VenSeattle

#4 -

That could be their saving grace... but GM and Ford have been predicted to return to profitability by 2010. I haven't read anywhere that Chrysler can or will. With them burning $4+ Billion a year, Chrysler will still be bankrupt by 2010 without additional investment, spin-off, sell, etc.

Of course. There are still sources within NA operations for GM to squeeze cash from. I was only indicating the international source which Chrysler doesn't have available. GM is bigger than the NA market... Chrysler LLC isn't. It is an interesting point about Cerberus, GMAC, and GM.

The car looks larger in these pics. Definitely the LWB EPII. It doesn't look like the sloping rear roofline will cut into headroom as originally thought.

. I didn't contribute any of the sensationalism... that was the title of the article in Business Week. It's kind of funny that a day after my post in the other topic this article comes out and states where GM could come up with most of the $15 billion you were commenting on. Where can they find the money? Yep, overseas operations... duh... . It’s also funny that Autoblog mentioned today the same point I made last week… . . Chrysler is in trouble and you can’t pretend that’s not the case. I agree with the articles coming out that Chrysler is in a worse position than GM or Ford. Chrysler's new RAM truck will not help matters… When are the LX replacements due - 2010/2011? Chery vehicles are 2-3 years off. What is Chrysler LLC to do while they cut models, trim levels, and idle plants? Well, Automotive News indicated yesterday that: . . Some things to consider: . Nardelli's comment near the end of 2007 - . . How much cash they had on hand at the beginning of 2008: . . The above does not include the $2 billion just tapped. What if Chrysler does burn through $4 billion this year... does anyone know how much it would cost Chrysler to recover from bankruptcy protection? . I can’t see a total of $11 Billion floating Chrysler LLC between 2008-2011 until the new Chrysler-developed products, Chery compacts, & Nissan-Renault deal start paying returns.

Analyst: Chrysler, not GM, in biggest danger The Associated Press July 3, 2008, 3:58PM ET Link to article Faced with soaring gas prices, a sputtering economy and a rapid U.S. market shift away from trucks, the U.S. auto industry's weakest player, Chrysler, may have to file for bankruptcy or sell its storied Jeep and Dodge Ram brands as early as next year, JPMorgan said Thursday. But rivals GM and Ford are likely to get through the rough patch and turn a profit in 2010. JPMorgan auto analyst Himanshu Patel dismissed the possibility of an imminent bankruptcy at GM, saying in a conference call with investors and media that such fears "are completely overblown." The day before, GM shares slid to a 54-year low after Merrill Lynch auto analyst John Murphy wrote in a note to investors that a GM bankruptcy "is not impossible if the market continues to deteriorate and significant incremental capital is not raised." GM shares rose 14 cents, or 1.4 percent, to close at $10.12 in abbreviated trading Thursday due to the Independence Day holiday. Patel said the situation at Chrysler LLC is far more perilous because it has limited assets to raise cash and is more heavily reliant on trucks and on the North American market. Chrysler sales fell 22 percent in the first six months of this year. Chrysler has had to release little financial information since the private-equity company Cerberus Capital Management LP bought it last year, but Patel estimated the automaker will burn through $4 billion this year and could be forced to file for bankruptcy protection or sell off parts of its business in the second half of 2009 if industry conditions don't improve. Patel said it's difficult to predict the most likely outcome for Chrysler, but he said South Korean or Chinese automakers covet Chrysler's U.S. distribution network. A bankruptcy filing could be a hit to Cerberus, which invested $6.1 billion in Chrysler as part of its acquisition and also backed a $500 million line of credit that Chrysler tapped last month. "These are untested waters," Patel said. Chrysler spokesman David Elshoff declined to comment, but earlier this week, Chrysler President and Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda denied that Cerberus planned to sell Chrysler in pieces. "Hogwash, absolutely not being considered at all," he said. "Absolutely no relevance. I don't even want to entertain those questions." Patel predicted GM will burn through $18 billion in 2008 and 2009 as it struggles with depressed U.S. sales -- which Patel predicts will be at their lowest levels since 1993 -- and a rapid change away from trucks and sport utility vehicles. GM has $24 billion in cash and $4.6 billion in credit on hand, he said, so it doesn't need to raise more money immediately. But he predicted the automaker will try to raise another $10 billion in the third quarter of this year by mortgaging trademarks, international operations and other assets. Murphy estimated GM needs to raise $15 billion and warned that cash is becoming increasingly scarce in the stressed capital markets. But Patel said GM shouldn't have difficulty raising the money. "I don't think (lenders) are agnostic to the ripple effects of a GM bankruptcy," Patel said. "The argument that GM is too big to fail definitely works in its favor here." Patel estimated GM will lose $6.9 billion this year and $4.3 billion in 2009 before swinging to a profit of $2.3 billion in 2010. GM spokeswoman Renee Rashid-Merem said GM is confident it has enough cash to get through 2008 and has already announced several cost-cutting actions, such as idling four full-size truck plants and putting off the redesign of new trucks to focus on cars. She said the company is considering further measures, including obtaining more financing. Ford, which mortgaged its blue oval logo and other assets in 2006 to borrow up to $23.4 billion for its restructuring, is in the best position cash-wise and can easily weather two years of a down market and swing to a profit in 2010, Patel said. "Ford simply is not anywhere near as stressed on the balance sheet as GM is," he said. Ford shares rose 6 cents to $4.42. Aaron Bragman, an auto analyst with the consulting company Global Insight, said Wall Street's views on the Detroit Three vary widely because of the uncertainty in the marketplace. The companies' turnaround plans were based on the false assumptions that the economy would come back and gas prices would fall in the second half of this year. "Everyone is tweaking their business plans," he said. "They simply need cash and they need time, and unfortunately there's a lot less of either of those things now than anyone had thought there would be." Still, Bragman said bankruptcy is not a likely option for any U.S. automaker. "The disruption to everything would be absolutely undesirable," he said.

Exactly. It is GM's responsibility to deliver a vehicle that doesn't depend on oil. It is the State and Federal Government's responsibility to provide a cleaner power grid.

IMO the new 7-series exterior looks like a Lexus with a BMW grille. It's that conservative. Overall, the interior is nice. Nothing really extraordinary. It's more inviting than the last generation. I see they moved the shifter back to the center console... another BMW blunder corrected. The only glaring interior issue is that the steering wheel looks terribly cheap for a car in this class. The wood placement looks awkward and like an afterthought. It has no bright work what so ever. Infiniti, Lexus, Cadillac, and Audi all have far more detailed and refined steering wheels with multiple materials and textures.

That's different. All Subaru did was use the tooling and parts from the aborted SAAB version for the reskinned Tribecca.

The Lucerne CXL Special Edition has the NorthStar V8 available.

Most of you cannot read sarcasm... Yes, Chrysler's overseas operations are negligible at best... pretty much non-existent depending how you view it. What you see in North America is what you get with Chrysler LLC. My point was North America doesn't show the full picture at Ford or GM. GM & Ford have far more resources available globally. As for CMG's comment about GM's need of $15 billion for the US Market... See my point above... GM doesn't have to find the $15 billion within NA. If Chrysler was in the same situation (or is Chrysler in the same situation?) where would Chrysler run for another $15 Billion? Chrysler only has Cerberus left now that they've borrowed the $1.5 billion from Daimler. Do you think Cerberus would be willing to invest $15 billion? Here's some information on the issue provided by BusinessWeek last week: Chrysler is vulnerable. For a Chrysler fan to sit here and argue "GM is worse" is pointless. The fate of these two companies are not tied to each other. Their situations are different. Restating my point again, GM & Ford just have far more resources available than Chrysler.

1) 2 2) Yes

Chrysler LLC's domestic sales are in freefall... Can't Chrysler LLC lean on foreign markets like Ford and GM until the US market recovers?

AMERICAN SUZUKI JUNE 2008 SALES American Suzuki Auto PR Link to Press Release 2008 Suzuki Auto Product Line Suzuki Auto’s versatile line of vehicles includes the spirited four-door SX4 Sport, bold and functional five-door SX4 Crossover, exciting XL7 midsize crossover SUV, rugged Grand Vitara compact SUV, popular Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, and the European-styled Reno. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki’s standout virtues of toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at very competitive prices. All 2008 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty. About Suzuki Auto The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new automobiles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 192 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com. .................................June CYTD 2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change ----- ------ -------- ------ ------ -------- GRAND VITARA: 893 2,245 -60% 7,221 10,990 -34% XL7: 1,822 2,013 -9% 17,073 13,077 31% SX4/AERIO: 3,663 1,368 168% 18,084 8,144 122% FORENZA/RENO: 3,406 4,550 -25% 13,864 24,524 -43% OTHER: 1 149 0% 6 753 -99% TOTAL: 9,785 10,325 -5% 56,248 57,488 -2%

Kia Motors America Announces Best June and Best Quarter Ever July 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release IRVINE, Calif., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best June ever with record sales of 28,292 units, an increase of 7.6 percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 157,619 units, an increase of 2.1 percent over the same period last year. For the just completed quarter, the company reported sales of 89,405 units. Kia's June record sales were led by Spectra and Optima, with 7,131 and 6,865 units sold respectively. Small car Rio and family vacation favorite Sedona also had strong sales with 3,337 units and 3,719 units respectively, both increases over the same period last year. "As the economy continues to fluctuate, consumers are turning to vehicles that are known for value and quality," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "Thanks to a strong marketing plan and the hard work of the Kia dealer network, Kia continues to have success during this difficult economic time." 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 JUNE YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2008 2007 2008 2007 Rio 3,337 3,173 20,961 16,240 Spectra 7,131 6,946 42,957 37,154 Optima 6,865 3,106 28,808 20,781 Amanti 1,117 326 2,090 4,340 Sportage 2,001 4,069 19,252 24,157 Sorento 1,950 2,466 11,257 18,539 Sedona 3,719 2,063 16,320 23,185 Rondo 2,172 4,139 15,974 9,996 Total 28,292 26,288 157,619 154,392

Volkswagen Reports June 2008 Sales July 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release Best Overall Sales Month Since August 2006 HERNDON, Va., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced June 2008 sales of 23,208 units, a 0.3 percent increase over the June 2007 sales of 23,137 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales remain 0.6 percent ahead of 2007 sales through June. June reflects Volkswagen's best sales month since August 2006. The Passat wagon had its best sales month since January 2007 with sales up 25.9 percent over June 2007. Volkswagen's innovative coupe-convertible-sunroof Eos continues to be a summertime top-seller with sales of 1,632 unites, up 14 percent over last June. 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, rollovers and other types of crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if all vehicles had stabilization systems as standard equipment. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. 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. ---------- YEAR-TO-DATE ------ VW-US Snapshot June- June- June- June- 08 07 Yr/Yr % 08 YTD 07 YTD Yr/Yr % Actual Actual change Actual Actual change New Beetle - Coupe 1,855 1,637 13.3 % 8,233 8,049 2.3 % - Convertible 1,536 1,489 3.2 % 6,848 7,129 -3.9 % Total New Beetle 3,391 3,126 8.5 % 15,081 15,178 -0.6 % Jetta Sdn 8,698 9,804 -11.3 % 46,113 49,973 -7.7 % SportWagen 275 - 0.0 % 275 - Total Jetta 8,973 9,804 -8.5 % 46,388 49,973 -7.2 % Eos 1,632 1,431 14.0 % 8,266 6,625 24.8 % Golf - - N/A - 21 -100.0 % Rabbit 2,542 3,134 -18.9 % 11,795 12,158 -3.0 % GTI 1,270 1,562 -18.7 % 6,372 7,770 -18.0 % R32 285 - N/A 2,203 - N/A Total Golf/Rabbit/ GTI/R32 4,097 4,696 20,370 19,949 2.1 % Passat Sdn 2,821 3,015 -6.4 % 16,179 15,346 5.4 % Wgn 690 548 25.9 % 3,613 3,762 -4.0 % Total Passat 3,511 3,563 -1.5 % 19,792 19,108 3.6 % Phaeton - 1 -100.0 % - 17 -100.0 % Touareg 560 516 8.5 % 3,904 4,030 -3.1 % Tiguan 1,044 - N/A 1,723 - N/A TOTAL 23,208 23,137 0.3 % 115,524 114,880 0.6 %

Subaru Reports Increased June Sales July 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release The Company Reports Another Month of Increased Sales CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported June sales of 18,007 total units resulting in the company having another month of increased sales. The 2009 Subaru Forester continues its strong sales start, up 41 percent over the same period last year, while the Subaru Legacy maintains its increase in sales, up 19 percent over the same period last year. Model 2008 June % v 2007 Total Legacy 2,339 +19% Total Outback 4,704 -14% (incl. Legacy Wagon) Total Impreza 4,053 - 2% Total Forester 5,830 +41% Total Tribeca 1,081 -19% Total 18,007 + 5%

Test drove a 2009 Nissan Maxima SV w/ Cold package and Technology package today... Amazing. CVT performs very well. The interior is well put together. The materials are definitely Infiniti hand-me-downs. The new Maxima is also much more attractive in person. It has a lot of character, features, and style for the price. The one I drove was around $36k. The one I'd purchase would be $38.5k. Let's see how the Invicta stands up in pricing, performance, style, and features. Jeff knows that's what I'm holding out to determine.

Saw a new Hyundai Genesis on the road today... not bad looking, if a little anonymous. Test drove a loaded Hyundai Azera Limited with the Ultimate Navi package last week. Not a bad car in itself, but has no emotional appeal at all.

Hyundai Motor America Reports June Sales July 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release Tops 50,000 sales for the first time ever Best sales month in its history Genesis begins arriving in dealerships FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 50,033 for the month of June, a 1.3 percent increase over the same record-setting period last year and best sales month ever. "As consumers continue to shift to smaller cars, our most fuel-efficient vehicles -- Accent, Elantra and Sonata -- continue their upward trend with increases of 70 percent, 51 percent and 12 percent respectively over last year," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of national sales. "We are very pleased with our record-setting results for June, breaking the 50,000 mark, and look forward to building on this trend." 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 almost 800 dealerships nationwide. CARLINE JUNE/2008 JUNE/2007 CY2008 CY2007 ACCENT 6,914 4,067 28,184 18,926 SONATA 16,875 15,080 65,927 67,658 ELANTRA 14,482 9,617 61,978 49,932 TIBURON 979 1,670 4,967 7,395 SANTA FE 5,863 8,460 37,410 44,372 AZERA 1,745 1,807 11,443 12,539 TUCSON 1,964 3,639 11,747 20,350 ENTOURAGE 499 3,479 3,032 11.946 VERACRUZ 682 1,549 6,348 3,477 GENESIS 30 n/a 30 n/a TOTAL 50,033 49,368 231,066 236,595

For those who may want to 'cut & paste' the figures for personal use... American Honda Vehicle Sales For June 2008 Month-to-Date Year-to-Date June June DSR** June June DSR** 2008 2007 % Chg. 2008 2007 % Chg. American Honda Total 142,539 140,935 13.8% 798,358 766,929 4.8% Total Car Sales 97,639 81,827 34.2% 496,359 434,560 15.0% Total Truck Sales 44,900 59,108 -14.5% 301,999 332,369 -8.5% Honda Total Car Sales 89,947 71,564 41.4% 452,335 382,330 19.1% Honda Total Truck Sales 40,136 52,605 -14.2% 268,109 293,059 -7.9% Acura Total Car Sales 7,692 10,263 -15.7% 44,024 52,230 -15.2% Acura Total Truck Sales 4,764 6,503 -17.6% 33,890 39,310 -13.2% Domestic Car Sales * 71,463 67,179 19.7% 369,256 350,295 6.1% Honda Division 68,009 60,958 25.5% 345,575 319,260 8.9% Acura Division 3,454 6,221 -37.5% 23,681 31,035 -23.2% Domestic Truck Sales * 36,849 42,127 -1.6% 233,870 234,619 0.3% Honda Division 32,085 35,624 1.3% 199,980 195,309 3.1% Acura Division 4,764 6,503 -17.6% 33,890 39,310 -13.2% Import Car Sales 26,176 14,648 101.0% 127,103 84,265 51.8% Honda Division 21,938 10,606 132.7% 106,760 63,070 70.4% Acura Division 4,238 4,042 18.0% 20,343 21,195 -3.4% Import Truck Sales 8,051 16,981 -46.7% 68,129 97,750 -29.8% Honda Division 8,051 16,981 -46.7% 68,129 97,750 -29.8% MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION Honda Division Total 130,083 124,169 17.9% 720,444 675,389 7.4% Fit 10,003 5,613 100.5% 39,787 23,769 68.5% Accord * 39,704 28,915 54.5% 205,862 182,346 13.6% Memo: Accord Hybrid 7 342 -97.7% 191 2,044 -90.6% Civic * 39,967 36,512 23.1% 204,961 173,800 18.7% Memo: Civic Hybrid 2,710 3,246 -6.1% 19,032 17,141 11.8% S2000 273 514 -40.2% 1,719 2,402 -28.0% Insight 0 0 0 3 FCX 0 10 6 10 Odyssey * 12,602 15,516 -8.6% 72,589 80,338 -9.1% Pilot * 7,282 10,371 -21.0% 55,476 66,632 -16.2% CR-V * 15,794 19,715 -9.9% 104,811 104,179 1.3% Element * 2,211 3,163 -21.4% 15,834 19,891 -19.9% Ridgeline 2,247 3,840 -34.2% 19,399 22,019 -11.3% Acura Division Total 12,456 16,766 -16.4% 77,914 91,540 -14.3% RSX 0 4 1 291 -99.7% TL * 3,454 6,221 -37.5% 23,681 31,035 -23.2% TSX 3,869 3,414 27.5% 17,683 17,421 2.2% RL 369 624 -33.5% 2,659 3,482 -23.1% MDX * 3,425 4,639 -16.9% 24,562 27,027 -8.5% RDX * 1,339 1,864 -19.2% 9,328 12,283 -23.6% Selling Days 24 27 153 154 * Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced parts. ** Daily Selling Rate

Daimler AG Reports a 13 Percent Increase July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ Link to Daimler AG Press Release Link to Mercedes-Benz Press Release - Total of 22,121 Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S. - Mercedes-Benz USA Records June Sales of 19,576 - smart USA Records 2,545 Sales in June NEW YORK, July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 22,121 units in the U.S. for June 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 19,576 new vehicles for June 2008, bringing the year-to-date total to 119,279 units, marking the best first-half sales in the company's history. Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,545 for the month of June. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible 11,399 units in less than six months of being offered in the US 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 69 smart centers open in 31 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 June 2008 Month Sales % Sales CYTD % Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Mercedes-Benz USA 19,576 19,589 -0.1 119,279 118,240 0.9 smart USA 2,545 n/a* n/a* 11,399 n/a* n/a* Mercedes-Benz USA / smart USA combined 22,121 19,589* 12.9* 130,678 118,240* 10.5* * smart sales in the U.S. started in mid January 2008 Mercedes-Benz Reports 19,576 New Vehicle Sales for June MBUSA Records Best First Half-Year Sales on Record MONTVALE, N.J., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 19,576 new vehicles for June 2008, bringing the year-to-date total to 119,279 units, marking the best sales for the first half of any year company's history. Highlights for the month include a 25.1 percent increase (5,977 vs. 4,776 units) in sales for the company's volume-leading C-Class. The E-Class also recorded gains with an 18.3 percent increase over last June's sales (4,360 vs. 3,686 units). Sales of the legendary and newly redesigned SL-Class roadster also jumped by 12.3 percent from 594 units in June 2007 to 667 units in June 2008. In the SUV category, the popularity of the ML-Class was evidenced by an increase by 2 percent (2,601 vs. 2,551 units) for the month. Year-to-date sales of 119,279 units broke last year's record of 118,240, a 0.9 percent increase. Compared to the same period last year, highlights include a 36.7 percent increase in C-Class sales and a 1 percent increase in SL-Class sales. Contrary to current market conditions, the ML-Class SUV marked a 16.5 percent increase in sales for the first half of the year (17,396 vs. 14,935). Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA marked a 2.3 percent increase for June sales (4,809 vs. 4,703 certified pre-owned vehicles sold), bringing year-to-date sales to a total of 31,358 units, an increase of 20.3 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 and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. MERCEDES-BENZ USA Sales -- June 2008 Model June '08 June '07 Monthly % YTD 2008 YTD 2007 Yearly % C-CLASS 5,977 4,776 25.1% 37,362 27,328 36.7% E-CLASS 4,360 3,686 18.3% 20,163 22,246 -9.4% S-CLASS 1,384 1,701 -18.6% 9,639 12,549 -23.2% CL-CLASS 180 266 -32.3% 1,503 1,699 -11.5% SL-CLASS 667 594 12.3% 3,401 3,367 1.0% CLK-CLASS 726 1,170 -37.9% 6,293 8,208 -23.3% SLK-CLASS 576 968 -40.5% 3,069 4,614 -33.5% CLS-CLASS 552 582 -5.2% 3,729 4,075 -8.5% R-CLASS 576 1,305 -55.9% 4,784 6,835 -30.0% ML-CLASS 2,601 2,551 2.0% 17,396 14,935 16.5% GL-CLASS 1,913 1,920 -0.4% 11,450 11,789 -2.9% G-CLASS 64 70 -8.6% 490 595 -17.6% GRAND TOTAL 19,576 19,589 -0.1% 119,279 118,240 0.9%

Mazda Reports June 2008 Sales July 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release MAZDA5 Sales up 29 Percent, MAZDA3 Reports Best June Ever IRVINE, Calif., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June 2008 sales of 23,771 vehicles, a 7.7 percent decrease over last year, but an increase of 3.7 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. There were 24 selling days in June 2008, 27 in June 2007. Despite a tough economic state in the automotive industry, Mazda's year-to-date sales are up 0.3 percent with 153,141 vehicles sold (up 0.9 percent on a DSR basis). "Small, stylish, fuel-efficient -- those are the buzz words of the car business these days," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. "As always, customers want the right vehicle at the right price, and never has this been so true as today, as MAZDA5 and MAZDA3 sales are proving." Leading the way yet again, the MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 29.2 percent increase versus last June, with 1,416 units sold. Redesigned for 2008, the MAZDA5 is a spirited vehicle that targets a very specific driver, with three rows, room for six passengers and up to 28 mpg (highway). Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 44.1 percent. MAZDA3 also had a great month, recording its best June sales ever, up 8.9 percent with sales of 12,346. Additionally, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever June with sales of 1,586 vehicles, up 30 percent versus last year. MAZDA3 5-door and MAZDA6 both had their best sales month ever. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 9,961 total sales, accounting for a 34 percent increase. 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 - June 2008 Month-To-Date Year-To-Date June June % June June % 2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change Mazda3 12,346 11,341 8.9% 61,475 62,629 (1.8)% Mazda5 1,416 1,096 29.2% 11,977 8,309 44.1% Mazda6 3,685 3,814 (3.4)% 33,063 32,684 1.2% MX-5 Miata 1,064 1,608 (33.8)% 7,149 9,603 (25.6)% RX-8 333 509 (34.6)% 1,881 3,300 (43.0)% CX-7 1,975 4,103 (51.9)% 15,974 20,455 (21.9)% CX-9 1,830 1,955 (6.4)% 13,223 9,318 41.9% Tribute 1,008 1,071 (5.9)% 7,576 4,646 63.1% B-Series Truck 114 263 (56.7)% 823 1,618 (49.1)% MPV - 1 (100.0)% - 122 (100.0)% Total Vehicles CARS 18,844 18,368 2.6% 115,545 116,525 (0.8)% TRUCKS 4,927 7,393 (33.4)% 37,596 36,159 4.0% TOTAL 23,771 25,761 (7.7)% 153,141 152,684 0.3% MEMO: IMPORT CAR 15,159 14,554 4.2% 82,482 83,841 (1.6)% IMPORT TRUCK 3,805 6,059 (37.2)% 29,197 29,895 (2.3)% IMPORT TOTAL 18,964 20,613 (8.0)% 111,679 113,736 (1.8)% DOMESTIC CAR 3,685 3,814 (3.4)% 33,063 32,684 1.2% DOMESTIC TRUCK 1,122 1,334 (15.9)% 8,399 6,264 34.1% DOMESTIC TOTALS 4,807 5,148 (6.6)% 41,462 38,948 6.5% Note: MPV & Protege are discontinued vehicles. SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Audi of America Reports June Sales Expects Market Share Increase July 1 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release - Audi posts sales increase in June - de Nysschen expects market share increase - Audi A4 sales up HERNDON, Va., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today auto sales for the month of June totaling 8,203, an increase of 5.3% from last year's figures; the brand also expects to record an increase in market share for the month. Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales continued their record- setting trend; compared with last year's June figures, CPO sales rose to 2,787 units, an increase of 23.6%. "Audi of America's strong June sales demonstrate our quality and strong fuel economy offerings," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "Consumers looking for style, power and efficiency are continuing to respond positively to Audi's progressive brand of luxury." Nationwide, Audi sales of the A4 jumped 34.3%, demonstrating excitement around the brand, which has seen consistent movement throughout 2008: Audi has reported strong car (sedan and sports car) sales throughout the year, citing high dealer traffic amid rising levels of brand awareness and consideration. In June, Audi posted the greatest ranking improvement in initial quality in the results from J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 industry-wide study. To date, Audi has sold 45,023 vehicles in 2008, a 1.5% decrease over the previous year; CPO sales for 2008 total 18,241, an increase of 41.7% over 2007. ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA Audi of America, Inc. offers a line of luxury vehicles that include the Audi A3 sport compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models, the high-revving RS 4 sport sedan and Cabriolet; the all new A5 Coupe with FSI direct injection technology; the S5 Coupe with 354 hp; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the V-10 powered high performance S6 sedan; the Audi Q7 performance SUV; the new all-aluminum Audi A8 and A8L; the new S8 with V10 power; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models; and the all-new, all-aluminum R8, one of the most exclusive mid-engine sports cars in the world. Upcoming Audi vehicle launches in the USA include the updated A3 with quattro all-wheel drive (Sept. 2008), all-new A4 sedan/Avant (Sept. 2008), TTS coupe and Roadster (end 2008), Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Q1/2009), and Audi Q5 (Q1 2009). For more information, please visit http://www.audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com. AUDI US SNAPSHOT -----YEAR TO DATE----- Jun-08 Jun-07 Jun-08 Jun-07 Yr/Yr % YTD YTD Yr/Yr % actual actual change actual actual change A3 419 526 -20.3% 2,369 3,446 -31.3% A4/S4/RS 4 4,999 3,721 34.3% 23,291 21,708 7.3% A5/S5 237 n/a n/a 2,360 n/a n/a A6/S6 891 1,095 -18.6% 5,724 6,014 -4.8% A8/S8 187 292 -36.0% 1,428 1,918 -25.5% TT 468 495 -5.5% 2,525 1652 52.8% R8 44 n/a n/a 315 n/a n/a Audi Q7 958 1,660 -42.3% 7,011 10,973 -36.1% Total 8,203 7,789 5.3% 45,023 45,711 -1.5%

Nissan North America Announces June Sales July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ Link to Press Release NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported sales for June of 75,847 units versus 92,213 units a year ago, a decrease of 17.7 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles decreased 18.5 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased by 11.9 percent. NNA in the first quarter of the fiscal year sold 252,477 units, versus 256,399 for the April-June 2007 period, a decrease of 1.5 percent. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS -- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 66,543 units in June compared with June 2007's 81,655 units sold, an 18.5 percent decrease. -- Nissan's Versa subcompact posted strong sales of 8,873 units, up 17.4 percent. -- Sales of Nissan cars combined for 47,818 units, a decrease of 7.2 percent from the prior year, while truck sales declined 37.9 percent to 18,725 units. -- The all-new flagship 2009 Maxima debuted to the U.S. market on June 24. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS -- Infiniti sales for June declined to 9,304 units from 10,558, a decrease of 11.9 percent. -- Sales of the G37 Coupe totaled 1,781 units, an increase of 42.6 percent over June 2007. -- The all-new FX - the luxury crossover with the heart of a sports car - went on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide on June 24. NNA INFORMATION -- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 75,847 units, compared with last June's sales of 92,213 units, marking a decrease of 17.7 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 June had 24 selling days in the month, while June 2007 had 27 selling days. 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 June June Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change Nissan Division Total 66,543 81,655 -18.5 460,452 471,584 -2.4 Versa 8,873 7,555 17.4 45,625 37,802 20.7 Sentra 10,918 11,996 -9.0 59,104 57,079 3.5 Altima 24,541 25,935 -5.4 158,006 140,253 12.7 Maxima 2,656 4,280 -37.9 21,320 25,507 -16.4 350Z 830 1,757 -52.8 6,577 10,980 -40.1 Total Car 47,818 51,523 -7.2 290,632 271,621 7.0 Frontier 2,399 5,722 -58.1 23,572 34,048 -30.8 Titan 1,260 4,405 -71.4 17,185 33,073 -48.0 Xterra 1,206 3,799 -68.3 15,239 25,787 -40.9 Pathfinder 1,436 5,073 -71.7 17,066 30,240 -43.6 Armada 866 2,364 -63.4 8,629 16,080 -46.3 Rogue 6,022 NA NA 36,834 NA NA Murano 4,443 5,869 -24.3 41,774 45,075 -7.3 Quest 1,093 2,900 -62.3 9,521 15,653 -39.2 Total Truck 18,725 30,132 -37.9 169,820 199,963 -15.1 North American Produced 55,248 74,029 -25.4 375,267 415,529 -9.7 Car 46,988 49,766 -5.6 284,055 260,641 9.0 Truck 8,260 24,263 -66.0 91,212 154,888 -41.1 Import 11,295 7,626 48.1 85,185 56,055 52.0 Car 830 1,757 -52.8 6,577 10,980 -40.1 Truck 10,465 5,869 78.3 78,608 45,075 74.4 INFINITI DIVISION SALES June June Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change Infiniti Division Total 9,304 10,558 -11.9 61,869 63,796 -3.0 G Sedan 3,825 4,425 -13.6 24,904 29,245 -14.8 G Coupe 1,781 1,249 42.6 11,656 6,574 77.3 M 1,222 1,845 -33.8 8,777 11,701 -25.0 Q45 0 0 -100.0 0 20 -100.0 QX56 429 1,111 -61.4 4,595 5,194 -11.5 EX 1,042 NA NA 6,253 NA NA FX 1,006 1,927 -47.8 5,685 11,060 -48.6 Total Car 6,827 7,519 -9.2 45,336 47,541 -4.6 Total Truck 2,477 3,039 -18.5 16,533 16,255 1.7 COMBINED NISSAN AND INFINITI SALES June June Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change TOTAL VEHICLE 75,847 92,213 -17.7 522,321 535,380 -2.4 Total Car 54,645 59,042 -7.4 335,968 319,162 5.3 Total Truck 21,202 33,171 -36.1 186,353 216,218 -13.8 Selling Days 24 27 153 154 * All numbers include Hawaii.