William Maley

Chrysler Group LLC Reports September 2012 U.S. Sales Increased 12 Percent; Best September Sales in Five Years Best September sales since 2007 30th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains Third-quarter sales up 13 percent versus same quarter a year ago Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in September compared with same month a year ago FIAT brand sets all-time sales record with 51 percent increase Both Fiat 500 and Fiat 500 Cabrio record sizeable sales gains Dodge brand sales up 18 percent; best September sales since 2007 Sales of the all-new Dodge Dart up 72 percent compared with previous month as production ramp up continues in Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant Dodge Journey sales up 41 percent; sets sales record for month of September; named a Road & Travel ‘Top 10 Pick’ in its 2012 SUV Buyer’s Guide Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan sales up 89 percent; sets sales record for month of September Dodge Grand Caravan sales increase 32 percent; best sales since 2006 Jeep brand sales increase 10 percent; best September sales since 2006 Iconic Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Patriot compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) each set sales records for month of September Jeep Grand Cherokee sales up 19 percent compared with same month a year ago; best September sales since 2005 Chrysler brand sales up 5 percent; best September sales since 2007 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan sets sales record for month of September Chrysler 300 flagship sedan posts best September sales since 2007 Ram Truck brand sales up 4 percent compared with same month last year Ram Cargo Van sales up 223 percent versus same month a year ago Ram Truck brand unveils new 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab work trucks at Texas State Fair Auburn Hills, Mich. , Oct 2, 2012 - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 142,041 units, a 12 percent increase compared with sales in September 2011 (127,336 units), and the group’s best September sales since 2007. The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in September compared with the same month a year ago. The FIAT brand’s 51 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand for the month. September marked Chrysler Group’s 30th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. “Last month marked our 30th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases and our strongest September in five years,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Going forward with our current product line up, record low interest rates and a stable U.S. economy, we remain optimistic about the health of the U.S. new vehicle sales industry and our position in it.” As the production ramp up of the all-new Dodge Dart compact sedan continues in the Belvidere, Ill. assembly plant, Dart sales of 5,235 units were up a significant 72 percent in September compared with the previous month. While the Dodge Dart continued its steady monthly sales climb, six Chrysler Group models set sales records in September. The Chrysler 200 and sporty Dodge Avenger mid-size sedans each set records for the month of September. The Avenger achieved its record with a sizeable 89 percent sales increase compared with the same month a year ago. Two Jeep models – the Wrangler and Patriot – set September sales records, while a 51 percent increase earned the Fiat 500 an all-time sales record. In addition, the Dodge Journey set a sales record for the month of September demonstrating why it is the most versatile and affordable crossover in America. Sales of the Journey were up 41 percent in September compared with the same month last year. Other standout models in September were the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee with sales up 19 percent, and the Dodge Grand Caravan with a sales gain of 32 percent. Chrysler Group finished the month with a 65-days supply of inventory (369,144 units). U.S. industry sales figures for September are projected at an estimated 14.9 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). September 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand FIAT Brand FIAT brand sales were up 51 percent in September, the largest year-over-year percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand. The Fiat 500 set an all-time sales record in September. Sales of the Fiat 500 Cabrio were up 44 percent versus the same month last year, while the Fiat 500 recorded a 52 percent year-over-year sales gain. The Fiat 500 Turbo, the fourth model in the FIAT brand lineup, should begin hitting dealership showrooms this month touting a 135-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, track-proven brakes, dynamic exterior design and sport-styled interior. Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 18 percent in September, the brand’s best September in five years and second best sales month this year. Dodge brand sales of 47,356 units represented the largest sales volume of any Chrysler Group brand in September. Two Dodge brand models set sales records during the month. The Dodge Journey full-size crossover, with its 41 percent sales gain, established a sales record for the month of September and was one of Road & Travel Magazine’s top picks in the competitive crossover/SUV segment. The magazine named Journey one of its Top 10 vehicles in its 2012 SUV Buyer’s Guide. The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan set a sales record for the month of September with its considerable 89 percent sales gain, the largest percentage increase of any Dodge brand model. Sales of the Dodge Dart were up 72 percent in September, compared with the previous month of August, as the all-new compact sedan continues its steady monthly sales climb. The brand’s minivan offering, the Dodge Grand Caravan, turned in a solid 32 percent sales gain in September. Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales increased 10 percent, the brand’s best September sales in six years and its 29th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Two Jeep models had record-setting sales in September. The Jeep Patriot, the best-priced compact SUV in America, logged a 42 percent increase, the largest sales gain of any of the Jeep models and a sales record for the month of September. The iconic Jeep Wrangler also set a sales record for the month of September with its 6 percent sales gain. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, the brand’s flagship SUV, recorded a 19 percent sales gain and was the brand’s volume leader for the month. It was the Grand Cherokee’s best September in seven years. The Jeep brand announced in September that it is introducing this month the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab editions, both of which feature off-road equipment never before offered on a production Jeep vehicle. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 5 percent, the brand’s best September sales in five years and its 15th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan contributed to the brand’s sales gain by setting a sales record for the month of September. Sales of the 200 were up 13 percent in September versus the same month last year. The Chrysler 200 has set a sales record every month this year, including an all-time sales record in March. Sales of the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan were up 7 percent, the full-size sedan’s best September in five years and 11th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Chrysler brand in September introduced the limited-production Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition and the 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition. Working hand-in-hand, John Varvatos’ signature fashion style combined with Chrysler designers styling expertise forged two 300 sedan models that embody the soul of “Imported from Detroit.” Ram Truck Brand The Ram pickup truck extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 29-consecutive months. Sales of the Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group’s volume leader, were up 6 percent in September compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s best September sales performance since 2007. The Ram Cargo Van posted a 223 percent sales increase compared with the same month a year ago. The Ram Truck brand unveiled the new 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups and 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab work trucks at the Texas State Fair in September. The Ram Truck brand now offers the most capable heavy-duty pickups in the segment – the new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty line features best-in-class towing and best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks also add new features, including an all-new interior, next-generation Uconnect Access, Powernet, new frames and new suspension. The new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty further solidifies the long list of leadership claims, including best-in-class total cost of ownership. The 2013 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab truck is the pinnacle of capability. Engineered and designed for extreme daily work, the Ram Chassis Cabs are products of a demanding environment and direct customer input. Ram’s halo truck line focuses on best-in-class capability and best-in-class total cost of ownership, a leading concern among business owners. View full article

Ford Small Car Sales Reach Decade High; Escape has Best-Ever September; Ford F-Series Hit Best September in 5 Years Ford small car sales totaled 24,628 vehicles in September – the company’s best U.S. small car sales since 2002 and a 73 percent increase year-over-year Escape compact utility sales increased 14 percent for the month; 23,148 Escape sales mark best-ever September sales F-Series produces its 14th consecutive year-over-year sales increase in September, reaching its best September since 2007; total sales were 55,077 pickups – a 1 percent increase Ford Motor Company U.S. sales total 174,976 vehicles in September, unchanged from a year ago; retail sales up 4 percent compared to last year DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 2, 2012 – Ford delivered U.S. sales gains across its vehicle portfolio in September, with cars up 2 percent, utilities up 9 percent, and F-Series trucks up 1 percent. “As more buyers look for new vehicles across the country, Ford is ready with our strongest lineup ever of fuel-efficient cars, utilities and full-size pickups,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Fuel economy remains one of the most important features customers want most today, and Ford is answering the call with five vehicles that deliver 40 mpg or better – with another three on the way by year-end.” Ford sales of Focus, C-MAX and Fiesta totaled 24,628 vehicles in September, representing Ford’s best September for small car sales in 10 years. Focus sales were up 91 percent, while the all-new C-MAX began sales last month. Escape had its best-ever September sales, with 23,148 vehicles sold, representing a 14 percent increase versus last year’s record sales. Escape is on pace to surpass last year’s record sales of 254,293 vehicles for the full year. Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling vehicle, sold a total of 55,077 pickups during September truck month – a 1 percent increase compared to last year – providing its 14th straight month of sales increases. September U.S. total sales at Ford Motor Company were unchanged from last year and up 4 percent for retail sales. Total car sales are up 2 percent, total utilities up 9 percent, and total trucks down 8 percent – with stronger F-Series, E-Series and Transit Connect sales being offset by the discontinuation of Ranger. View full article

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS A 34.4 PERCENT SALES INCREASE IN SEPTEMBER - Best September since 1972 with 36,339 units sold and a 37.2 percent increase year-to-date - • 25 consecutive months of year-on-year growth • Best September ever for Passat and Tiguan with 9,500 and 2,202 units sold, respectively • Best September for Beetle since 2003 • Best September for Golf since 2007 • Jetta Sedan achieved sales of 12,584 units • High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 23.9 percent of sales in September. Herndon, VA, Oct 2, 2012 - Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 36,339 units sold in September, a 34.4 percent increase over prior year sales, a 37.2 percent increase year-to-date and the best September since 1972. “Tracking over a 37 percent increase year-to-date is a strong proof point that our products are on more shopping lists and gaining acceptance in the market,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “As we enter the fourth quarter of the year, we expect to continue our pattern of outperforming the industry.” As Volkswagen positions itself for continued growth, supporting the dealers and their infrastructure is essential. The company will announce the launch of a dealer career recruiting website, www.vwdealercareers.com, creating a portal linking jobseekers to the over 600 VW dealers across the country. Available positions range widely from sales and service consultants to finance managers, with technicians being the most sought after candidates by VW dealers nationwide. The Volkswagen Passat, which recently came in first place in Motor Trend’s 2012-2013 Midsize Sedan Comparison test, continued its successful year with 9,500 units sold in September. Earlier this month the Passat topped its best sales year ever in just nine months of the year. Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 12,584 while Jetta SportWagen totaled 2,166. The Jetta turbo hybrid, which will go on sale this month, recently achieved a Land Speed Record at Bonneville, posting 185 mph, a record speed for hybrid vehicles. The Beetle continues to gain momentum with 2,622 units sold. The Beetle TDI, sold 167 units, further highlighting customer demand for Volkswagen’s Clean Diesel TDI technology. The Golf had sales of 3,250 units. The Tiguan sold 2,202 units, the best September ever for the vehicle, while the Volkswagen Touareg sold 828 units, a 26.2 percent increase. View full article

GM U.S. Car Sales Rise 29 percent in September Total sales up 1.5 percent DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported its highest September U.S. sales since 2008: 210,245 vehicles, up 1.5 percent compared with a year ago. New products helped drive a 29 percent increase in passenger car sales. Sales of GM’s mini, small and compact cars alone were up a combined 97 percent, and all GM brands increased their retail sales. “Passenger cars have been the launch point for a broad and deep GM product offensive,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “Auto sales will continue to be a bright spot for the U.S. economy, which is particularly good news for GM as we walk into an even stronger cadence of new products in 2013 and 2014.” GM has moved aggressively to replace existing vehicles with better designs, more technology and improved fuel economy. At the same time, GM is entering growth segments and offering new entry points for each brand. Seventy percent of GM nameplates will be all new or redesigned in 2012 and 2013. September’s car sales increase reflected a strong start for the new Chevrolet Spark and Cadillac XTS, continued strong sales of the Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Sonic, and a second consecutive sales record for the Chevrolet Volt. September also marked the first deliveries of the all-new Cadillac ATS. The GMC Terrain and Acadia crossovers had strong months as well, with sales up 8 percent and 16 percent, respectively. This helped drive a 3 percent increase for all GM crossovers versus a year ago. Truck sales were down 20 percent due to a 46 percent year-over-year reduction in fleet sales due to the timing of customer deliveries. In the large pickup segment, GM’s total sales were down 12 percent and fleet sales were down 56 percent. However, GM reduced its large pickup inventories by approximately 8,600 units compared with August, and earned average transaction prices more than $2,300 per unit above a year ago with the lowest incentive spending in the industry, according to J.D. Power PIN data. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 1, 2012 Mazda and Fiat's partnership of using the next-generation Miata platform to build the Alfa Romeo spider could lead to more. Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi told Ward's Auto that they would be "willing to share Skyactiv" technologies with Fiat. Yamanouchi also revealed that Mazda would like to leverage Fiat's dominance in certain markets to help their presence. As for Fiat, CEO Sergio Marchionne said, “Everything is possible. We’ve just started. We’ve signed the deal; we’ve visited the plants. Let’s take it one day at a time. We’re open to any solutions that lessen capital (outlays).” Source: Ward's Auto William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 1, 2012 Volkswagen apparently has been talking about what's coming down the pipeline. What Car? talked with Volkswagen board member Professor Ulrich Hackenberg where he revealed some surprises. For starters, Hackenburg revealed that the company would begin selling limited numbers of the XL1, a plug-in diesel hybrid that will get 313 MPG (European cycle). The XL1 has been seen testing over the past year or so, adding fuel to the fire. Hackenburg also revealed that electric variant of the UP would be coming out next year, followed by a Golf plug-in hybrid the year after. As for vehicles that will not be making a appearance, Hackenburg said the Bulli has been shelved due to lack of demand. Also being shown the door is the Bluesport Roadster. "The prognosis of two-seat sports cars isn't good at the moment, so it's unlikely", he said. Source: What Car? William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 1, 2012 Automotive News is reporting that Ford and General Motors have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop next-generation nine and ten-speed automatic transmissions. Sources say that General Motors will take the lead on developing the nine-speed transmission for front-wheel drive and transverse applications. Ford will take on the ten-speed for rear-wheel drive applications. This isn't the first time that Ford and General Motors have worked together on transmissions. Back in 2002, the two companies worked together to develop six-speed automatic transmissions for front-wheel drive vehicles. Those transmissions would end up in vehicles such as the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Cruze. Before this announcement, the two companies were working on their own eight-speed automatics. Last June, Ford announced they were working on a eight-speed transmission. A source said that in the past year, the company scraped it before it began talking with GM. GM was working on a eight-speed automatic that would have appeared in the next-generation CTS and pickups. A source revealed that the volume projections for the eight-speed have been reduced drastically. 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

Thank you!

Fusion engine lineup as follows (all of them fours): 2.5L - 175 HP, 175 lb-ft 1.6L EcoBoost - 178 HP, 184 lb-ft 2.0L EcoBoost - 240 HP, 270 lb-ft All come with automatics, 1.6L is the only one with a six-speed manual.

Trying to think if the cube's 1.8L four made quite the racket when I had it for the week.. Really want to get a Altima in for a evaluation, since its one of the vehicles my dad is considering

Don't be.. The only real thing I've been excited by is the new GTI.. Other wise.. Meh