William Maley

Porsche Reports Record Sales Month; 41 percent increase over last October YTD sales up 13 percent over 2011 ATLANTA, Nov. 1, 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 October 2012 sales of 3,211 vehicles. This compares to 2,270 vehicles sold last October, for an increase of 41 percent. For the year, Porsche has sold 28,226 cars in the U.S., a 13 percent increase over last October's year-to-date sales of 24,934. Sales of the new Porsche Boxster and 911 models were extremely strong for the month. The 911 increased nearly 34 percent versus last October. In addition, the Cayenne sport utility experienced gains of 64 percent versus last October. The newly-launched Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne GTS models contributed to this result. "The market continues to be very responsive to our freshest line-up ever," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America. "This makes us optimistic to keep this strong momentum for the future. The new Boxster, in particular, has quickly become a segment-leader again, collecting accolades by media outlets and consumers alike." Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 708 for October 2012, an 8 percent increase over October 2011. Year-to-date, Porsche has sold 8,078 CPO models, an 11 percent increase versus the same period last year. View full article

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ANNOUNCES OCTOBER SALES FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Nov. 1, 2012) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported October U.S. sales of 79,685 units versus 82,346 units a year earlier, down 3.2 percent. Nissan Division sales decreased 6.0 percent for the month at 70,928 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were up 27.6 percent over the prior year, to 8,757 units. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS Nissan Division posted sales of 70,928 units, down 6.0 percent from last October’s 75,484 units. Sales of the all-new, 2013 Altima increased 12.8 percent to 24,623 units. The all-new Altima debuted this summer. Calendar year-to-date Altima sales now stand up 16.3 percent year-over year. The Nissan LEAF all-electric vehicle recorded strong sales of 1,579 units in October, up 86 percent from the prior year. Sales of the Pathfinder SUV rose 46.9 percent over the prior year, with sales of 3,043 units. The next-generation Pathfinder will debut later this month. “Unfortunately, October ended on a down note with Hurricane Sandy causing major disruption throughout the Northeast, which is our strongest performing region with more than 225 area dealers. To lend a helping hand to those affected, Nissan is offering both employee discounts and employee financing to eligible residents in FEMA disaster areas,” said Al Castignetti, vice president, Nissan Division. More information on the program is available at www.insidenissan.com. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS Infiniti today reported sales of 8,757 units for October, an increase of 27.6 percent from 6,862 units a year earlier. With 1,467 deliveries, the Infiniti QX was up 17.9 percent, making it the best October in history for the full-size luxury SUV. The Infiniti FX line, now available with a new 325-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 engine, was up 18.5 percent to 783 units. Infiniti’s all-new JX 7-passenger luxury crossover continued its successful launch with 2,084 units sold. The 2013 Infiniti M line, supported by newly available all-wheel drive sport packages for both the M37 and M56 models, had sales of 738, up 11.1 percent in October. Overall, with its luxury crossovers and SUVs showing sales increases of 93 percent in October, Infiniti was up 27.6 percent in October, its sixth straight month of double-digit sales increases. Infiniti also announced today it will offer employee pricing and special financing with deferred payments to people in the designated FEMA disaster area who lost vehicles to Hurricane Sandy. “We hope Infiniti’s special pricing and financing programs help people affected by this devastating storm to resume their normal lives,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Americas. 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. October had 26 selling days both in 2012 and 2011. View full article

American Honda Reports October Sales: Double-Digit Accord Gains Fueled by All-New Model; Acura RDX Sets Record, Up 62 Percent Honda Division sales up 8.7 percent, Acura sales up 9.4 percent TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 – American Honda today reported October 2012 U.S. sales of 106,973 units, an increase of 8.8 percent compared with October 2011. The Honda Division posted October 2012 sales of 94,810 units, an increase of 8.7 percent compared with October 2011. Acura U.S. October sales of 12,163 units increased 9.4 percent compared with October 2011. Honda Accord leads all Honda vehicles in October with sales of 28,349 units, posting a 25-percent gain compared to the year prior, as production of all-new 2013 Accord has ramped up Civic gains 27 percent compared with October 2011 with sales of 20,687 units CR-V, Crosstour, Ridgeline and Fit all post October sales gains “The strong momentum of Honda sales continues despite the end-of-month timing of Hurricane Sandy, but our chief concern right now is with those who have been impacted by this devastating natural disaster,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of Sales. “With sales of the all-new Accord building each month, we look forward to Honda’s solid end-of-year finish.” Acura RDX sets its sixth-consecutive monthly sales record with 2,659 units, up 62 percent compared with October 2011 and is on track for an all-time annual sales mark MDX and RDX combine to set new October light-truck sales record of 6,476 units, up 18 percent from October 2011 “Acura’s one-two punch of luxury performance SUVs is obviously resonating with consumers, with new October records set for both RDX and our truck lineup,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura Sales. “With our sedan lineup growing stronger via the new ILX and the upcoming debut of the all-new Acura RLX, Acura continues to gain momentum.” View full article

Ford Small Car Sales Reach Highest October in 11 Years; F-Series Sees Best October Sales Since 2004 Ford October small car sales total 25,493 vehicles – the company’s strongest October small car sales in 11 years – with a 54 percent increase year over year Escape compact utility sales increased 4 percent for the month; 19,832 Escape sales mark best October sales since 2001 In its first full month on sale, C-MAX sells 3,182 vehicles F-Series posts its best October sales since 2004, providing its 15th consecutive year-over-year monthly sales increase; sales totaled 56,497 pickups – an 8 percent increase U.S. sales at the Ford Motor Company total 168,456 vehicles in October, unchanged from a year ago; retail sales up 2 percent compared to last year DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 1, 2012 – Ford total U.S. sales grew across the portfolio in October, with cars up 2 percent, utilities up 2 percent, F-Series pickups up 8 percent and Econoline and Transit Connect sales up 19 and 22 percent, respectively. “Our commitment to deliver a fuel-efficient lineup of cars, utilities and trucks is winning over customers and helping grow our retail sales,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Our fuel-efficient and capable full-size pickups delivered our strongest October sales results since 2004 – an F-Series record year – and we surpassed our own expectations for the first full month of C-MAX Hybrid sales.” Focus, all-new C-MAX Hybrid and Fiesta sales totaled 25,493 vehicles in October, Ford’s best October small car sales month since 2001 and a 54 percent increase year over year. October Escape sales increased 4 percent, with 19,832 vehicles sold. Escape is on-pace for another record sales year in 2012, aiming to surpass 2011 record sales of 254,293 vehicles. America’s best-selling vehicle, Ford F-Series, sold a total of 56,497 vehicles during the month of October. This not only represents an 8 percent increase over last year but also the 15th straight month of sales increases for F-Series. Ford sold 168,456 total vehicles in October, unchanged from a year ago. Retail sales were up 2 percent compared to last year. View full article

Audi sets all-time U.S. October sales record with 14.5% increase, marking 22th consecutive month of record sales Premium category vehicles (A8, A7, A6, and Q7) represent nearly 34.1% of October Audi customer deliveries HERNDON, Va., Oct 31, 2012 - Audi today reported record-setting October sales of 11,708 new vehicles representing a 14.5% increase above the previous record set in October of last year. October also stands as the 22th consecutive month of record U.S. performance by the brand with the four rings. Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (the Audi A8, Audi A7, Audi A6, and Audi Q7) equal 34.1% of total October sales further demonstrating the brand’s upward mobility in the luxury sector. This was a 36% increase of premium vehicles sold. October sales momentum benefitted strongly from robust demand for the progressive Audi A8 and the technologically advanced Audi A6. The A8 generated a 54.7% sales increase for the month, powered by strong demand for the new S8 performance model. The A6 sales increased by 36.6% for the month and posted a 96.8% year-to-date gain when compared to the January-October period of 2011. Consumer interest in the efficient and sporty A3 contributed to a 59.7% increase in sales in October, while the redesigned Audi A4 contributed a 20.6% increase in sales. The Audi Q7 also performed favorably with an increase of 42.7% for the month of October. “The newly launched models in our performance lines – the Audi S6, S7, S8 and RS 5 – have been huge success stories by virtually selling out shortly after hitting showrooms,” said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “It’s clear that premium car buyers are excited about the new generation of cars at the top of our lineup with the Audi A6, A7, A8 and Q7 models constituting 71% of our sales gain in October.” Highlights: October 2012 ranks as the best October in Audi of America history For the record-setting month of October 2012, five Audi models recorded year-over-year sales increases of 20% or more, including the Audi A3, the Audi A4, the Audi A8 and the Q7 models. Sales mix for Audi S models finished the month at 15% for the S4 and 41.3% for the S5/ RS 5 Audi A3 sales up 59.7% compared to October 2011; YTD sales grew 17.9% compared to previous period. Audi A4 sales up 20.6% compared to October 2011; YTD sales grew 8.2% compared to previous period. Sales of Audi A6 increased 36.6% compared to October 2011; YTD sales up 96.8% compared to previous period. Sales of Audi A7 increased 17.3% compared to October 2011; YTD sales up 47.7% compared to previous period. Sales of Audi A8 increased 54.7% compared to October 2011; YTD sales have equaled the previous period. Sales mix for Audi TDI clean diesel models finish the month at 44.5% for the A3 TDI and 28.5% for Q7 TDI Audi Certified pre-owned sales of 2,663 vehicles sold amounted to the second-best October in Audi history, despite the reduced inventory of available models for the program. View full article

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS OCTOBER SALES - Company reports 34,311 units delivered, a 22.4 percent increase for the month of October- • Best October since 1972 with 34,311 units sold and a 22.4 percent increase over the prior year and a 35.6 percent increase year-to-date • Best year-to-date since 1973 • 26 consecutive months of year-on-year growth • Best October ever for Passat and Tiguan with 8,355 and 2,752 units sold respectively • Jetta Sedan achieved sales of 11,253 units • High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 24 percent of sales in October Herndon, VA, Nov 1, 2012 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 34,311 units sold in October, a 22.4 percent increase over prior year sales, a 35.6 percent year-to-date increase and the best October since 1972. In just 10 months of sales, this marks the best calendar year since 1973. “In the wake of the East coast disaster, we would like to express our thoughts and concern for all affected,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “In light of the difficult aftermath of hurricane Sandy, the Volkswagen of America Foundation is providing aid in the form of a donation to the American Red Cross in order to help with the relief efforts. Despite over 25 percent of our dealers being impacted by the severe storm conditions, Volkswagen was able to increase sales by over 20 percent and deliver the best October in nearly 40 years – a testament to the resilience and strength of our dealer body.” The Volkswagen of America Foundation announced yesterday that it would make an immediate donation of $500,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief to provide support for affected areas across the northeast. The donation will help cover costs of shelter, food, recovery and other assistance to families affected by the storm. Additionally, Volkswagen will provide matching funds to any employee donations made to the American Red Cross or the organization of their choosing. The Volkswagen Passat, which was recently added to Consumer Reports recommended list, continues its successful year with 8,355 units sold in October. Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 11,253 while Jetta SportWagen totaled 2,223. The Jetta turbo hybrid, which will go on sale later this year, recently achieved a Land Speed Record at Bonneville, posting 187 mph, a record speed for hybrid vehicles. The Beetle continues to gain momentum with 2,439 units sold. The Beetle convertible will make its debut later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Golf/GTI/Golf R had total sales of 2,914 units. The Tiguan sold 2,752 units, the best October ever for the vehicle, while the Volkswagen Touareg sold 965 units, a 33.1 percent increase. Volkswagen continued sales success with its TDI models, the Passat, Tiguan and Golf all had the best year-to-date sales ever with 75,779 TDIs sold, a 29.9 percent increase year-to-date. View full article

Chrysler Group LLC Reports October 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 10 Percent; Best October Sales in Five Years Best October sales since 2007 31st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in October compared with same month a year ago FIAT brand sales up 89 percent in October; largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand Both Fiat 500 and Fiat 500 Cabrio record sizeable sales gains Dodge brand sales up 20 percent; best October sales since 2007 Dodge Dart earns 5-star safety rating from U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and 2012 Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and Dodge Journey full-size crossover set sales records for month of October Sales of the Dodge Charger muscle car increase 36 percent; best October sales since 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan sales increase 49 percent; best sales since 2007 Ram Truck brand sales up 17 percent compared with same month last year; best October sales since 2007 Ram pickup truck sales up 20 percent versus same month a year ago New 2013 Ram 1500 wins ‘Truck of Texas,’ the highest honor in the Texas Auto Writers Association’s (TAWA) annual Texas Truck Rodeo Ram 1500 also named ‘Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas’ and ‘Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas’ for the Laramie Longhorn Chrysler brand sales up 5 percent; best October sales since 2007 Chrysler 300 flagship sedan and Chrysler Town & Country minivan each post sales gains greater than 30 percent Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Patriot each set sales records for month of October Jeep Grand Cherokee sales up 8 percent versus same month last year; Captures ‘SUV of Texas’ award for third consecutive year at Texas Truck Rodeo Jeep Wrangler named ‘Mid-Size SUV of Texas’ for third year in a row at Texas Truck Rodeo Jeep Wrangler recognized as ‘Hottest 4x4 SUV’ at Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show Auburn Hills, Mich. , Nov 1, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 126,185 units, a 10 percent increase compared with sales in October 2011 (114,512 units), and the group’s best October sales since 2007. The Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in October compared with the same month a year ago. The FIAT brand’s 89 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. October marked Chrysler Group’s 31st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. “In spite of Hurricane Sandy, Chrysler Group posted its best October sales since 2007 and we achieved our 31st-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Last month we also further demonstrated our disciplined approach to sales growth by posting a Q3 2012 operating profit of $706 million, an increase of 46 percent over Q3 2011.” A diverse set of Chrysler Group models set records last month. The Fiat 500, with its considerable 89 percent sales increase, set a sales record for the month of October. The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan, the Jeep® Wrangler and Jeep Patriot sport-utility vehicles, and the Dodge Journey full-size crossover all set sales records for the month of October. Chrysler Group’s minivans each posted double-digit percentage sales increases in October. The Dodge Grand Caravan’s 49 percent sales gain represented the largest percentage increase of any Dodge brand model while sales of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan were up 31 percent in October. The Ram 1500 pickup truck, Dodge Charger muscle car, and Chrysler 300 flagship sedan all had sizeable sales gains during the month. Chrysler Group finished the month with an 83-days supply of inventory (404,122 units). U.S. industry sales figures for October are projected at an estimated 14.7 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). October 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand FIAT Brand The Fiat 500 set a sales record for the month of October. It was the eighth-consecutive month this year in which the Fiat 500 has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in September. Sales of the Fiat 500 hatchback were up 109 percent in October while the Fiat 500 Cabrio realized a 21 percent year-over-year sales increase. The first of the new Fiat 500 Turbo models began arriving in FIAT studios in October. For the driving enthusiast who wants a Fiat 500 Sport with more power and performance, the Fiat 500 Turbo answers the call with a new 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, dynamic styling, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes and unique sport-styled interior. Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 20 percent in October, the brand’s best October in five years and its 17th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Dodge brand sales of 40,611 units represented the largest sales volume of any Chrysler Group brand in October. The Dodge Journey full-size crossover and the sporty Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan each set a sales record for the month of October. Journey sales were up 18 percent compared with the same month a year ago. October marked the seventh month this year in which the Journey has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in August. Dodge Avenger sales increased 7 percent versus the same month last year. The Avenger has set a sales record in six months so far this year, including an all-time sales record in April. The all-new Dodge Dart, with its 10 standard-equipment air bags and one of the auto industry’s highest content-ratios of high-strength steel, earned two major safety accolades in October. The Dart was named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and grabbed the 5-star safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the regulatory agency’s highest grade. Sales of the Dart were up 4 percent in October compared with the previous month of September as the state-of-the-art compact sedan continues to build sales momentum. Sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan, the brand’s volume leader for the month, were up a hefty 49 percent, the largest percentage sales gain of any Dodge brand model in October. It was the minivan’s 10th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its best October sales in five years. Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales were up 17 percent in October compared with the same month last year. The Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group’s volume leader, extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 30-consecutive months. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 20 percent in October compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s best October sales performance in six years. The Heavy Duty Ram trucks led the way, up 26 percent, while sales of the Light Duty Ram trucks increased 17 percent. The new 2013 Ram 1500 with best-in-class fuel economy began arriving in dealerships across the country in October. During TAWA’s annual Texas Truck Rodeo in October, the Ram 1500 was named “Truck of Texas,” the group’s highest honor. The Ram 1500 also was named “Full-Size Pickup Truck of Texas” and was awarded “Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas” for the Laramie Longhorn model. Additionally, the Ram Truck brand was voted “Truck Line of Texas.” Judging by the 50 TAWA members occurred over two days of uncompromising on- and off-road vehicle evaluation. Consideration is given to everything from interior and exterior styling and off-road capability to the entrant’s overall utility, value and fuel efficiency. The Ram Cargo Van posted a 145 percent sales increase in October compared with the same month a year ago. Chrysler Brand The Chrysler brand extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 16-consecutive months in October. Chrysler brand sales were up 5 percent, the brand’s best October sales in five years. Both the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan and Chrysler Town & Country minivan had strong October sales. Sales of the Chrysler 300 were up 40 percent compared with the same month last year, the full-size sedan’s 12th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Chrysler brand introduced the all-new Chrysler 300 Glacier Edition, featuring the market’s most fuel efficient AWD system, along with unique leather seats integrated with ballistic fabric for all-weather capabilities. And the Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition sedan arrives in showrooms during this fourth quarter, complementing and improving the 300 with unique features from multi-award winning menswear designer John Varvatos. Sales of the Town & Country minivan were up 31 percent in October compared with the same month a year ago. Jeep® Brand Two Jeep models had a record-setting month in October. Sales of the Jeep Wrangler were up 14 percent, a sales record for the month of October. The Jeep Patriot, the best-priced compact SUV in America, posted an 18 percent increase, also establishing a sales record for the month of October and the largest sales gain of any of the Jeep brand models. For the third consecutive year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee – already the most awarded SUV ever – captured the “SUV of Texas” award at TAWA’s Texas Truck Rodeo in October. Grand Cherokee sales were up 8 percent in October versus the same month last year. In addition, the Grand Cherokee was named “Full-Size SUV of Texas” and the ultra-premium Grand Cherokee Overland Summit retained its “Full-Size Luxury SUV of Texas” title. The rugged Wrangler was awarded “Mid-Size SUV of Texas” for the third year in a row. For the third consecutive year, the Wrangler was recognized as the “Hottest 4x4 SUV” at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in October in Las Vegas. View full article

GM U.S. Sales Increase 5 percent in October Retail sales up 7 percent, fleet down 2 percent DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported its highest October sales in the United States since 2007, with deliveries up 5 percent versus a year ago to 195,764 vehicles. Year-over-year sales to retail customers were up 7 percent and sales to fleet customers were down 2 percent. “GM had a solid October in a month that was marked by a devastating national tragedy,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “All of us at GM are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the extensive damage caused by the storms, but we’re really encouraged by the national and local response, which will speed the recovery.” GM’s new cars had a standout performance in October. “With new designs like the Chevrolet Spark, Buick Verano and Cadillac ATS, and a growing reputation for quality and good resale value, we are becoming an even more formidable competitor in every segment – not just traditional GM strongholds like trucks,” McNeil said. Sales of GM passenger cars increased 15 percent in October compared with a year ago. Crossovers were up 3 percent and sales of full-size pickup trucks were up 8 percent. Passenger car sales were driven by a 37 percent increase in Cadillac car sales, a 27 percent increase in Buick car sales and a 12 percent increase in Chevrolet car sales. Combined sales of mini, small and compact cars were up 72 percent compared with a year ago, driven by strong Spark and Sonic sales and a 34 percent increase in Cruze sales. Chevrolet dealers also delivered a record 2,961 Volts. Crossover sales were driven by double-digit increases for the Cadillac SRX, GMC Acadia and GMC Terrain. Overall truck sales were down 2 percent, reflecting lower sales of the GMC and Chevrolet mid-size pickups, which have been discontinued, and large SUVs. “Year over year, the light vehicle selling rate has increased for eight consecutive quarters without a tailwind from the residential housing sector, but that is starting to change,” said McNeil. “If these trends continue, housing may be the final piece of the puzzle that lifts sales above 15 million units on an annual basis just as GM prepares to launch even more new cars, crossovers and trucks.” GM will replace 70 percent of its U.S. nameplates with redesigned or all-new vehicles over the course of 2012 - 2013. In anticipation of robust demand, GM has increased its year-end inventory target from the 650,000-unit range to 660,000 to 670,000 units. This change reflects higher planned stocks of new passenger cars. The truck inventory target is unchanged. View full article