which also set a February record. Infiniti deliveries totaled 9,147, down 1 percent from last February. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS Sales of the all-new Pathfinder SUV continue to surge, up 145.6 percent to 7,014 units and setting a new February record for the nameplate. Deliveries of Versa, America's top-selling sub-compact, totaled 13,100, up 28.6 percent over last year, also setting a new February record. Sales of the all-electric Nissan LEAF increased 36.6 percent to 653 units in spite of tight supplies and the current rollout of the 2013 LEAF now being built in Smyrna, Tenn. Nissan NV full-size commercial van sales set a new record for any month since launch with 1,252 deliveries, an increase of 55.1 percent over the prior year. Al Castignetti, vice president, Nissan Division, said: "We expect 2013 to be strong year for Nissan, in spite of the increasingly competitive market. All-new versions of our iconic Altima, Sentra and Pathfinder are hitting their stride, and the LEAF, Versa Note and NV200 models will bring even more new buyers into Nissan showrooms in the coming months." INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS Infiniti retailers reported continued strong sales of the company's all-new JX 7-passenger luxury crossover at 2,300 units, while the QX full-size luxury SUV had sales of 1,059, allowing the brand's crossovers and SUVs to be up almost 59 percent for the month. NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. February had 24 selling days in 2013 and 25 selling days in 2012.

Redesigned 2013 Honda Accord Leads the Pack in February Sales; Acura's Newest Products Continue to Advance Brand Growth Steady February sales help Honda maintain a 4.4-percent year-to-date sales climb 03/01/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif. American Honda today reported February 2013 U.S. sales of 107,987 units, overcoming winter's worst to post a decrease of only 2.0 percent compared with February 2012 (an increase of 2.1 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate (DSR*)), and enabling year-to-date sales to remain up over 2012. Reflecting Honda's unique focus on retail sales, and real demand for top-rated products such as Accord, the Honda brand posted February 2013 sales of 96,623 units, a decrease of 2.3 percent compared with February 2012 (an increase of 1.8 percent based on the DSR). Acura U.S. February sales of 11,364 units increased 0.9 percent compared with February 2012 (an increase of 5.1 percent based on the DSR). Honda - Strong sales of the all-new Accord continue, up 35.2 percent from last February with sales of 27,999 units - The redesigned 2013 Crosstour sees second month of double-digit sales growth, up 15.3 percent from last February - Pilot sales are up 8.3 percent compared with last February, with sales of 9,614 units "It took a big winter storm in the Northeast to slow us down a bit, but our robust sales over the last three weeks show that our strong retail momentum continues," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Sales at American Honda. "With Accord posting strong numbers and spring just around the corner, the best is yet to come." Acura - RDX sets its tenth-consecutive monthly sales record, up 177.6 percent from last February with sales of 2,795 units - MDX remains the top selling Acura model in February, with sales of 2,946 units - TL was the top selling Acura sedan in February with sales of 2,216 units, ILX sales continue to trend up with sales of 1,997 "Acura's latest products continue to shine with ILX gaining traction and RDX sales up 177 percent," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura Sales. "With the all-new 2014 RLX flagship sedan launching in a few weeks and the MDX Prototype creating favorable buzz, spring 2013 is shaping up as a banner season for Acura." *The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 24 days for February 2013 and 25 days for February 2012. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 49 days for 2012 and 49 days for 2011. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

Kia Motors America Announces February Sales Aggressive Slate of New Product Introductions to Continue with Three World Debuts in New York IRVINE, Calif., March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported February sales of 41,505 units. The U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan led sales for the 15th consecutive month with 13,195 units sold, while the Sorento CUV also built in West Point, Georgia, posted strong sales of 7,945 units as the significantly redesigned 2014 model began arriving in showrooms. After setting all-time annual sales and market share records in 2012, Kia has seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to launch in the U.S. market this calendar year. Later this month, Kia will take the wraps off three world introductions at the New York International Auto Show.

Hyundai Motor America Reports Best-Ever February Sales COSTA MESA, Calif., March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America announced an all-time February sales record of 52,311 units; up two percent over last year's all-time record February and up a similar amount for the year. "February was another record month for Hyundai – we had a terrific President's Day weekend event to kick off the spring selling season, much improved inventory levels, and great access to credit available to a broader band of buyers," said Dave Zuchowski , executive vice president of sales. "Our performance was led by the all-new Santa Fe Sport and the award winning Elantra, both of which saw double-digit sales gains over 2012." The all-new Santa Fe saw a huge 64 percent increase over the same period last year and is up 42 percent year-to-date. The Elantra, which was recognized as a "top car pick" as best budget car by a highly regarded consumer magazine earlier this week, posted year-over-year gains for February of 17 percent and is up 15 percent for the year. Sales to rental accounts and government agencies accounted for 15 percent of the February volume. Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles also recorded a best-ever volume month with 5,627 sales, up nine percent versus 2012. Full year CPO volume of 11,020 units is up 12 percent versus 2012. "Our biggest-ever Super Bowl and Academy Awards presence drove great interest in the Hyundai brand, especially the all-new Santa Fe. The all-new seven-passenger version of the Santa Fe will begin hitting showrooms shortly after our media introduction this month, adding to the strength of our crossover line-up," said John Krafcik , president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. Santa Fe was recently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the "Best 3-Row Midsize SUV for the Money."

Porsche Reports February Sales Increase of 31 Percent Cayenne Sales up 79 percent from February 2012 ATLANTA, March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars, Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera four-door sports sedan line-up in the United States, today announced February sales of 2,805 vehicles. This compares to 2,149 vehicles sold in February 2012, an increase of 31 percent. For the year so far, PCNA has delivered 6,163 vehicles versus 4,699 during the same period last year, also an increase of 31 percent. Cayenne sales were particularly strong, posting an increase of 79 percent to 1,173 units, up from 657 in February 2012. Demand for the new Boxster also continues to be significant, which contributed to sales of 391 units, a tenfold increase from the same period last year. "Demand for our products remained robust in February, continuing the momentum from our 2012 sales record," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. "Rising interest in the Cayenne Diesel as well as the first sales of the new flagship Cayenne Turbo S boosted Cayenne. Even with the strong demand for Cayenne, nearly 45 percent of our sales in February were two-door sports cars, which were bolstered by the new Boxster and deliveries of the new 911 Carrera 4 models." Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 768 for February 2013, an increase of 11 percent over February 2012 (693).

Subaru of America, Inc. Reports Record Breaking February Sales - Sales of 28,163 represent best-ever month of February for Subaru CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 28,163 vehicle sales for February 2013, which represents an 11 percent increase over February 2012 and the best ever February in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 55,826 – a 16 percent increase over the same period in 2012. These results build on strong sales from 2012 where Subaru achieved four consecutive years of sales increases and exceeded 300,000 annual sales in 2012 – a first in company history. "Subaru vehicles continue to win awards and recognition from the industry press and our customers are purchasing our products in record numbers," said Thomas J. Doll , executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "With the addition of the all-new 2014 Forester being introduced this month, we are confident that we will establish another all-time monthly sales record again in March." "Subaru retailers are successfully demonstrating to customers our core value of 'Love' throughout the purchase and ownership experience, which is making these strong results possible," said Bill Cyphers , senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc.

Mar 1, 2013 , HERNDON, Va. Audi off to strongest U.S. sales start of any year in its history with 26th consecutive record-breaking month in February Audi SUV models in high demand with Audi Q5 sales up 57% and Audi Q7 sales up 147%; Audi A6 and Audi A8 sales also strong Audi today reported February sales of 10,877 vehicles, making it the strongest start to a year in the brand’s history. Sales for the month rose 27.5% from a year earlier, with January-February year-to-date sales up 17.2% to a record 20,993 vehicles delivered to customers. February stands as the 26th consecutive month of record sales for Audi. Audi luxury SUVs met a significant boost in demand in February, as the Audi Q7 more than doubled its sales with a 147% sales gain, and the Audi Q5 registered 57% higher sales. The Q5 crossover vehicle now ranks as the best-selling model in the brand lineup. February sales represented robust results for the most premium Audi vehicles (the Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8 and Audi Q7), which constituted 30% of the Audi sales mix for the month. Demand for the Audi A8 flagship sedan continued to rise with a 22% increase, while sales of the technologically advanced Audi A6 increased 41%. “The consistent growth of Audi sales reflects an underlying strength in business fundamentals,” said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “Our dealers are more motivated than ever, our product attributes have captured the attention of premium car buyers and our brand image has never been stronger.” Highlights: Sales mix for Audi S models finished the month at 17.4% for the S4, 34.1% for the S5/ RS 5, 16.3% for the S7, 13.9% for the S8 and 57.1% for the TT S/ TT RS. Audi A4 sales up 14% compared to February 2012; YTD sales grew 8% compared to previous period. Sales of Audi A6 increased 41% compared to February 2012; YTD sales grew 25% compared to previous period. Sales of the Audi A8 increased 22% compared to February 2012; YTD sales grew 39% compared to previous period. Sales of the Audi Q5 increased 57% compared to February 2012; YTD sales grew 36% compared to previous period. Sales of the Audi Q7 increased 147% compared to February; 2012 YTD sales grew 46% compared to previous period. Sales mix for Audi TDI clean diesel models finish the month at 27.2% for the A3 TDI and 34.1% for Q7 TDI. For the record-setting month of February 2013, four Audi models recorded year-over-year sales increases of 20% or more, including the Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7. Audi Certified pre-owned sales of 2,786 vehicles marks a new record for February CPO sales.

03.01.2013 VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS 30TH CONSECUTIVE MONTH OF SALES GROWTH - February sales total 31,456, up 2.9 percent, and best February since 1973 - Best YTD January-February since 1974 with 60,474 units delivered, up 4.7 percent vs. 2012 Jetta sedan achieved 10,398 units in February Best Tiguan February ever with 2,533 units delivered Chattanooga-built Passat delivered 7,532 units for the month, over 29 percent diesel High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for 22.4 percent of sales in February Herndon, VA - Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 31,456 units delivered in February, a 2.9 percent increase over prior year sales and the best February since 1973. "February's sales results and 30 consecutive months of growth reflects increasing consumer interest in our products," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “With a full range of fuel-efficient vehicles, seven of which deliver more than 40 mpg on the highway and the best start to a year in 29 years, we anticipate continued strong demand for our vehicles into the spring selling season.” Jetta sedan, the volume leader for Volkswagen, delivered 10,398 units. Jetta SportWagen closed the month with 1,570 units, up 37.2 percent versus the prior year. The Jetta TDI SportWagen was recently named the 2103 Best Overall Value of the Year in the Compact Crossover/Wagon Class by IntelliChoice. The Chattanooga-built Passat continued to deliver strong results with 7,532 units sold and 29.6 percent of those were diesel. The Beetle and Beetle Convertible delivered a combined 2,991 and 705 units, respectively, for the month. Volkswagen recently unveiled the Beetle GSR at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. The GSR (Gelb Schwarzer Renner or “Yellow Black Racer”), will go on sale this fall and will include an upgraded version of the award-winning EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TSI® engine that generates 210 horsepower. With this new model, Volkswagen has re-interpreted the 1970s GSR for the modern era. Volkswagen recently announced plans to produce the next generation EA888 engines in a brand-new, $550 million engine plant in Silao, Mexico. Volkswagen also announced at the Chicago Auto Show that it will offer two limited-edition GTI models—the GTI Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Driver’s Edition. Both editions will be offered in limited quantities for the final model year of the sixth-generation hot-hatch. The first to go on sale is the GTI Wolfsburg Edition, which will arrive in dealerships in March, with a starting price of $25,095. The Driver’s Edition will arrive the second quarter of 2013, with a starting price of $29,695. The Golf saw a 44.1 percent increase in February with 1,720 units delivered. As previously announced, the next generation “A7” Golf will be produced at the company’s manufacturing plant in Puebla, Mexico beginning in the first half of 2014. This latest move reinforces the Volkswagen’s commitment to the North American market, where it will invest more than $5 billion over the next three years. Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for 22.4.percent of sales in February, a 10.9 percent increase over the prior year.

GM’s U.S. Sales Increase 7 Percent in February 2013-03-01 DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced today that it sold 224,314 vehicles in the United States in February, up 7 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales and fleet sales were both up 7 percent. The fleet mix was 25 percent of total sales, equal to a year ago. “The housing sector has now joined auto sales in propelling the U.S. economy forward,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “More importantly, the recovery in new home construction is reinforcing the underlying improvement in auto buying conditions, especially for pickups. “Light vehicle sales have now been running at a mid-15 million unit annual rate since November,” he added. “This sets us up well for the launches of key new products this year, including an all-new generation of Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups and an all-new Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac CTS.” The Cadillac CTS, along with the redesigned Buick LaCrosse and Regal, will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show later this month. Highlights All four GM brands posted higher year-over-year sales: Cadillac was up 20 percent; Buick was up 15 percent; GMC was up 10 percent, and Chevrolet was up 5 percent. Crossover sales increased 17 percent and compact crossovers had their best month ever; truck sales were up 14 percent and car sales were down 4 percent. Sales of GM’s full-size pickups were up 28 percent to 58,039 units. The Chevrolet Equinox , GMC Terrain and the redesigned Buick Enclave had their best-ever February sales. The Chevrolet Spark and Cadillac ATS had their best sales months yet.