William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 4, 2012 The new Chevrolet Malibu has been getting panned for a multitude of reasons; rear head and legroom is poor, the interior is over-styled, and the powertrains are meh. Sales haven't great either; in September and October, sales dropped by 3%. Because of this, General Motors has announced mid-cycle refresh of the new Malibu coming out late 2013, eighteen months after the Malibu was launched. "We are going to do a midcycle enhancement, not dramatic, by this time next year," said GM CEO Dan Akerson. Akerson told Automotive News that a revised front fascia would be part of the refresh, but wouldn't reveal anymore. "I think it's a good car. It'll do OK. It is a tough segment and it's one we need to be successful in. We'll see how it plays out," Akerson said. 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. Related Stories: Review: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 3, 2012 Subaru is doing its best to keep up with the demand of the new BRZ coupe. Since its arrival at dealers in May, Subaru has sold 3,467 BRZs; well over half of the 6,000 BRZs that Subaru of America has asked for annually. "We are selling all the BRZs we can get.We have been sold out since the car was introduced," said Subaru of America's COO Tom Doll. Doll told Automotive News that they will be getting an extra 2,000 BRZs over the next four months to help keep up with demand. At this point, its unclear if Subaru of America will continue with the boost in volume. 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

AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION’S NOVEMBER 2012 AUTOMOBILE SALES UP 22% YEAR-OVER-YEAR Strong month driven by SX4 sales, continued zero percent consumer financing for up to 72 months, ongoing commitment to customers, and support from dealers BREA, Calif., Dec. 3, 2012 – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) reported today November 2012 sales of 2,224 units, a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. SX4 sales rose 42% year-over-year. This sales growth was fueled, in part, by strong consumer response to the continued availability of zero percent financing for up to 72 months for qualified customers through an agreement with Ally Financial Inc. As previously announced, during and after ASMC’s realignment and restructuring, all automobile warranties will continue to be fully honored according to their terms, and automobile parts and service will be provided without interruption through ASMC’s national dealer network. Suzuki offers basic warranty coverage for 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first), as well as powertrain warranty coverage for seven years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurs first) for new vehicles in the U.S. “American Suzuki Motor Corporation is pleased with our strong monthly vehicle sales for November, and we look forward to working with our valued dealers across the country to ensure that remaining U.S. inventory is sold in the coming months,” said M. Freddie Reiss, Chief Restructuring Officer for ASMC. “Now is a great time for customers to consider Suzuki’s attractive financing options and the full commitment to vehicle warranties, parts and continued service in place across our complete range of vehicles.” ASMC announced on November 5, 2012, that it plans to realign its business to focus on the long-term growth of its Motorcycles/ATV and Marine divisions and to wind down and discontinue new automobile sales in the continental U.S., following a thorough review of its current position and future opportunities in the U.S. automotive market. ASMC has been working within its current U.S. automotive dealer network to help structure a smooth transition from new automobile sales to parts and service operations. ASMC intends to market and sell its remaining U.S. automobile inventory through its national network of automotive dealers; many of the high-volume dealers have expressed interest in continuing to order and receive shipments of Suzuki automobiles as long as they remain available. Additionally, ASMC motorcycle/ATV sales for November 2012 increased by 26% over the same period in last year, and November sales for ASMC’s Marine division were up over 50% year-over-year.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER REPORTS U.S. SALES FOR NOVEMBER 2012 • Jaguar Land Rover North America U.S. sales increase 11 percent year to date • Land Rover Sales increase 15 percent year to date • Sales of the Jaguar XF up 6 percent year to date • Launch of three new key products to start in the New Year (MAHWAH, NJ) – December 3, 2012 – Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported November 2012 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales for the month were 3,687 down just 3 percent from 3,820 in 2011; Jaguar sales for the month were 713 down 22 percent from 915 in 2011; Jaguar Land Rover North America sales for the month were 4,400 down 7 percent from 4,735 in 2011. Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 11 percent year to date. “The all-new Range Rover and the AWD Jaguar XJ and XF will be in showrooms this winter,” said Andy Goss, President, Jaguar Land Rover, North America. “While November proved to a challenging month due to current product run down and increasing competitor’s incentive offerings, we anticipate improved sales performance once the new products arrive in showrooms.” U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS Land Rover Land Rover’s U.S. sales are up 15 percent year to date. For the month of November, Land Rover’s sales were down 3 percent. Range Rover Sport was the volume leader with 1,634 units sold; making November the highest selling month for Range Rover Sport year to date. Sales for Range Rover Evoque are up 35% with 904 units sold; making November the highest retail month for Range Rover Evoque since its launch last October. The All New 2013 MY Range Rover, featuring weight-saving aluminum architecture, goes on sale later this month. 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; 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. The newest model, the 2013 Range Rover Evoque has a starting price of $41,995* for the five-door, and $44,995* for the coupe and achieves 28 MPG** EPA highway and 20 MPG** EPA city. Jaguar Jaguar's U.S. sales for November, 2012 were down 22 percent, and are down just 1 percent for the year at 10,962 from 11,119 units year to date. The volume leader for the month is the Jaguar XF with 341 sales, down 21 percent from 429 in 2011. Sales for the Jaguar XF are up 6 percent year to date. For MY13, Jaguar transforms its U.S. lineup, and dramatically expands U.S. market presence with addition of five new products, available for the start of the New Year. • 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.

MBUSA Posts All-Time Sales Record With November Sales Of 32,649 Mercedes-Benz at 30,315 up 13.1%; smart and Sprinter up 70.0% and 56.0% respectively MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported an all-time sales record with November sales of 32,649 for combined sales of Mercedes-Benz, smart and Sprinter models, up 15.6% and delivering a record year-to-date total of 273,622 up 14.5%. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone recorded its highest November on record with sales of 30,315 for the month, up 13.1%, and 245,910 for the year up 12.0%. "As the post-storm rebuilding gets underway, we're seeing a strong sales pace for the industry at large which will carry MBUSA to its highest year on record," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO, MBUSA. Mercedes-Benz sales for the month of November were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – took the lead with sales of 8,565, up 2.5%. The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 8,126 up 59.5%. MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 3,894. Additionally, the sporty SLK roadster sold 427 vehicles for the month, up 107.3%. At the high end, the all-new iconic sixth generation 2013 SL roadster – which debuted in showrooms this past spring -- posted sales of 573, an increase of 625.3% over last November. On a year-to-date basis, top performers were again the C-Class with 73,940, the E-Class with 58,187 and the M-Class with 33,860. Sales of the high-performance AMG models were up 30.8% for the year at 6,176 compared to the 4,721 vehicles sold over the same time last year. Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were up 7.9% for the year at 13,738 compared to the 12,727 diesels sold over the same period last year. The company's smart brand continued thirteen consecutive months of sales increases. November sales of 704, were a 70.0% increase over November 2011 (414), bringing the year-to-date volume to 9,013, up 100.4% when compared to the 4,498 vehicles sold last year. On the van side, Sprinter had a strong month with 1,630 vehicles sold in November, up 56.0% over last year and up 24.8% on a year-to-date basis. Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 7,113 vehicles in November; an increase of 28.6% when compared to November 2011 (sales of 5,530 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 73,431 vehicles, an increase of 7.3% over the comparable period (with sales of 68,459 vehicles).

MAZDA ACHIEVES BEST NOVEMBER SALES SINCE 1994 - Four models post record sales performance; Mazda's Northeast Region shows excellent signs of recovery after Hurricane Sandy - IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported November U.S. sales of 21,691 vehicles, representing an increase of 17.7 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through November are up 9.1 percent (9.1 percent DSR) versus last year, with 249,795 vehicles sold. Key November sales notes: Mazda's November sales performance was a multi-carline effort as Mazda2 (2,495), Mazda3 (9,841), Mazda5 (1,284), and Mazda MX-5 Miata (369) all acheived record November sales. Mazda2 experienced its best November sales ever with 2,495 units sold, up a whopping 212 percent year-over-year. Mazda3 reported its best November sales ever with 9,841 units, up 43 percent. The SKYACTIV-equipped model represented 67.0 percent of Mazda3 vehicles sold for the month. Mazda CX-5 continues to be Mazda's best-selling SUV and second best carline all-together, acheiving 4,213 units sold in November. Mazda5 had an oustanding showing as it sold 1,284 vehicles, up 31 percent, making it the best November since 2008 and its best month since February 2012. Even heading into Winter, the Mazda MX-5 stays hot as it had its best November since 2009 with 369 vehicles sold, up 26 percent. Mazda CX-9 had its best performance all year, with 2,285 vehicles sold. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported November sales of 2,117 vehicles, down 27.0 percent versus November 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.

Volvo Announces November Sales U.S. Sales Up 26.8 Percent ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Dec. 3, 2012) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) reported U.S. sales of 6,141 units, a 26.8 percent increase from November 2011. Year-to-date sales are up 0.1 percent over the first eleven months of 2011. The top seller for the month was the XC60 crossover with 2,067 units sold, an impressive 167.1 percent increase from November 2011. The S60 sports sedan finished the month right behind with 1,866 units sold.

Mitsubishi Motors Reports Another Big Month For Outlander Sport Sales In November CYPRESS, Calif., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported November sales of the Outlander Sport were up 34.2 percent compared to November 2011. Outlander Sport sales were 1,520 for the month, the fourth highest monthly total this year for sales of the fuel-efficient CUV, now manufactured in Normal, Illinois. Year-to-date, Outlander Sport sales are up 9.5 percent compared to the same period a year ago. "We are encouraged at the consistent sales performance of the Outlander Sport, our top seller in the U.S," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "It bodes well for our next generation 2014 Outlander, which we unveiled to the U.S. media last week." That announcement came at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where MMNA also said it is bringing a Limited Edition version of the 2013 Outlander Sport to market to commemorate Mitsubishi's arrival in America 30 years ago. The Limited Edition will feature dynamic enhancements of the exterior and interior of the vehicle, as well as enhanced engine performance. Lancer sales were up 16.3 percent for the month, and Lancer Evolution sales improved 9.1 percent. Overall Mitsubishi sales were 3,574 units, down 4.3 percent compared to November 2011. That total however is impacted by models that ended their production in 2011. Total sales of models currently in production were up more than 16 percent for the month compared to last November.

BMW Group U.S. Reports November 2012 Sales BMW brand up 45 percent in November - best month ever; 10.4 percent year-to-date increase MINI brand up 10.5 percent in November; 15.2 percent increase year-to-date - already surpassed 2011 sales record Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 3, 2012… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 36,461 vehicles, an increase of 38.8 percent from the 26,271 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group is up 11.3 percent on sales of 303,728 in the first eleven months of 2012 compared to 272,873 in the same period in 2011. “Supply is catching up with demand, making November the best sales month on record for BMW in the U.S.,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “The momentum is strong in this final month of the year, MINI has already surpassed its 2011 total, and I am confident BMW Group will set a new U.S. sales record for 2012, beating the previous record year of 2007.” BMW Brand Sales BMW reported the best month ever in November with sales of 31,213, an increase of 45 percent from the 21,521 vehicles sold in November, 2011. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 10.4 percent on sales of 244,061 compared to 221,073 sold in the first eleven months of 2011. In November, best performing vehicles included the 5 Series, up 64.3 percent to 5,857 units; the 6 Series, up 67.4 percent to 919 units; the X3 SAV, up 50.5 percent to 4,172 units and the X6 SAV, up 55.2 percent to 813 units. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles In November, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) decreased 0.5 percent to 12,134 vehicles from the 12,196 vehicles sold in November 2011. January through November, BMW used vehicle sales are up 1.6 percent on volume of 147,272 compared to 144,882 in the same period of 2011. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported the best November ever with sales of 5,248 automobiles, an increase of 10.5 percent from the 4,750 sold in November, 2011. This marks the sixth consecutive month of record sales. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 15.2 percent on volume of 59,667 compared to 51,800 in the first eleven months of 2011, surpassing the 2011 annual record of 57,511.

American Honda Reports All-Time Best November Sales: All-Time Record November for Company and Civic; RDX Fuels Double-Digit Acura Gain Honda Division sales up 41 percent, Acura sales up 23 percent TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 3, 2012 – American Honda reports an all-time record for the month of November, with November 2012 U.S. sales of 116,580 units, an increase of 38.9 percent compared with November 2011. The Honda Division posted November 2012 sales of 104,334 units, an increase of 41.0 percent compared with November 2011. Acura U.S. November sales of 12,246 units represents an increase of 23.6 percent over November 2011. Honda Segment-leading Civic breaks 12-year-old November record (1990) with sales of 30,075 units, up 75 percent from a year ago All-new Accord continues to ramp up with 26,248 sales, up 82 percent from last November CR-V sets it ninth monthly sales record for 2012, up 36 percent to 22,333 sales “We are now surpassing sales records set pre-recession, a true sign that our business has recovered,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of Sales. “Honda’s all-time best November demonstrates the fundamental strength of our core products. The new Accord is hitting its stride, and with the new Civic now arriving in dealerships, we’re ready for a strong finish to 2012.” Acura RDX sets its seventh-consecutive monthly sales record, up 129 percent from a year ago with 3,036 sales MDX was the top selling Acura model in November, with 3,368 sales ILX gains traction as the top selling Acura sedan in November, with 2,108 sales “While the MDX leads the lineup in sales, the record-setting sales of RDX and ILX are doing a great job as the gateway to the Acura lineup in bringing new customers to the brand,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura Sales. “The combination of Acura’s growing lineup and rising industry sales are fueling Acura’s momentum as we head into 2013.” The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 25 days for November 2012 and 25 days for November 2011. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 281 days for 2012 and 280 days for 2011. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

Toyota Motor Sales Outpaces Industry with 17.2 Percent November Sales Increase TORRANCE, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2012) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported November 2012 sales results of 161,695 units, an increase of 17.2 percent compared to the same period last year on both a daily selling rate (DSR) and a raw volume basis. The Toyota Division posted November total sales of 138,976 units, an increase of 17.3 percent on a DSR basis from November 2011. “Replacement of vehicles damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy is partially responsible for strong sales,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “However, pent up demand, record low finance rates and exciting new products are also driving demand. Approximately 40 percent of the vehicles we sell this year will be all-new or significantly updated models.” The Lexus Division recorded November sales of 22,719 units, up 16.8 percent over November 2011 on both a daily selling rate (DSR) and a raw volume basis. “With nine new or redesigned models available for customers, Lexus posted its best November sales in five years,” said Tim Morrison, Lexus Division vice president of sales. “Our momentum is extremely strong, and we will close out 2012 with a December to Remember.” Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded combined monthly sales of 76,993 units, up 16.5 percent over November 2011. Camry and Camry Hybrid led car sales with combined sales of 28,765 units. Corolla reported its best November ever with sales of 22,616 units, increasing 40.3 percent. The Prius Family increased 8.5 percent with November sales of 16,505 units. Toyota Division light trucks recorded November sales of 61,983 units, an increase of 18.3 percent compared to the same month last year. The Tacoma mid-size pickup truck and RAV4 compact SUV led truck sales with monthly sales of 12,272 and 12,423 units, respectively. Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 8,309 units, up 31.6 percent over the previous November. Highlander, 4Runner and Sienna also all posted double-digit gains over last November. Scion benefited from the return of younger buyers to the marketplace along with new products, posting November sales of 5,606 units, up 57.8 percent over November 2011. Sales of the recently introduced FR-S remain strong at 1,350 units. Lexus Division Lexus reported passenger car sales of 12,460 units, up 18.2 percent over November 2011. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan and the first-ever ES Hybrid led Lexus passenger car sales with combined sales of 6,066 units, increasing 28.2 percent year-over-year. The GS midsize luxury sedan posted sales of 1,826 units, up 786.4 percent Lexus luxury utility vehicles recorded sales of 10,259 units, up 15 percent over November 2011. The RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle led sales with combined November sales of 8,871 units, up 17.0 percent over last year. TMS Hybrids TMS posted November hybrid vehicle sales of 24,682 an increase of 28.7 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted November sales of 20,958 hybrids, while Lexus Division reported sales of 3,724 hybrids for the month.

Nissan North America Sets New November Sales Record -Nissan and Infiniti brands each post record November sales- FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported record November U.S. sales of 96,197 units versus 85,182 units a year earlier, up 12.9 percent. Nissan Division set a new November record, with sales up 9.8 percent for the month over the prior year at 84,300 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were 11,897, up 41.2 percent over the prior year, also a November record. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS Nissan Division posted sales of 84,300 units, up 9.8 percent from last November's 76,754 units, making it Nissan's best November ever. Pathfinder SUV sales rose 249.5 percent to 8,097 units, led by the all-new 2013 Pathfinder that went on sale in November. The all-electric Nissan LEAF recorded strong sales of 1,539 units in October, up 129 percent from the prior year at 672 units. Rogue crossover sales hit a new November record at 12,662 units, an increase of 16.8 percent versus year-ago sales of 10,845. Altima sales remained strong in November at 20,305 units, with year-to-date deliveries up 14.8 percent over its 2011 total. "Nissan's significant portfolio refresh of five new models in 15 months is showing results with the new Pathfinder driving sales of the model up nearly 250 percent," said Al Castignetti, vice president, Nissan Division. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS Infiniti QX sales of 2,121 was an increase of 46.7 percent in November, the best month in the full-size luxury SUV's history. The all-new Infiniti JX 7-passenger luxury crossover had sales of 2,529 units in November, and 18,966 have been delivered since it went on sale in March. Overall, total sales of 6,275 for all Infiniti crossovers and sport utility vehicles in November more than doubled versus prior year. The Infiniti G Line had an increase of 7.3 percent for the month, with 4,838 sport sedans, coupes and convertibles being delivered. Infiniti had the best November in its history. "November was a fantastic month for Infiniti, with sales of each of our crossovers and sport utility vehicles showing an increase and contributing to the best November since we started sales in 1989," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "We expect showroom traffic to remain strong through the holiday gift-giving season, as our Winter Limited Engagement Event continues through January 2." 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. November had 25 selling days both in 2012 and 2011.

Porsche Reports 71 Percent Increase in Sales, Best Sales Month Ever Year-to-date sales up 18 percent ATLANTA, Dec. 3, 2012 /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 a record November 2012 sales of 3,865 vehicles. This compares to 2,255 vehicles sold last November, for an increase of 71 percent. November 2012 was the best sales month ever for Porsche in the United States. For the year, Porsche has sold 32,091 cars in the U.S., an 18 percent increase over the same period last year when 27,189 cars were sold. The Porsche 911 and Cayenne SUV performed exceedingly well in November. Sales of the 911 increased by 94 percent versus the same period last year, and Cayenne sales increased by 80 percent over November 2011. The newly-launched Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne GTS models continue to impress, accounting for 38 percent of all Cayenne sales. "Setting a historical monthly U.S. sales record is extremely rewarding and demonstrates the demand for all of the new cars we have launched in the last 12 months," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. "We see this demand continuing into the near future and may allow us to set a sales record this year. Our product line-up is the freshest in our history and will remain so, evidenced by the global unveil of the all-new Cayman model at last week's Los Angeles Auto Show." In addition to new vehicle sales, Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 720 for November 2012, a 30 percent increase over November 2011 (554). Year-to-date, Porsche has sold 8,797 CPO models, a 12.9 percent increase versus the same period last year.

Subaru of America, Inc. Reports Best November Sales In Company History November 2012 sales increase 60 percent over November 2012 Subaru year-to-date sales increase 28 percent Best November for Outback, Legacy and Impreza models CHERRY HILL, N.J., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 28,206 sales for the month of November, a 60 percent increase over November 2011. The company also announced record-breaking annual sales of 299,788 vehicles which represent a 28 percent increase over 2011 and just 222 vehicles short of achieving 300,000 sales for the first time in company history. Following the November close, on Dec. 1, 2012, Subaru achieved the 300,000th sales milestone for the first time in company history. Outback, Legacy and Impreza models experienced the best November sales month in history. Year-to-date sales for Impreza have increased 184 percent over 2011. Year-to-date sales for newly-refreshed Outback and Legacy models have increased 16 percent and 14 percent respectively. The new BRZ and XV Crosstrek models also added 2,587 incremental sales for the month of November. "With such strong November sales, Subaru annual sales should exceed 330,000 vehicles -- which would represent a 24 percent increase over our 2011 record sales of 266,989 vehicles," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "This has been another exciting, record-breaking month for Subaru." "While Subaru has the industry's highest customer loyalty, we are also seeing record levels of first-time Subaru buyers -- which has significantly contributed to our sales growth this year," said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc.

Kia Motors America Announces Best-Ever November Sales And 27th Consecutive Monthly Sales Record U.S. Sales Surpass 500,000 Vehicles for First Time in Company History; Annual Sales Up 17.3 Percent IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) has been one of the fastest-growing car companies in the U.S. over the last five years[1], and November saw the brand achieve its 27th straight month of record sales with 41,055 units sold, a 10.9-percent increase over the same period in 2011. Year-to-date sales are up 17.3 percent over 2011, and the brand achieved another important milestone in November with the sale of its 500,000th vehicle in 2012 – a first for Kia in the U.S. The U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan has been Kia's best-selling vehicle each month in 2012, and that trend continued in November with 12,715 units sold, and together with the popular Sorento CUV – also built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – represents more than 40 percent of Kia's record November volume. "Kia has sustained record-setting momentum for more than two years, and eclipsing the 500,000 vehicle sales mark for the first time is an historic achievement for KMA and our dealers," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. "The popular Optima is on track to set an all-time single year record for a Kia nameplate, and the upcoming launches of the all-new 2014 Forte sedan and refreshed 2014 Sorento unveiled last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show will take the value equation we are known for and advance it to new levels of sophistication with exciting technologies such as the next generation UVO eServices hands-free infotainment system." Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[2] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[3]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Record-setting November sales push Audi to new all-time yearly high - Premium category vehicles (A8, A7, A6, and Q7) help achieve new annual and monthly sales records, representing nearly 33% of November Audi deliveries HERNDON, Va., Dec 3, 2012 - Audi today reported its 23rd consecutive month of record sales with November volume reaching 12,067 cars and SUVs, up 24.4% from the 9,700 models sold a year earlier. The fourth-best month in Audi of America history also propelled the brand to a new annual mark with a month to go the year. Audi year-to-date sales at the end of November stood at 124,469 vehicles, easily eclipsing the annual sales record of 117,561 set just last year. Audi 2012 YTD sales ran 18.6% ahead of last year’s pace through November 30. “We’re looking forward to finishing the year strong,” said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “Audi is in on the right track. We are pleased to see consumers recognize this and continue to reward the brand for its superior performance, progressive technology and excellent craftsmanship.” Audi premium category vehicles (the Audi A8, Audi A7, Audi A6, and Audi Q7) continue to capture the attention of discerning customers by delivering sales that equaled 32.7% of the total November sales mix, up from the 19% premium vehicle sales mix seen in 2009. Overall sales of the top-end Audi models jumped 28% in November and have increased 42% through the first 11 months of the year. Demand for the full-size Audi Q7 luxury SUV, generated a 91.9% sales increase for the month and a 17.8% increase year to date. Consumer interest in the Audi Q5 generated a 14% increase with 2,724 sales. This marked the second best month of Q5 sales in Audi history. The newly updated Audi A4, the best-selling model for the brand, contributed a 33.7% increase in November sales, with the new Audi allroad registering 437 sales compared to 228 a year earlier for the Audi A4 Avant that it replaced in the lineup. Audi A4 sedan sales rose 27.7% for the month. Sales of the updated and performance-oriented Audi A5 increased 39.3% for the month, with the A5 coupe rising 53.9%. Year-to-date sales of the A5 increased 11.2% year-to-date. The record setting November continued with certified pre-owned sales of 2,845, an increase of 6% over November 2011. Highlights: - November 2012 ranks as the best November in Audi of America history - Sales mix for Audi S / RS models finished the month at 14% for the S4, 39% for the S5 coupe/ RS 5 coupe, 12% for the S8 and 62% for the TTS and TT RS. - Audi A4 models sales up 33.7% compared to November 2011; YTD sales grew 10.2% compared to previous period. - The Audi allroad finished the month at 437 sale (in addition to three Audi A4 Avant sales), compared to 228 Audi A4 Avant sales in 2011. - Audi A5 sales up 39.3% compared to November 2011; YTD sales grew 11.2% compared to previous period. - Sales of Audi A6 increased 15.6% compared to November 2011; YTD sales up 84.7% compared to previous period. - Sales of Audi A8 increased 17.4% compared to November 2011; YTD sales up 1.6% compared to previous period. - Sales of Audi Q5 increased 14% compared to November 2011; YTD sales up 11% compared to previous period. - Sales of Audi Q7 increased 91.9% compared to November 2011; YTD sales up 17.8% compared to previous period. - Sales of Audi TT increased 31.7% compared to November 2011; YTD sales up 0.5% compared to previous period. - Sales mix for Audi TDI clean diesel models finish the month at 45.3% for the A3 TDI and 28.8% for Q7 TDI - For the record-setting month of November 2012, four Audi models recorded year-over-year sales increases of 20% or more, including the Audi A4, the Audi A5, the Audi Q7 and the Audi TT models. - Audi Certified pre-owned sales set an all-time record of 2,845 vehicles sold, amounting to the best November in Audi history.