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Kia Motors America Announces August Sales Sept 3rd /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release Passenger Cars Up 22.2 Percent Year-To-Date IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced August sales of 25,065 units. Year-to-date sales are up 1.3 percent with 210,705 units sold. Passenger cars are up 4.9 percent for August and 22.2 percent year-to-date. Leading August passenger car sales is Optima with 3,807 units, up 25.2 percent over the same period last year. Rio and Rondo also both had increases of 19 percent and 15.2 percent respectively over the same period last year with 3,590 and 3,508 units sold. Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise." Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site -- http://www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com. MONTH OF AUGUST YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2008 2007 2008 2007 Rio 3,590 3,017 28,258 22,292 Spectra 6,170 6,834 55,037 49,761 Optima 3,807 3,040 38,873 28,017 Amanti 214 249 2,643 4,837 Sportage 2,845 4,109 26,132 32,067 Sorento 3,041 3,557 17,473 26,438 Sedona 886 3,023 19,210 29,281 Rondo 3,508 3,045 22,038 15,263 Borrego 1,004 n/a 1,041 n/a Total 25,065 26,874 210,705 207,956

Hyundai Motor America Reports August Sales Sept 3rd /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 41,130 for the month of August, an 8.8 percent decrease from the all-time August sales record set in 2007. "Once again the fuel-efficient Accent, Sonata and Elantra, despite restricted availability, continued their upward sales trend with increases of 73 percent, 17 percent and 13 percent, respectively, over the same month last year," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of national sales. "As illustrated by our August sales, the small to midsize segments continue to be where the market is and we believe Hyundai is extremely well positioned to capitalize on this." "Additionally, we just finished our first full month of sales of our new rear-wheel drive Genesis and we are thrilled with the results of 1,177 units. Genesis is changing the way American buyers think about the Hyundai brand and is attracting an entirely new type of prospect to our showrooms." All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 800 dealerships nationwide. CARLINE AUG/2008 AUG/2007 CY2008 CY2007 ACCENT 6,455 3,731 41,379 26,092 SONATA 11,477 10,348 88,813 92,808 ELANTRA 10,031 8,812 82,463 66,726 TIBURON 984 1,646 7,053 10,614 SANTA FE 7,675 10,570 51,953 62,509 AZERA 703 1,992 12,954 15,938 TUCSON 1,685 4,954 14,953 28,756 ENTOURAGE 391 1,295 3,905 14,785 VERACRUZ 552 1,739 7,600 6,965 GENESIS 1,177 0 1,826 0 TOTAL 41,130 45,087 312,899 325,193

Nissan North America Announces August Sales Sept 3rd /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release FRANKLIN, Tenn., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported August 2008 sales of 108,493 units versus 95,527 units a year ago, an increase of 13.6 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles increased 14.2 percent, while sales of Infiniti Division vehicles increased by 8.0 percent. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS -- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 97,417 units in August compared with August 2007's 85,275 units sold, a 14.2 percent increase. -- The Xterra SUV and Frontier midsize pickup led a strong month for truck sales, with increases of 76.9 percent and 55.5 percent, respectively, over year-ago levels. -- With the introduction of the seventh-generation Maxima, sales for the model were strong, reaching 5,484 units, exceeding prior year by 15.5 percent. -- The all-new Nissan GT-R enjoyed a strong launch with sales of 484 units in August. -- Sales of Nissan cars combined for 49,394 units, an increase of 0.6 percent from the prior year, while truck sales increased 32.7 percent to 48,023 units. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS -- Infiniti sales for August grew to 11,076 units from 10,252 units, an increase of 8.0 percent. -- Sales of the EX totaled 1,645 units, the strongest posting for the new nameplate since its launch in December 2007. -- Sales of the FX sport crossover reached 1,581 units, an increase of 27.3 percent compared with August 2007. NNA INFORMATION -- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 108,493 units, compared with last August's sales of 95,527 units, marking an increase of 13.6 percent. -- To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This August had 27 selling days, as did August 2007. In North America, NNA's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on NNA and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissannews.com. NISSAN DIVISION SALES August August Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change Nissan Division Total 97,417 85,275 14.2 643,939 635,210 1.4 Versa 8,015 8,454 -5.2 62,341 53,865 15.7 Sentra 9,207 9,076 1.4 79,288 75,616 4.9 Altima 25,298 25,434 -0.5 207,733 190,151 9.2 Maxima 5,484 4,748 15.5 31,618 34,758 -9.0 350Z 906 1,380 -34.3 8,278 13,916 -40.5 GT-R 484 NA NA 631 NA NA Total Car 49,394 49,092 0.6 389,889 368,306 5.9 Frontier 9,140 5,878 55.5 39,339 45,257 -13.1 Titan 5,871 6,985 -15.9 27,028 45,766 -40.9 Xterra 8,208 4,639 76.9 28,345 34,596 -18.1 Pathfinder 6,792 6,633 2.4 28,569 41,811 -31.7 Armada 2,178 2,959 -26.4 12,506 21,257 -41.2 Rogue 6,639 NA NA 49,998 NA NA Murano 5,071 6,580 -22.9 51,610 57,448 -10.2 Quest 4,124 2,509 64.4 16,655 20,769 -19.8 Total Truck 48,023 36,183 32.7 254,050 266,904 -4.8 North American Produced 84,317 77,315 9.1 533,422 563,846 -5.4 Car 48,004 47,712 0.6 380,980 354,390 7.5 Truck 36,313 29,603 22.7 152,442 209,456 -27.2 Import 13,100 7,960 64.6 110,517 71,364 54.9 Car 1,390 1,380 0.7 8,909 13,916 -36.0 Truck 11,710 6,580 78.0 101,608 57,448 76.9 INFINITI DIVISION SALES August August Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change Infiniti Division Total 11,076 10,252 8.0 82,194 83,574 -1.7 G Sedan 4,014 4,349 -7.7 32,222 37,640 -14.4 G Coupe 1,847 1,826 1.2 15,086 9,492 58.9 M 1,221 1,658 -26.4 10,968 15,034 -27.0 Q45 0 0 NA 0 21 -100.0 QX56 768 1,176 -34.7 5,914 7,633 -22.5 EX 1,645 NA NA 9,010 NA NA FX 1,581 1,242 27.3 8,995 13,752 -34.6 Total Car 7,082 7,833 -9.6 58,275 62,187 -6.3 Total Truck 3,994 2,419 65.1 23,919 21,387 11.8 COMBINED NISSAN AND INFINITI SALES August August Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change TOTAL VEHICLE 108,493 95,527 13.6 726,133 718,784 1.0 Total Car 56,476 56,925 -0.8 448,164 430,493 4.1 Total Truck 52,017 38,602 34.8 277,969 288,291 -3.6 Selling Days 27 27 206 205 *All numbers include Hawaii. * One QX4 was sold in August 2007.

Toyota Reports August Sales Sept 3rd /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported August sales of 211,533 vehicles, a decrease of 9.4 percent from last August, on a daily selling rate basis. The Toyota Division posted August sales of 182,252 units, a decrease of 9.4 percent from last August. The Lexus Division reported August sales of 29,281 units, a decrease of 9.1 percent from the year-ago month. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded August sales of 111,778 units, down 3.4 percent from the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid, which posted combined sales of 44,064 units, up 3.3 percent over August 2007. Camry Hybrid reported August sales of 3,456 units. Corolla recorded sales of 29,443 units for the month. With limited availability, the Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted August sales of 13,463 units. Yaris reported sales of 9,474 units for the month, up 20.5 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division light trucks posted August sales of 70,474 units, down 17.6 percent from August 2007. Light truck sales were led by the Tundra full-size pickup with August sales of 17,401 units. The Tacoma mid-size pickup reported sales of 12,407 units for the month. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 8,070 units in August. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported August sales of 1,277 units, up 225 percent over last August. Sequoia posted sales of 3,195 units for the month, up 86.1 percent over the same period last year. Scion posted August sales of 11,867 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with August sales 4,626 units. The tC sports coupe posted August sales of 4,484 units. The xD reported best-ever August sales of 2,757 units for the month, up 3.5 percent over the same period last year. Lexus Division Lexus passenger cars reported August sales of 17,844 units, a decrease of 9.8 percent from August 2007. Passenger-car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with August sales of 7,881 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported best-ever combined sales of 6,318 units, up 17.4 percent over last August. The LS flagship luxury sedan reported combined sales of 1,772 units. The GS luxury sport sedan reported combined August sales of 1,686 units. Lexus Division light trucks recorded August sales of 11,437 units, down 7.8 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined August sales of 8,969 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported August sales of 1,277 units, up nine percent over August 2007. The LX 570 reported sales of 748 units, an increase of 238.5 percent over the same period last year. TMS Hybrids TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 185,051 units. TMS posted August sales of 19,529 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division recorded sales of 18,146 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported August sales of 1,383 hybrids. There were 27 selling days this month and last August. TOYOTA RETAIL SALES (INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII) August, 2008 ----- CURRENT MONTH ----- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -- DSR % DSR % 2008 2007 CHG 2008 2007 CHG YARIS 9,474 7,861 20.5 82,774 62,509 31.8 COROLLA 29,443 30,491 -3.4 258,369 262,431 -2.0 CAMRY 44,064 42,658 3.3 326,076 324,702 -0.1 AVALON 3,467 5,880 -41.0 30,905 48,494 -36.6 PRIUS 13,463 14,055 -4.2 119,688 124,620 -4.4 SCION xA 0 190 -100.0 39 9,394 -99.6 SCION xB 4,626 5,329 -13.2 35,633 28,990 22.3 SCION tC 4,484 6,590 -32.0 33,001 46,369 -29.2 SCION xD 2,757 2,664 3.5 20,974 2,664 683.5 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS. CAR 111,778 115,718 -3.4 907,460 910,177 -0.8 ES 7,881 8,646 -8.8 46,600 55,953 -17.1 LS 1,772 3,164 -44.0 14,792 23,432 -37.2 SC 187 298 -37.2 1,560 2,698 -42.5 GS 1,686 2,300 -26.7 12,042 15,422 -22.3 IS 6,318 5,381 17.4 37,328 37,949 -2.1 TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR 17,844 19,789 -9.8 112,322 135,454 -17.5 TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR 129,622 135,507 -4.3 1,019,782 1,045,631 -2.9 SIENNA 10,244 11,099 -7.7 85,240 96,047 -11.7 RAV4 12,911 15,916 -18.9 96,433 117,534 -18.4 FJ CRUISER 1,886 4,802 -60.7 20,125 38,684 -48.2 4RUNNER 4,115 8,312 -50.5 34,343 59,182 -42.3 HIGHLANDER 8,070 9,514 -15.2 76,222 83,121 -8.7 LAND CRUISER 245 181 35.4 3,017 1,589 88.9 SEQUOIA 3,195 1,717 86.1 22,562 16,299 37.8 TOTAL SUV 30,422 40,442 -24.8 252,702 316,409 -20.5 4X2 TACOMA 6,508 9,060 -28.2 60,867 72,119 -16.0 4X4 TACOMA 5,899 6,034 -2.2 47,270 49,400 -4.8 TOTAL TACOMA 12,407 15,094 -17.8 108,137 121,519 -11.4 TUNDRA 17,401 18,919 -8.0 107,330 124,909 -14.5 TOTAL PICKUP 29,808 34,013 -12.4 215,467 246,428 -13.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT TRUCK 70,474 85,554 -17.6 553,409 658,884 -16.4 LX 748 221 238.5 5,769 1,972 191.1 GX 1,720 2,157 -20.3 11,503 14,430 -20.7 RX 8,969 10,032 -10.6 58,580 67,686 -13.9 TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK 11,437 12,410 -7.8 75,852 84,088 -10.2 TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK 81,911 97,964 -16.4 629,261 742,972 -15.7 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 182,252 201,272 -9.4 1,460,869 1,569,061 -7.3 TOTAL LEXUS 29,281 32,199 -9.1 188,174 219,542 -14.7 TOTAL TOYOTA 211,533 233,471 -9.4 1,649,043 1,788,603 -8.3 MEMO: DOM. COROLLA 21,060 29,840 -29.4 209,554 239,186 -12.8 DOM. CAMRY 43,544 39,823 9.3 319,870 275,247 15.6 DOM. PICKUP 29,808 34,013 -12.4 215,467 246,428 -13.0 DOM. RX 7,288 7,607 -4.2 42,490 49,105 -13.9 SELLING DAYS 27 27 206 205 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 43,707 40,175 8.8 347,131 347,250 -0.5 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 17,844 19,789 -9.8 112,322 135,454 -17.5 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 68,071 75,543 -9.9 560,329 562,927 -0.9 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 129,622 135,507 -4.3 1,019,782 1,045,631 -2.9 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT TRUCK 27,227 38,725 -29.7 230,140 300,110 -23.7 LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK 4,149 4,803 -13.6 33,362 34,983 -5.1 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT TRUCK 43,247 46,829 -7.6 323,269 358,774 -10.3 LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK 7,288 7,607 -4.2 42,490 49,105 -13.9 TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK 81,911 97,964 -16.4 629,261 742,972 -15.7 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 39,973 48,050 -16.8 308,429 361,813 -15.2 Memo: Lexus Sport Utility 11,437 12,410 -7.8 75,852 84,088 -10.2 SMALL VANS 10,244 11,099 -7.7 85,240 96,047 -11.7 PICKUPS 29,808 34,013 -12.4 215,467 246,428 -13.0 * NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES COROLLA 21,060 29,840 -29.4 209,554 239,186 -12.8 CAMRY 43,544 39,823 9.3 319,870 275,247 15.6 AVALON 3,467 5,880 -41.0 30,905 48,494 -36.6 SIENNA 10,244 11,099 -7.7 85,240 96,047 -11.7 PICKUP 29,808 34,013 -12.4 215,467 246,428 -13.0 SEQUOIA 3,195 1,717 86.1 22,562 16,299 37.8 RX 7,288 7,607 -4.2 42,490 49,105 -13.9 TOTAL 118,606 129,979 -8.7 926,088 970,806 -5.1 N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 56.1% 55.7% 56.2% 54.3% SELLING DAYS 27 27 206 205 DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

American Honda Reports August Sales Sept 3rd /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release All-new Pilot sales increase 18.6 percent; Civic Sales up by 5.3 percent TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted August total vehicle sales of 146,855, a decline of 7.3 percent compared to record-setting August 2007 results. Year-to-date sales of 1,083,957 represent a 1.2 percent increase on a daily-selling-rate basis* compared to last year. Honda Division posted August sales of 131,766, a decline of 7.1 percent versus August 2007. Honda models showing increased sales included the all-new Pilot, up 18.6 percent to 11,276; Civic, up 5.3 percent to 30,052; the Civic Hybrid, up 47.7 percent to 3,105. "Meeting the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles remains a priority," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "In addition to the Civic and Civic Hybrid, the sales increase of the all-new Pilot shows that fuel-efficient technologies such as our variable cylinder management system are being well-received in Honda's light truck segment." Honda total car sales decreased by 4.9 percent to 78,674. Honda light truck sales saw a decrease of 10.3 percent to 53,092. The Acura Division posted sales of 15,089, a decrease of 8.2 percent compared to August 2007. The MDX was Acura's top-selling model, posting 5,180 units while sales of the TL sedan increased 0.2 percent to 5,000. *The daily selling rate is calculated with 27 days for August 2008 and 27 days for August 2007. The year-to-date daily selling rate is calculated with 206 days for 2008 and 205 days for 2007. All percentages reflect the daily selling rate. For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda and Acura vehicles, please visit http://www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at http://www.honda.com. American Honda Vehicle Sales For August 2008 Month-to-Date August August DSR** 2008 2007 % Chg. American Honda Total 146,855 158,342 -7.3% Total Car Sales 86,827 91,448 -5.1% Total Truck Sales 60,028 66,894 -10.3% Honda Total Car Sales 78,674 82,688 -4.9% Honda Total Truck Sales 53,092 59,218 -10.3% Acura Total Car Sales 8,153 8,760 -6.9% Acura Total Truck Sales 6,936 7,676 -9.6% Domestic Car Sales * 70,081 78,135 -10.3% Honda Division 65,081 73,143 -11.0% Acura Division 5,000 4,992 0.2% Domestic Truck Sales * 50,234 48,001 4.7% Honda Division 43,298 40,325 7.4% Acura Division 6,936 7,676 -9.6% Import Car Sales 16,746 13,313 25.8% Honda Division 13,593 9,545 42.4% Acura Division 3,153 3,768 -16.3% Import Truck Sales 9,794 18,893 -48.2% Honda Division 9,794 18,893 -48.2% MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION Honda Division Total 131,766 141,906 -7.1% Fit 4,800 6,408 -25.1% Accord * 43,613 47,360 -7.9% Memo: Accord Hybrid 2 275 -99.3% Civic * 30,052 28,551 5.3% Memo: Civic Hybrid 3,105 2,102 47.7% S2000 208 369 -43.6% Insight 0 0 FCX 0 0 FCX Clarity 1 Odyssey * 15,546 19,324 -19.6% Pilot * 11,276 9,504 18.6% CR-V * 19,866 23,192 -14.3% Element * 2,606 2,759 -5.5% Ridgeline 3,798 4,439 -14.4% Acura Division Total 15,089 16,436 -8.2% RSX 0 1 TL * 5,000 4,992 0.2% TSX 2,837 3,245 -12.6% RL 316 522 -39.5% MDX * 5,180 5,816 -10.9% RDX * 1,756 1,860 -5.6% Selling Days 27 27 Year-to-Date August August DSR** 2008 2007 % Chg. American Honda Total 1,083,957 1,066,320 1.2% Total Car Sales 674,129 605,812 10.7% Total Truck Sales 409,828 460,508 -11.4% Honda Total Car Sales 613,985 536,773 13.8% Honda Total Truck Sales 364,141 407,190 -11.0% Acura Total Car Sales 60,144 69,039 -13.3% Acura Total Truck Sales 45,687 53,318 -14.7% Domestic Car Sales * 502,452 494,795 1.1% Honda Division 469,810 454,047 3.0% Acura Division 32,642 40,748 -20.3% Domestic Truck Sales * 323,140 326,526 -1.5% Honda Division 277,453 273,208 1.1% Acura Division 45,687 53,318 -14.7% Import Car Sales 171,677 111,017 53.9% Honda Division 144,175 82,726 73.4% Acura Division 27,502 28,291 -3.3% Import Truck Sales 86,688 133,982 -35.6% Honda Division 86,688 133,982 -35.6% MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION Honda Division Total 978,126 943,963 3.1% Fit 56,853 36,520 54.9% Accord * 290,857 266,848 8.5% Memo: Accord Hybrid 196 2,579 -92.4% Civic * 264,138 230,203 14.2% Memo: Civic Hybrid 25,577 21,736 17.1% S2000 2,128 3,189 -33.6% Insight 0 3 FCX 6 10 -40.3% FCX Clarity 3 Odyssey * 101,258 113,803 -11.5% Pilot * 74,238 89,272 -17.2% CR-V * 142,096 147,454 -4.1% Element * 20,690 25,562 -19.5% Ridgeline 25,859 31,099 -17.3% Acura Division Total 105,831 122,357 -13.9% RSX 1 294 -99.7% TL * 32,642 40,748 -20.3% TSX 23,994 23,433 1.9% RL 3,507 4,562 -23.5% MDX * 33,219 37,792 -12.5% RDX * 12,468 15,526 -20.1% Selling Days 206 205 * Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced parts. ** Daily Selling Rate Month-to-Date Year-to-Date August August DSR** August August DSR** 2008 2007 % Chg. 2008 2007 % Chg. Hybrid 3,107 2,377 30.7% 25,773 24,318 5.5%

Mercedes-Benz Reports August Sales of 18,507 Sept 3rd /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release Year-To-Date Sales of 158,519 Continue to Outpace 2007 MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported August sales of 18,507 new vehicles, an 11.8 percent decrease compared to August 2007. On a year-to-date basis, MBUSA continued to outpace its 2007 performance with sales of 158,519 new vehicles (versus 157,806). Demand for the company's volume-leading C-Class boosted that model line's sales performance by 53.1 percent (6,990 vs. 4,565) for the month. On a year-to-date basis, the C-Class posted a gain of 39.8 percent (50,593 in 2008 vs. 36,184 in 2007). While down for the month of August (2,430 vs. 3,062), the popular M-Class sport utility vehicles continued to hold their gain on a year-to-date basis with a 7.2 percent increase (22,517 in 2008 vs. 21,012 in 2007). Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA marked a 46.8 percent increase in August sales with 6,440 vehicles sold compared to 4,388 in August 2007, bringing year-to-date sales to a total of 42,973 units, an increase of 23.3 percent over the same period in 2007. 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. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history. Model August '08 August '07 Monthly % YTD 2008 YTD 2007 Yearly % C-CLASS 6,990 4,565 53.1% 50,593 36,184 39.8% E-CLASS 2,681 3,718 -27.9% 27,782 29,191 -4.8% S-CLASS 1,700 2,467 -31.1% 12,916 17,537 -26.4% CL-CLASS 232 352 -34.1% 1,955 2,395 -18.4% SL-CLASS 477 485 -1.6% 4,379 4,403 -0.5% CLK-CLASS 613 1,372 -55.3% 7,778 10,381 -25.1% SLK-CLASS 356 526 -32.3% 3,864 5,671 -31.9% CLS-CLASS 313 713 -56.1% 4,493 5,458 -17.7% R-CLASS 469 1,033 -54.6% 6,003 8,899 -32.5% M-CLASS 2,430 3,062 -20.6% 22,517 21,012 7.2% GL-CLASS 2,184 2,615 -16.5% 15,623 15,957 -2.1% G-CLASS 62 72 -13.9% 616 718 -14.2% GRAND TOTAL 18,507 20,980 -11.8% 158,519 157,806 0.5%

Daimler AG Reports August Sales of 20,927 New Vehicles for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. Sept 3rd /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release - Total of 20,927 Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S. - Mercedes-Benz USA Records August Sales of 18,507 - smart USA Records 2,420 Sales in August NEW YORK, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Daimler AG (NYSE: DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 20,927 units in the U.S. for August 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted. Mercedes-Benz USA reported August sales of 18,507 new vehicles, bringing the year-to-date total to 158,519, a .5 percent increase over 2007 year-to-date sales. Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,420 for the month of August. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible 16,378 units in a just over seven months of being offered in the U.S. market. 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 71 smart centers open in 33 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 August 2008 Month Sales % Sales CYTD % Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Mercedes-Benz USA 18,507 20,980 -11.8 158,519 157,806 0.5 smart USA 2,420 n/a* n/a* 16,378 n/a* n/a* Mercedes-Benz USA/ smart USA combined 20,927 * * 174,897 * * * smart sales in the U.S. started in mid January 2008

GM Reports 308,817 Deliveries in August Up 31.3 Percent From July and the Highest Monthly Sales Total in 2008 Employee Discount For Everyone Extended Sept 3rd - GM Media - Press Release Link to Press Release Car retail sales increase driven by Chevrolet Malibu sales up 212 percent, Pontiac Vibe up 114 percent, Cadillac CTS up 87 percent, Corvette up 49 percent and Chevrolet Impala up 27 percent compared with last August Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook crossover retail sales up 29 percent 80,000 Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche and GMC Sierra pickups sold, best month since August, 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon sales highest so far in 2008 with more than 22,000 deliveries August had largest total, retail and fleet deliveries so far in 2008 Anticipated best monthly market share performance of 2008 DETROIT - General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 308,817 vehicles in August, making it GM's best monthly total, retail and fleet sales performance so far in 2008. The strong showing was spurred by GM's Employee Discount for Everyone sale in celebration of GM's Centennial later this month. In response to ongoing customer and dealer demand, the sale is being extended through September 30, 2008 and a number of 2009 models are being added due to dwindling 2008 inventories. Compared with an exceptionally strong retail and fleet month last year, August total sales were down 20 percent. However, when compared with July, 2008, total sales were up 31 percent, retail sales were up 32 percent and fleet sales were up 29 percent. Last August's sales performance was influenced by significantly lower fuel prices and a 0 percent APR for 60 months offer on pickups. Notably in August, Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche and GMC Sierra had their strongest total sales month since last August, with more than 80,000 vehicles sold, as GM full-size pickups continue to build market share calendar-year-to-date. Silverado sales were up 69 percent, Avalanche was up 59 percent and Sierra sales increased 75 percent compared with July, 2008. Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon full-size utilities had their best performance of the year with total sales up 33 percent compared with July with more than 22,000 vehicles sold. Overall, GM August truck sales (excluding crossovers) declined 25.6 percent compared with a year ago. "Our award-winning lineup of new products, combined with the GM Employee Discount for Everyone sale that started August 20th, helped drive additional showroom traffic and our dealers are giving us some very enthusiastic feedback. We had our best sales month so far in 2008. Today we're announcing the extension of the sale through September 30, and we've added 19 additional 2009 models to the eligible list of vehicles because our 2008 stock on dealer lots is rapidly disappearing," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "With the recent moderation in fuel prices, we're seeing some relaxation of pent-up demand in pickups and utilities. Our August sales of these segment-leading trucks and utilities has been the best in nearly a year and August marked the fourth consecutive month that truck sales as a percentage of GM and industry sales increased. We also saw double-digit retail increases in our crossovers compared with July," LaNeve added. "We saw great car retail performance in our launch products, including the Chevrolet Malibu, Cadillac CTS, Pontiac Vibe and G8, and Saturn Astra, and continued strong retail demand for our fuel efficient Chevrolet Aveo and HHR." Chevrolet retail car sales were up 18 percent, Pontiac retail car sales increased 11 percent and Cadillac retail car sales were up 10 percent compared with last August. Cadillac CTS dominated the mid-car luxury category with retail sales increasing 87 percent compared with the same month a year ago. Saturn Astra monthly sales of more than 1,900 vehicles were the best to date, and show a 28 percent increase compared with July 2008 (Astra was not available last August). GM's popular midsized crossovers -- Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook -- together accounted for more than 14,600 vehicle sales in the month, with a retail sales increase of 29 percent compared with a year ago. GM hybrid vehicles continue to gain in popularity in the marketplace with 530 hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe, 267 GMC Yukon and 1 Cadillac Escalade 2-mode SUVs delivered. There were 388 Chevrolet Malibu, 26 Saturn Aura and 417 Vue hybrids sold in August. For the month, a total of 1,629 hybrid vehicles were delivered, with 7,096 hybrids sold so far this year. "Customers are responding to our six hybrid models - vehicles that provide industry-leading value, great fuel economy and the best warranty coverage of any full-line automaker," LaNeve added. "We're working hard to change perceptions and gain awareness of GM as the leader in advanced propulsion technology and fuel efficiency." GM has aggressively managed inventories to low levels. In August, only about 736,000 vehicles were in stock - the lowest August level since 1998 - down about 209,000 vehicles (22 percent) compared with last August. There were about 256,000 cars and 480,000 trucks (including crossovers) in inventory at the end of August. Certified Used Vehicles August 2008 sales for all certified GM brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, were 41,238 vehicles, down 8 percent from August 2007. Year-to-date sales are 339,375 vehicles, down 5 percent from the same period last year. GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling certified brand, posted August sales of 35,168 vehicles, down 12 percent from a strong August 2007 sales performance. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 1,005 vehicles, down nearly 6 percent. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 4,023 vehicles, up 27 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 791 vehicles, up 32 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 251 vehicles, up 130 percent. "The Cadillac, Saab and HUMMER programs posted robust sales increases in August, while GM Certified Used Vehicles continues to lead the certified pre-owned segment in sales," said LaNeve. "The launch this month of a new 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on all Saturn Certified Pre-Owned and GM Certified Used Vehicles, effective September 13, will provide shoppers a range of peace-of-mind assurances as strong as those provided by any certified program in America." GM North America Reports August, 2008 Production; Third-Quarter Production Forecast at 920,000 Vehicles; Initial Fourth Quarter Forecast is 875,000 Vehicles In August, GM North America produced 341,000 vehicles (158,000 cars and 183,000 trucks). This is down 96,000 vehicles or 22 percent compared with August 2007 when the region produced 437,000 vehicles (152,000 cars and 285,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 18,000 vehicles in August 2008 and 21,000 vehicles in August 2007.) The GM North America third-quarter production forecast is at 920,000 vehicles (443,000 cars and 477,000 trucks) which is down about 10 percent compared with a year ago, due to production adjustments in response to market changes that will reduce the number of trucks produced by about 176,000 and increase the number of cars by about 76,000. GM North America built 1.020 million vehicles (367,000 cars and 653,000 trucks) in the third-quarter of 2007. The initial GM North America fourth-quarter production forecast is 875,000 vehicles (436,000 cars and 439,000 trucks) which is down about 16 percent compared with a year ago. GM North America built 1.042 million vehicles (358,000 cars and 684,000 trucks) in the fourth-quarter of 2007. General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Uhm, once again, you're partially incorrect. A new model introduction and marketing (especially one targeted to a different demographic) will have an indirect impact on vehicles sharing the same showroom floor: Younger people (you know, those who've never been in a Buick showroom or looked at any Buick up close) decide to check out the Enclave... They see the Enclave up close while also noticing the restyled LaCrosse and Lucerne. The stigma of "getting them to visit the showroom" has already been overcome. Now they're looking directly at the product. The SUPERs are the Buicks occupying the floor space next to the Enclave in most showrooms. The LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super do not appear or come across as "old people" cars when examined separately from the CX-trims parked in the handicap spot outside Old Country Buffet. The SUPERs, in themselves, can and probably have drawn younger (than the traditional Buick) male buyers in to check them out. Styling for both vehicles were updated. Even if they can't afford the SUPER trim, they could still walk away buying a CXL instead... Basically, anytime you successfully draw a different or "unexposed" demographic into a showroom there's potential to have some of those to cross-shop other vehicles offered by the brand/dealership. Oh... and sorry for my optimism without statistics... but it's to counter pessimism without statistics... you know... :AH-HA_wink: The only facts known at the moment are that Buick's average buyer's age for 2007 was in the 50's and beneath Mercedes-Benz. LaCrosse & Lucerne received several significant updates during this time that accompanied the Enclave's introduction. The entire Buick line-up was "refreshed" or "all-new" between the 2007-2008 model years. A combination of refreshed sedans and an all-new "hot" CUV have apparently benefitted Buick.

Turbo & O.C. ... I'm not ignorant. That being said, I think you're both at least partially incorrect. The LaCrosse and the Lucerne received trim level & styling changes (interior & exterior) in 2007 & 2008 to coincide with the SUPER trim introduction, not to exclude the performance improvements (especially the LaCrosse) that accompanied these changes. Considering the low volume they both have, I am actually curious if the LaCrosse and Lucerne have begun pulling in younger (than traditional Buick) buyers since the SUPER introductions. Marketing for the Enclave, LaCrosse, & Lucerne have changed over the past two years as well. I have legitimate reasons for my curiosity....

Life is full of choices. Why do only one? Do both!

Oh really? Please share the 2007 and/or 2008-to-date average buyer's age for the LaCrosse, Lucerne, and Enclave. I'm actually very curious.

Uhm... You're talking about a DTS... remember that. It's not tuned to perform like a CTS, not even as a DTS III... I think a Bonneville GXP, Aurora 4.0 or possibly a G-platform-based STS w/magnetic ride control would serve as a better gauge for the driving dynamics of the platform. Test drive those and then let us know if a DTS level interior with similar suspension tuning would make it feel more capable.

I've thought this and suggested a similar idea several times... GM could give a 3.9l G-platform Impala to Chevrolet with the 3.6l as optional. Make the DI 3.6l V6 on the Lucerne standard and drop the CX trim.

No apologies needed... I was just confused by the original post myself.

Haha... but seriously. The G8 doesn't have near the sound deadening nor the electronic features, yet it weighs almost as much as the Cadillac DTS. Not good.

I'm sure part of it has to do with weight: Loaded large Buick Lucerne Super (with all the additional sound-deadening material + size) 4,004 lbs (203.2 in - length) Loaded large Cadillac DTS 4,009 lbs (207.6 in - length) Loaded midsize Pontiac G8 GT 3995 lbs (196.1 in - length) Loaded Holden V8 Caprice 4160 lbs (1887 Kg)

The overhangs on the Lucerne are almost identical in length to one of its closest competitors: Toyota Avalon... which is based on the "thoroughly modern" Camry platform. Toyota Avalon Length: 197.2 in Wheelbase: 111.0 in Overhang: 86.2 in Buick Lucerne Length: 203.2 in Wheelbase: 115.0 in Overhang: 88.2 in Your G-Platform Aurora shows that the platform's overhangs do not need to be excessive. I think this is the third or fourth time I've pointed this out to you. How many models did Buick sell in 2004 compared to 2008? Yeah... And Buick has already started attracting younger buyers... Don't you read any of the articles posted on this site?

I love HUD in my current PA and would like to keep that feature. The updated HUD in the Corvette & STS would be very nice. But... while we're composing wish lists for Lucerne upgrades... Exterior: Xenon/HID Headlights - (like the Enclave) LED Tail lights - (Like the 2010 LaCrosse & DTS) front foglamps on all trims (just looks better - more youthful. Simpler to build with one facia too) Interior: Updated dash to help tie all three models together (2010 LaCrosse, Lucerne, & Enclave) Mood lighting (if included in the 2010 LaCrosse) with possible LED gauges? HUD Memory driver & front passenger seats (All Lexus sedans including the ES350 offer them) Heated rear seats Rear power sunshade Rear manual passenger window sunshades Powertrain: DI 3.6l with 6-speed automatic. Make the Lucerne just two trim levels with 5-passenger seating only... so drop the CX. The Lucerne needs to be positioned above the 2010 LaCrosse. The CX trim would prevent that. I wouldn't desire a Chinese Cadillac SLS if the above Lucerne was offered.

Well CMG, it was more like trying to get you to comment on the actual topic... Captainbooyah's comment was on topic...

I take it this means you finally accept the Viper's future (at least as a Chrysler product) is in jeopardy?

There's nothing wrong with the G-Platform except for the power train. The overhangs are no greater than the foreign competition. Interior dimensions are very accommodating including trunk space. A Lucerne with 3.6l & 6-speed would be a perfectly fine replacement for my V6-powered Park Avenue Ultra.

Can you place 2 orders? Can you make mine with Head-Up Display?

I think GM may depend on the reverse... those who tow will go out and buy a used Tahoe/Suburban and buy a more efficient (new) daily driver.

To go off of Ocn & FOG's comments... Since GM isn't too concerned about "platform sharing" and "rebadging" then why not go all the way? If GM is willing to keep the G-Platform vehicles around, then why not keep SIGMA around and share it with other brands? Reskin the STS and give it to Chevrolet as an Impala/Caprice? Reskin the CTS coupe into a Buick Riviera? Similar maneuvers have been done before...