VenSeattle

I just performed a search on our site - here's a post from griffon:

I thought GME developed the Delta II architecture and the Epsilon II architecture. The GAMMA architecture and the micro-cars are being developed by GMDAT. Correct?

Very nice actually. The 2LT/RS sounds like it could be a very comfortable daily driver. This could end up being more of a Chevrolet premium coupe and possibly cross-shopped by those looking at Accord or Altima coupes. It definitely wins in the style department.

Toyota finally admits a segment defeat.

If they receive the buyouts offered before (as mentioned in the article), they'll probably have a very nice Christmas. They'll eventually have to find new jobs, but the bills will be paid for quite some time.

I found this pic of a Cadillac/Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealership in Vancouver WA. What do you guys think? Going forward, do you think this type of efficient bundling of brands would allow the brands to remain distinctive? I actually do. That's providing the dealership features separate entrances for the brand showrooms and separate service advisors/areas for Cadillac owners & BPG owners. The backend would benefit by using the same lot, management, including the service/technician dept and facilities. The distinction would remain but make it convenient for BPG shoppers to "browse" Cadillac and eventually trade-up. It would also allow Cadillac to move more towards a unified global line-up leaving the GMT900s with GMC and dropping the GMT900-based Escalade lineup.

Highway Bribery Toyota Joins The Discount Fray Tom Van Riper, 10.03.08, 3:32 PM ET Forbes.com Link to article You know the outlook is bleak for the auto industry when Toyota jumps into the inventory clearance game that Detroit has monopolized for the past couple of years. Just a short time ago, industry powerhouse Toyota was gobbling up market share by charging close to full price while truck-heavy General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford were stuck bribing buyers with heavy discounts. Industry analysts harped on the reputations of Toyota and, to a lesser degree, its Japanese counterparts Honda and Nissan, for reliability and fuel efficiency. Consumers didn't need big incentives to visit their showrooms and drive out with a car. But with the economy slowing down, consumer confidence dropping and credit for auto loans tight, suddenly everyone needs to give away cars. Toyota announced Friday that it will begin offering 0% financing for 11 models this month, some for up to 60 months. And it's not just on the company's big trucks and SUVs like the 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra. The popular and fuel-efficient Camry and Corolla are being cleared out on the cheap, too. "Sales coming in at the September rate would have been worse than stimulating them," says Burnham Securities auto analyst David Healey. Toyota suffered a 32% drop in vehicle sales last month from September 2007, similar to the declines at Chrysler, Ford and Nissan. Honda, with a 24% drop, fared just a little better. GM managed to limit its sales decline to 16%, though it needed an average incentive of almost $4,000 per vehicle to do it. Unlike the domestic Big Three, Toyota at least has the balance sheet to absorb a clearance sale with little trouble. The company made $17 billion during its latest fiscal year, which ended March 30, and sits on over $17 billion in cash. Still, it's a landmark move for Toyota, which hasn't offered these kinds of incentives since a limited flirtation with 0% financing shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, according to Edmunds.com analyst Jessica Caldwell. "Toyota, for the first time, will have to deal with the economic environment," she says. Not that the Japanese automakers are at Detroit incentive levels just yet. Toyota spent an average of $1,481 per vehicle on them during September, while Honda averaged just over $1,000, according to Edmunds.com data. That compares to $3,696 in per-vehicle incentive spending at Ford, $3,972 at GM and a whopping $4,705 at Chrysler. But the gap is narrowing: Toyota's incentive costs are up 78% from the $830 per vehicle it spent in September 2007. And the new 0% plan will push it up even more. Even as auto industry execs pushed Washington to pass the financial bailout (which it did on Friday afternoon), hoping to get car loans flowing again, they know there's no quick fix. Ford CEO Alan Mulally recently told a Paris trade show audience that he doesn't foresee an industry recovery until 2010. Caldwell thinks the possible spike in consumer confidence that the bailout could bring will do as much to get customers back to showrooms as a thawing in the credit markets will. But she agrees with Mulally that things will get tougher before they get better. Right now, people are thinking more about their jobs and savings than about buying cars. "Showrooms are empty; no one is even looking right now," she says.

Oops! I didn't have MB numbers yet when I posted my list. That's a good point about BMW 3-Series. So, looking at sedan sales only, Lucerne would be 2nd... right under the C-Class. Cool.

They're selling 15 cars per dealership a month. The article today predicts 3,800 dealerships to go out of business over the next several months. I believe several Mitsubishi dealerships will be included in that number (Mitsubishi had 570 dealerships in 2006; 520 dealerships in 2007; they're down to 480 dealerships right now). Yes, GM has brands that sell in that volume or less, but those brands are mated with other brands to help sustain the dealership network. Mitsubishi has no alliance and are still their own rooftop from what I can tell.

Not for much longer... I wish they'd just give up.

Most of the vehicles on the list are not going for MSRP (TL & MKS are brand new). Everyone seems to be offering some type of incentive at the moment (cash back, lease, etc) Most of the vehicles selected are in the $30k-$45k range (near-luxury) which overlaps Lucerne's price range. The BMW 5-series and Lexus GS were thrown in just for sales volume comparison. Lucerne's replacement may be more expensive and not sell as many, but the mid-luxury competitors aren't burning up the sales charts. Lucerne's direct competitors were the ones I'm actually interested in. Lucerne's Sept'08 sales were better than any of its direct/indirect competitors. The fact that it takes an uber-yuppy BMW 3-Series to top out the Lucerne (and only by 64 units) is pretty damn impressive. I'm sure this won't continue, so I'll celebrate while I can... but Fall & Winter are traditional good selling months for Buick... we'll see how it goes

Mazda Reports September 2008 Sales Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported September 2008 sales of 16,169 vehicles, down 35.6 percent over last September. Year-to-date, Mazda has sold 215,408 vehicles, down 5.7 percent. The all-new 2009 MAZDA6, which arrived at dealerships across the country in September, is off to a great start and exceeded sales objectives for the month. The new MAZDA6 features a larger body than the outgoing car, as well as more powerful -- and more fuel efficient -- engine choices. The right-for-the-market MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 26.8 percent increase versus last September, with 1,080 sales. Year-to-date the MAZDA5 is up a remarkable 42.0 percent. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever September with sales of 1,780 vehicles, up 29 percent versus last year. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 13,305 total sales, accounting for a 33 percent increase versus last year. Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) reported September sales of 6,762 units, down a slight 4.2 percent. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan. Mazda North American Operations - September 2008 Month-To-Date Year-To-Date September September % % MTD September September % % YTD 2008 2007 Change DSR 2008 2007 Change DSR Mazda3 6,029 10,629 (43.3)% (62.7)% 90,256 95,336 (5.3)% (5.6)% Mazda5 1,080 852 26.8% 27.2% 15,717 11,065 42.0% 29.6% Mazda6 3,694 3,842 (3.9)% 4.0% 42,237 44,028 (4.1)% (4.2)% MX-5 Miata 608 1,000 (39.2)% (51.8)% 9,991 2,716 (21.4)% (27.3)% RX-8 274 403 (32.0)% (35.8)% 2,865 4,820 (40.6)% (68.2)% CX-7 1,811 3,610 (49.8)% (84.0)% 23,058 32,005 (28.0)% (38.8)% CX-9 2,108 2,766 (23.8)% (21.1)% 20,469 16,486 24.2% 19.5% Tribute 477 1,821 (73.8)% (252.4)% 9,727 9,584 1.5% 1.5% B-Series Truck 88 172 (48.8)% (80.4)% 1,088 2,235 (51.3)% (105.4)% MPV - 3 (100.0)% N/A - 125 (100.0)% N/A Total Vehicles CARS 11,685 16,726 (30.1)% (32.1)% 161,066 167,965 (4.1)% (4.3)% TRUCKS 4,484 8,372 (46.4)% (72.3)% 54,342 60,435 (10.1)% (11.2)% TOTAL 16,169 25,098 (35.6)% (43.3)% 215,408 228,400 (5.7)% (6.0)% MEMO: IMPORT CAR 7,991 12,884 (38.0)% 118,829 123,937 (4.1)% IMPORT TRUCK 3,919 6,379 (38.6)% 43,527 48,616 (10.5)% IMPORT TOTAL 11,910 19,263 (38.2)% 162,356 172,553 (5.9)% DOMESTIC CAR 3,694 3,842 (3.9)% 42,237 44,028 (4.1)% DOMESTIC TRUCK 565 1,993 (71.7)% 10,815 11,819 (8.5)% DOMESTIC TOTALS 4,259 5,835 (27.0)% 53,052 55,847 (5.0)% Selling Days 24 26 233 233 Note: MPV is a discontinued vehicle.

MBUSA Reports September New Car Sales of 18,779 Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release MONTVALE, N.J., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported September sales of 18,779 vehicles, bringing the company's year-to-date volume to 177,298, a 1.6 percent decrease over its year-to-date record set last year. After its first full year on the market, the new generation C-Class model line set a record for September sales with 6,772 units, an 11.9 percent jump over the 6,052 C-Class units sold last September. C-Class sport and luxury models also set a record year-to-date with a sales increase of 35.8 percent (57,365 vs. 42,236 units). True to form, the C-Class continued to be the sales volume leader for the diverse Mercedes-Benz product portfolio. On the SUV side, the volume leader was the M-Class which continued to demonstrate gains with a sales increase of 1.1 percent for September sales (2,981 vs. 2,948 units). This brings M-Class sales for the year-to-date to 25,498 units, a 6.4 percent increase over the first three quarters of last year. Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA sold 4,973 vehicles in September, an increase of 13.3 percent over September 2007, bringing the program's year-to-date total to 47,946 units, a 22.1 percent increase over the same period last year. Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. For over forty years, MBUSA has prided itself on its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com. MERCEDES-BENZ USA Sales -- September 2008 Model Sept. '08 Sept. '07 Monthly % YTD 2008 YTD 2007 Yearly % ----- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ----- ----- ---- ------ ------ ---- C-CLASS 6,772 6,052 11.9% 57,365 42,236 35.8% ------- ----- ----- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ ----- E-CLASS 2,968 4,993 -40.6% 30,750 34,184 -10.0% ------- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ ----- ------- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ ----- S-CLASS 1,591 1,964 -19.0% 14,507 19,501 -25.6% ------- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ ----- -------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- CL-CLASS 221 277 -20.2% 2,176 2,672 -18.6% -------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- -------- --- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- SL-CLASS 357 384 -7.0% 4,736 4,787 -1.1% -------- --- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- --------- --- ----- ----- ----- ------ ----- CLK-CLASS 614 1,247 -50.8% 8,392 11,628 -27.8% --------- --- ----- ----- ----- ------ ----- --------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- SLK-CLASS 302 396 -23.7% 4,166 6,067 -31.3% --------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- CLS-CLASS 300 554 -45.8% 4,793 6,012 -20.3% --------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- R-CLASS 500 1,018 -50.9% 6,503 9,917 -34.4% ------- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------- ----- ----- --- ------ ------ --- M-CLASS 2,981 2,948 1.1% 25,498 23,960 6.4% ------- ----- ----- --- ------ ------ --- -------- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ ---- GL-CLASS 2,137 2,541 -15.9% 17,760 18,498 -4.0% -------- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ ---- ------- -- -- ----- --- --- ----- G-CLASS 36 85 -57.6% 652 803 -18.8% ------- -- -- ----- --- --- ----- ----------- ------ ------ ----- ------- ------- ---- GRAND TOTAL 18,779 22,459 -16.4% 177,298 180,265 -1.6% ----------- ------ ------ ----- ------- ------- ----

Daimler AG Reports September Sales Daimler AG Reports a 9 Percent Decrease for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for September 2008 Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release - Total 20,557 of Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S. - Mercedes-Benz USA Records September Sales of 18,779 - smart USA Records 1,778 Sales in September NEW YORK, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (NYSE: DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 20,557 units in the U.S. for September 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported September sales of 18,779 vehicles, bringing the company's year-to-date volume to 177,298, a 1.6 percent decrease over its year-to-date record set last year. For the month, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and M-Class model lines recorded gains of 11.9 percent and 1.1 percent respectively. Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 1,778 for the month of September. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible 18,156 units in just over eight months of being offered in the U.S. market. smart USA expects to deliver its 20,000th smart fortwo in the month of October. The vehicle is attracting an overwhelming number of buyers who want a solution to high gas prices, a reduced environmental footprint and increased urban mobility on congested city streets -- all in a package that's fun to drive. The fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety, environmental friendliness and low cost of ownership. There are currently 73 smart centers open in 35 states. Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA. Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. Sales Summary Through September 2008 Month Sales % Sales CYTD % Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ----- Mercedes-Benz USA 18,779 22,459 -16.4 177,298 180,265 -1.6 smart USA 1,778 n/a* n/a* 18,156 n/a* n/a* Mercedes-Benz USA / smart USA combined 20,557 22,459* -8.5* 195,454 180,265* 8.4* * smart sales in the U.S. started in mid January 2008 Further information on Daimler is available on the internet at http://www.media.daimler.com About Daimler Daimler AG, Stuttgart, with its businesses Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Daimler Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses, is a globally leading producer of premium passenger cars and the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the world. The Daimler Financial Services division has a broad offering of financial services, including vehicle financing, leasing, insurance and fleet management. Daimler sells its products in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities on five continents. The company's founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, continued to make automotive history following their invention of the automobile in 1886. As an automotive pioneer, Daimler and its employees willingly accept an obligation to act responsibly towards society and the environment and to shape the future of safe and sustainable mobility with groundbreaking technologies and high-quality products. The current brand portfolio includes the world's most valuable automobile brand, Mercedes-Benz, as well as smart, AMG, Maybach, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Orion and Thomas Built Buses. The company is listed on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt, New York and Stuttgart (stock exchange abbreviation DAI). In 2007, the Group sold 2.1 million vehicles and employed a workforce of over 270,000 people; revenue totaled €99.4 billion and EBIT amounted to €8.7 billion. Daimler is an automotive Group with a commitment to excellence, and aims to achieve sustainable growth and industry-leading profitability.

Audi Reports September Sales Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release - Audi year-over-year sales decline in challenging market - Launch of all-new A4 drives additional interest, sales - R8 sales up; A5 posts second consecutive record month - de Nysschen expects Audi to maintain strong market share HERNDON, Va., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi of America announced today auto sales for the month of September totaling 7,584, a decrease of 5.4% from last year's figures. Audi new vehicle sales fell 3.9% year-to-date as the company faces stronger economic headwinds. Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales decreased by 10.6% compared to last year's September figures, although sales continued to grow year-over-year at 31.0%. "The all-new Audi 2009 A4 arrived this month to critical praise and high consumer interest in its segment-leading fuel economy, design and performance. Demand for the new A4 boosted our overall sales by more than one thousand units over August's figures. In addition, increased sales of our A5 and R8 models point to the continued strength of Audi's portfolio of all-new, progressive luxury autos," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "We believe that Audi will maintain its strong luxury market share despite consumer concerns about the economy, and we expect to see momentum around the new A4 continue to build well into the fall season." The arrival of the all-new Audi 2009 A4 models in dealer showrooms boosted consumer interest in the brand throughout the month in spite of the model's late-September release. Based on government data and independent test results, the 2009 A4 2.0T leads its key competitors in fuel economy and 0-to-60 miles per hour acceleration. Audi posted increased nationwide sales of its A5 model; dealers recorded a second month of record sales for the all-new A5 due to improved availability, with 719 units sold. Sales of the R8, Audi's premier example of its progressive German engineering, rose by 9% compared to September of last year. Audi continues to impress industry analysts and other third-party industry watchers. J.D. Power and Associates, the respected industry organization that measures, among other things, quality within the auto industry, recently noted that Audi posted the greatest ranking improvement in initial quality during the 2008 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey. The Audi Q7, A3, A4 and A6 have also been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as Top Safety Picks in 2008, earning Audi the most Top Safety Pick designations for 2008 models of any luxury automaker this year. ABOUT AUDI Audi of America and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and profit growth. Visit http://www.audiusa.com or http://www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business issues. AUDI US SNAPSHOT -----YEAR TO DATE----- Sep-08 Sep-07 Yr/Yr % Sep-08 Sep-07 Yr/Yr % actual actual change YTD YTD change actual actual A3 287 462 -37.9 % 3,734 4,831 -22.7 % A4/S4/RS 4 3,495 3,936 -11.2 % 32,401 32,816 -1.3 % A5/S5 719 115 525.2 % 4,191 115 3544.3 % A6/S6 1,090 1,126 -3.2 % 9,263 8,762 5.7 % A8/S8 261 311 -16.1 % 2,168 2,754 -21.3 % TT 266 412 -35.4 % 3,432 3,084 11.3 % R8 73 67 9.0 % 521 67 677.6 % Audi Q7 1,393 1,591 -12.4 % 10,107 16,049 -37.0 % Total Audi Sales 7,584 8,020 -5.4 % 65,817 68,478 -3.9 %

VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS SEPTEMBER 2008 SALES Oct. 1 media.VW.com Link to Press Release HERNDON, Va.— Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced September 2008 sales of 17,109 units, a 9.4 percent decrease over the September 2007 sales of 18,891 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 0.2 percent ahead of 2007 sales through September. “This is the toughest economy we’ve seen in a long time” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re extremely pleased that we are still ahead of last years sales. With the arrival of our all-new luxurious CC and our seven passenger minivan, Routan, which are arriving in dealerships now, combined with our other new products launched earlier this year, such as our 50-state compliant clean diesel Jetta TDI, we see opportunity to continue to grow our business.” Demonstrating that customers are looking for better fuel economy choices, the all-new Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI continue to sell as fast as dealers get them in. 2008 has been a big year for Volkswagen new product launches, with five new vehicles launched, including the Jetta SportWagen, Jetta TDI, Tiguan, Routan and CC. About Volkswagen of America, Inc. Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 model year vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stabilization control system on its entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) deadline requiring stabilization systems in the 2012 model year vehicles. Volkswagen’s ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and other types of crashes. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen Group of America is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Mitsubishi Motors announces September Sales Galant and Lancer Evolution Lead Mitsubishi Motors September Sales Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release CYPRESS, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced September 2008 sales of 7,378. Galant sales were 2,605, which, based on average daily selling rate is a 1.1 percent increase, compared to September 2007. (There were 24 sales days in 2008 and 25 sales days in 2007). September 2008 Lancer Evolution sales were up 154 percent over September 2007 sales. In a badly depressed overall automotive sales market, Mitsubishi's total September 2008 sales were down 39 percent, compared to September 2007 (12,102 sales). Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 480 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit http://media.mitsubishicars.com.

Woohoo! Go Buick! I included BMW for SMK Sept'08 Sales: BMW 3-Series - 6,303 Buick Lucerne - 6,239 Nissan Maxima - 4,996 Chrysler 300 - 4,287 Lexus ES350 - 4,042 Toyota Avalon - 3,404 Lexus IS 250/350 - 3,044 Acura TL - 3,017 BMW 5-Series - 2,423 Lincoln MKS - 1,814 Hyundai Genesis - 1,029 Lexus GS 350/460 - 977 Mercury Sable - 783 Volvo S80 - 578 Hyundai Azera - 483 Acura RL - 259 Kia Amanti - 163

True, but the 2008 Maxima was heavily fleeted. The new for 2009 Maxima isn't (at least at the moment). I still like the new Maxima even after the newness has worn off. I'm waiting to see the new LaCrosse in the flesh before making any decisions. We'll see how that comparison turns out soon enough.

I love the fabric on the dash actually. I think the interior looks great. I agree, GM needs to build this now.

If Palin is standing... on the stage... at the end of the debate, then she will have exceeded my expectations.

Quickie - . Month Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change CHRYSLER BRAND 23,346 38,668 -40% JEEP BRAND 21,431 37,460 -43% DODGE BRAND 62,572 83,671 -25% . Sales CYTD Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change CHRYSLER BRAND 275,735 408,677 -33% JEEP BRAND 269,148 363,669 -26% DODGE BRAND 638,636 806,477 -21%

Chrysler LLC Reports September 2008 U.S. Sales Announces October Incentive Strategy Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- -- Chrysler LLC celebrates 25th anniversary of minivan leadership -- Sales increase for Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan -- Chrysler Sebring Convertible posts strong sales for the month -- Sales of the fuel-efficient Dodge Caliber continue at a steady pace -- All-new Dodge Journey continues as a hit in the crossover segment -- 2008 model-year Dodge Ram light-duty truck sales make way for new 2009 model -- October incentives offer best deals of the year on remaining 2008 models Chrysler LLC today reported total September 2008 U.S. sales of 107,349 units, down 33 percent from the same period last year. Total September sales reflect a highly volatile economic environment, ongoing segment shifts and reduced fleet and lease volume. Sales for the month were supported by models such as the Dodge Journey, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country, as well as competitive pricing and aggressive monthly payment offers. "The economy is going through a difficult restructuring, resulting in great uncertainty among consumers," Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice Chairman and President, said. "We are committed to supporting our customers with significant savings and innovative financing, and our dealers with new business solutions. Longer term, we all need to be investing in building a healthier automobile industry and be ready to compete when the economy strengthens." October Incentives This month's incentives provide consumers an opportunity to take advantage of the remaining 2008 model-year inventory at the best deals of the year. The incentive plan will focus on aggressive cash positions and discounted APR financing that drive lower monthly payments. For example on the remaining inventory of the 2008 model-year Dodge Ram, there are total manufacturer discounts up to $6,000 or 0 percent APR financing for 72 months with $1,000 cash back. For returning lease customers, Chrysler will offer Lease Loyalty allowance of up to $750 toward a new retail purchase. For consumers interested in leasing through independent financial institutions, Chrysler offers Bonus Cash of up to $2,000 on select 2008 model-year vehicles. September Sales Highlights Chrysler LLC's minivan sales continued to thrive in September based on their strong appeal as fuel efficient, multi-passenger vehicles. Compared with September sales in 2007, the Chrysler Town & Country achieved a 6 percent increase with sales of 9,229 units, and the Dodge Grand Caravan increased 6 percent with sales of 11,056 units. With more than 12 million minivans sold worldwide in their 25-year history, Chrysler and Dodge minivans still command 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market. The mid-size Chrysler Sebring Convertible continues to resonate well in the market, achieving an 11 percent increase with 1,813 units in September. Offering the versatility of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and the affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car, the Dodge Caliber posted sales of 6,129 units, down 3 percent over last year's total of 6,348 units. However, when compared with August 2008 sales, the Caliber's sales increased by 52 percent. The all-new Dodge Journey continues to make its mark in the crossover segment offering best-in-class fuel economy (19 mpg city/25 mpg highway) and award-winning seven-passenger interior utility. The Dodge Journey reached 4,860 units, up 6 percent when compared with August 2008 sales. The sell-down of 2008 Dodge Ram pickups has progressed and made way for the all-new 2009 model arriving at dealers in October. The 2009 model-year Dodge Ram offers a best-in-class combination of power and fuel efficiency with a base starting price of $22,170 (regular cab, includes destination). The Company finished the month with 381,365 units of inventory, or a 85- day supply. As part of a planned reduction in manufacturing capacity, inventory is down 15 percent compared with September 2007 when it totaled 450,733 units. Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru September 2008 Month Sales Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Sebring 5,450 6,057 -10% 300 4,287 9,231 -54% Crossfire 113 501 -77% PT Cruiser 2,410 6,140 -61% Aspen 1,313 3,875 -66% Pacifica 544 4,183 -87% Town & Country 9,229 8,681 6% CHRYSLER BRAND 23,346 38,668 -40% Compass 993 2,852 -65% Patriot 3,190 4,245 -25% Wrangler 6,130 8,605 -29% Liberty 4,963 6,830 -27% Grand Cherokee 4,565 10,419 -56% Commander 1,590 4,509 -65% JEEP BRAND 21,431 37,460 -43% Caliber 6,129 6,348 -3% Avenger 4,500 8,318 -46% Charger 8,118 9,265 -12% Challenger 2,376 0 0% Viper 86 24 258% Magnum 35 3,628 -99% Dakota 622 4,188 -85% Ram P/U 20,812 30,100 -31% Journey 4,860 0 0% Caravan 11,056 10,417 6% Durango 616 2,850 -78% Nitro 2,531 7,044 -64% Sprinter 831 1,489 -44% DODGE BRAND 62,572 83,671 -25% TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 107,349 159,799 -33% TOTAL CAR 31,099 43,681 -29% TOTAL TRUCK 76,250 116,118 -34% Selling Days 24 25 Sales CYTD Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Sebring 61,428 68,277 -10% 300 51,807 90,251 -43% Crossfire 1,566 8,290 -81% PT Cruiser 42,345 77,383 -45% Aspen 17,681 22,468 -21% Pacifica 5,621 42,874 -87% Town & Country 95,287 99,134 -4% CHRYSLER BRAND 275,735 408,677 -33% Compass 22,389 31,273 -28% Patriot 47,344 27,612 71% Wrangler 65,135 92,549 -30% Liberty 54,293 68,865 -21% Grand Cherokee 57,333 93,246 -39% Commander 22,654 50,124 -55% JEEP BRAND 269,148 363,669 -26% Caliber 74,069 80,352 -8% Avenger 53,828 59,148 -9% Charger 80,220 89,490 -10% Challenger 8,443 0 0% Viper 872 348 151% Magnum 6,777 22,342 -70% Dakota 21,626 41,376 -48% Ram P/U 196,058 276,978 -29% Journey 35,627 0 0% Caravan 102,398 130,472 -22% Durango 17,339 37,511 -54% Nitro 30,071 55,789 -46% Sprinter 11,308 11,193 1% DODGE BRAND 638,636 806,477 -21% TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 1,183,519 1,578,823 -25% TOTAL CAR 340,101 429,876 -21% TOTAL TRUCK 843,418 1,148,947 -27% Selling Days 230 230 About Chrysler LLC Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Mopar® brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles, including an increase of 15 percent outside of North America. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.

HAH! and MSN Money was expecting GM to be down 26%....

BMW Group Reports September Sales Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release BMW Group US sales (BMW and MINI combined) decreased 4.8 percent year-to-date. In September sales declined 25.8 percent. WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported September sales of 18,506 vehicles, a decrease of 25.8 percent over the 24,932 vehicles sold in September 2007. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 236,327 vehicles, down 4.8 percent, compared to 248,273 vehicles in the same period of 2007. BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 29.5 percent in September for a total of 14,744 compared to 20,901 reported in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date BMW brand sales were down 9.6 percent, to 195,633 vehicles compared to 216,337 vehicles sold in the same period in 2007. "At BMW, we are fortunate to have set a rational plan in place for the entire year. While our sales this month are on a level with others, in the year to date, we are still tracking better than the overall premium market," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "New products such as the just refreshed 3 Series with its new look and new iDrive Control will keep us attractive in the market place. A new dimension will be added to our range of vehicles with the introduction of the Advanced Clean Diesels in the 3 Series and the X5, which will be available in all 50 states. We are also getting ready for the U.S. launch of the all-new 7 Series which comes early in the new year." BMW Automobile Sales BMW's automobile sales are down 35.9 percent in September to 10,552 versus 16,457 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales also decreased 9.9 percent, to 152,988 automobiles compared to 169,760 in the same period of 2007. BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 5.7 percent in September to 4,192 vehicles over the 4,444 sold last September. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 8.4 percent, to 42,645 vehicles compared to the 46,577 sold in the first nine months of 2007. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported September sales of 3,762 automobiles, down 6.7 percent from the 4,031 cars sold in September 2007. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 40,694 automobiles, an increase of 27.4 percent, compared to the 31,936 cars reported in the first nine months of 2007. "Tight inventories restricted September MINI sales, which were 269 units below prior year levels," said Jim McDowell, Vice-President of MINI USA. "Despite high gas prices, limited credit opportunities, and concern about the overall economy, more and more Americans are rethinking automotive choices they have always made. We think this is the reason why we ended the month with only a six day supply of cars in our retailers' showrooms. In the coming month, we look forward to increased production for our market to help replenish our dealer stocks." Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, September 2008 Sept. Sept. YTD YTD 2008 2007 % 2008 2007 % BMW brand 14,744 20,901 -29.5 195,633 216,337 -9.6 BMW passenger cars 10,552 16,457 -35.9 152,988 169,760 -9.9 BMW light trucks 4,192 4,444 - 5.7 42,645 46,577 -8.4 (SAVs) MINI brand 3,762 4,031 - 6.7 40,694 31,936 27.4 TOTAL Group 18,506 24,932 -25.8 236,327 248,273 -4.8 BMW Certified Pre-Owned Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are up 3.9 percent, to 7,707 CPO vehicles versus 7,421 vehicles reported last September. Year-to-date, CPO sales are up 19.7 percent, to 77,144 over the 64,445 reported in the same period in 2007. Sales BMW of North America, LLC, September 2008 YTD YTD Sept. 08 Sept. 07 % Sept. 08 Sept. 07 % 1 Series 663 0 9,280 0 3 Series 6,303 9,519 -33.8% 88,270 106,560 -17.2% Z4 Roadster and Coupe 337 990 -66.0% 5,009 7,537 -33.5% 5 Series 2,423 4,055 -40.2% 35,331 37,895 -6.8% 6 Series 292 808 -63.9% 5,173 6,759 -23.5% 7 Series 534 1,085 -50.8% 9,925 11,009 -9.8% BMW passenger cars 10,552 16,457 -35.9% 152,988 169,760 -9.9% -------------- ------ ------ ----- ------- ------- ---- X3 1,400 2,151 -34.9% 14,620 22,258 -34.3% X5 2,316 2,293 1.0% 24,663 24,319 1.4% X6 476 0 3,362 0 BMW light trucks (SAVs) 4,192 4,444 -5.7% 42,645 46,577 -8.4% ---------------- ----- ----- ---- ------ ------ ---- BMW brand 14,744 20,901 -29.5% 195,633 216,337 -9.6% --------- ------ ------ ----- ------- ------- ---- Cooper /S Hardtop 2,721 3,407 -20.1% 27,687 25,656 7.9% Cooper /S Convertible 153 624 -75.5% 4,698 6,280 -25.2% Cooper /S Clubman 888 0 8,309 0 MINI brand 3,762 4,031 -6.7% 40,694 31,936 27.4% ---------- ----- ----- ---- ------ ------ ---- TOTAL BMW of North America, LLC 18,506 24,932 -25.8% 236,327 248,273 -4.8% ------------------ ------ ------ ----- ------- ------- ---- BMW Group in America BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: http://www.bmwgroupna.com http://www.bmwusa.com http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com http://www.miniusa.com http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com