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Chrysler LLC March 2008 Sales Indicate Newest Models Have Strong Customer Appeal April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release - Total sales record set for fuel-efficient compact vehicle trio of Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot - New long-wheel base minivan models' individual sales continue to grow - Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger increase Chrysler LLC year-to-date market share in competitive Standard Mid-Size segment - All-new Dodge Journey off to a great new start AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC today reported total March 2008 sales of 166,386 units which is 19 percent below the same period last year. Total March sales reflect a combination of positive consumer response to new models, a sustained and planned reduction in daily- rental fleet vehicle sales and an industry-wide slowdown in large pickup truck and SUV sales. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted. "We are in a period where the public hears news about the economy every day and it is clearly having an impact on our industry," said Vice Chairman and President Jim Press. "At the same time, this market environment is driving more customers to our newest value-oriented, fuel-efficient products like Jeep Patriot, Dodge Journey, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring. Chrysler's strategy to right-size our operations, increase fuel efficiency and reduce daily rental fleet sales will help us get through this period as a stronger company with healthier dealers." Chrysler had solid customer interest for its combined compact vehicle lineup of the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Patriot. Combined, the three vehicles reached 21,909 compact vehicle buyers in March, an increase of 51 percent from March 2007. All three models had increased sales in March to set a new monthly sales record for the lineup. New customer sales increased 18 percent for Chrysler's two new long wheel base minivans, the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. Total Dodge Grand Caravan March sales were 14,101, an increase of 8 percent over the same model in 2007. The Chrysler Town & Country long wheel base model had strong March sales of 13,335 units, a year-over-year increase of 32 percent. Chrysler's new mid-sized cars continue to grab marketshare with total Chrysler Sebring Sedan/Sebring Convertible sales up 23 percent and Dodge Avenger sales up 8 percent, for a 15 percent segment increase in March 2008. Another new vehicle, the Dodge Journey sold 2,640 units in its second month of sales. The Company finished the month with 423,607 units of inventory, or a 66- day supply. Inventory is down by 15 percent compared with March 2007 when it was at 499,771 units. Customer Initiatives Chrysler LLC recently launched a Customer Advisory Board, providing the Company an opportunity to establish two-way dialogue with customers and design the products they want and need. In April, Chrysler will continue to offer special "New Day" vehicle packages that combine our most popular features on a wide range of vehicles at reduced prices. Chrysler will continue to offer the most unique product lineup in the industry, along with the most innovative products and the best Lifetime Powertrain Warranty coverage in the market. 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 2.68 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest in a decade with an increase of 15 percent from 2006. The Company's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Charger. About Chrysler Customer Advisory Board Registered journalist of the http://www.media.chrysler.com website can view press release titled "Chrysler LLC First in Industry to Launch Innovative Online Customer Advisory Board". For photos of the record setting Jeep Patriot, go to http://www.media.chrysler.com Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru March 2008 Month Sales Vol % Sales CYTD Vol % Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Sebring 10,177 8,306 23% 30,411 20,935 45% 300 7,995 11,376 -30% 24,952 30,376 -18% Crossfire 190 678 -72% 462 2,281 -80% PT Cruiser 5,305 8,531 -38% 15,604 25,333 -38% Aspen 2,668 2,896 -8% 8,117 7,244 12% Pacifica 866 6,438 -87% 2,693 16,432 -84% Town & Country* 13,338 13,649 -2% 34,381 36,871 -7% CHRYSLER BRAND 40,539 51,874 -22% 116,620 139,472 -16% Compass 4,836 3,802 27% 10,400 11,838 -12% Patriot 7,564 2,109 259% 17,248 2,928 489% Wrangler 8,589 13,397 -36% 21,814 31,591 -31% Liberty 7,366 9,634 -24% 23,047 24,363 -5% Grand Cherokee 8,172 10,398 -21% 23,163 30,856 -25% Commander 3,414 5,995 -43% 9,648 16,896 -43% JEEP BRAND 39,941 45,335 -12% 105,320 118,472 -11% Caliber 9,509 8,634 10% 31,331 27,206 15% Avenger 9,755 9,026 8% 25,246 15,515 63% Charger 9,296 12,707 -27% 27,018 30,923 -13% Viper 109 54 102% 272 153 78% Magnum 1,150 2,983 -61% 5,354 8,425 -36% Dakota 4,074 6,411 -36% 8,767 15,399 -43% Ram P/U 26,318 38,301 -31% 68,862 91,313 -25% Journey 2,640 0 0% 3,382 0 0% Caravan* 14,104 17,921 -21% 33,271 52,889 -37% Durango 2,691 4,362 -38% 9,258 14,590 -37% Nitro 4,981 7,532 -34% 15,355 19,697 -22% Sprinter 1,279 876 46% 3,815 2,253 69% DODGE BRAND 85,906 109,226 -21% 231,931 279,305 -17% TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC 166,386 206,435 -19% 453,871 537,249 -16% TOTAL CAR 48,339 55,608 -13% 145,601 139,511 4% TOTAL TRUCK 118,047 150,827 -22% 308,270 397,738 -22% Selling Days 26 28 76 77 * Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan sales comparison include eliminated 2007 model year short wheel base vehicles.

Kia Motors America Announces March Sales April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ Link to Press Release IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced March sales of 24,871 units and year-to-date sales of 68,214 units. Spectra and Rio had their best selling months of the year with 8,022 and 3,514 units sold respectively. Both vehicles also experienced increases year-to-date in the first quarter, and over the same period last year. Total sales for the month of March also rose 13 percent over the previous month. 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 MARCH YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2008 2007 2008 2007 Rio 3,514 3,044 9,098 6,309 Spectra 8,022 5,675 18,013 14,493 Optima 2,404 4,318 9,196 9,425 Amanti 173 945 556 2,738 Sportage 3,171 4,304 9,786 11,715 Sorento 2,039 3,771 4,621 10,079 Sedona 2,737 3,996 7,291 15,924 Rondo 2,811 1,514 9,653 2,920 Total 24,871 27,567 68,214 73,603

You know... this topic is becoming mired down in unrelated subjects that could be discussed elsewhere... like the lounge. Please try to refocus on Toyota's hybrid R&D being funded by the Japanese government. Save all the hi-fives and pats-on-the-back for another topic too.

- no other comment.

I think you're correct. Last time I saw anything published, most Tundra buyers were current Toyota owners. Conquest sales have been very disappointing. Same for Sequoia.

I don't know which sex, but I guarantee it's single :rotflmao:

It appears paddle-shifting has made a manual obsolete on most mid-to-large sedans that lean towards performance. So far I see dual sunroofs, power rear sunscreen, memory seats, LED instrumentation, LED taillights, real rear headrests, and 290hp. I'm starting to like the package very much. I'm hesitant over the interior materials though. The current Maxima photographs well, but the interior is a horrible place to spend time. Let's hope Nissan increased the budget for Maxima. I still believe the Invicta will kill this car in quality, ride, and overall refinement... but I expect it to be more expensive (possibly several thousand more) than the Maxima. That's fine if it's worth it. It would be nice if Buick could finally break away from mainstream comparisons and compete one-on-one with other premium brands. If it's as good as the ES350 or better, it should be priced accordingly. Back to Maxima... I'd consider the Maxima in a heartbeat over the Avalon. The Avalon is soulless and in search for an identity. It may sell on those merits for those looking for an appliance, but it is rejected by most buyers for the same reason. This Maxima has at least separated itself from the Altima and looks competitive. It can only be more successful than the current iteration.

Ugh... NS beat me to it. I had typed it in, but never submitted it due to a distraction. Oh well.

Hehe... Mustang V6 = Female Mustang V8 = Male Only men can understand the difference .6 liters can make.

290hp sounds good to me. The additional pics with the dark exterior make it look much better IMO.

All the information listed on the website (production count, rarity, color, etc) matches mine. Interesting... I wouldn't have looked to know about it if it hadn't been mentioned.

Oh... they'll step in to help a failing bank or airline, but...

Well, that explains why Toyota was able to sell the Prius at a profit so soon after production began.

Happy B-Day Northstar -

Don't forget... D-Ham production commitments have already been announced as part of the Union agreement:

Not only is that incorrect, but in reference to Buick, we had the Rendezvous... which sold very well for Buick, brought in many new buyers, and justified Buick getting the wonderful Enclave. The Rendezvous was just executed better than the Aztek in almost every way. The upcoming LaCrosse replacement will be better (I expect much better) than Buick's current sedan offerings. I'll be perfectly happy if it's named Invicta.

Don't forget, the Chevrolet Malibu was recently launched in China as well.

I still think the new Maxima will look great in black with a lighter shade for the interior.

Congrats on the success of the Roadmaster. Sorry to hear your CTS is gone. No matter which car I pick next, I will truly miss having the Park Avenue. Just keep thinking "Germany." I may have not followed the entire story... will you and Dominic continue in a long-distance relationship?

I'm in that exact same spot... I'm trying to determine my favorites in different vehicle segments and classes. I'll then see which accomodates the most of my wants and needs. We'll see. I will say that the fact that this comparison exists illustrates the problem of selling an Impala. It would not only compete with the G8, but possibly be priced higher if it was using the LWB-platform.

The LaCrosse replacement goes into production Jan'09 correct? LA Auto Show for the production debut sounds right.

I have nowhere near the objections to the new TSX as I did to the original one. I wish Buick had a similar compact sedan but in a warmer/more inviting package.

:rotflmao:

Nah... This is PCS... it's more like this: Even if you can't speak German, the movie is hilarious!

Hopefully LaCrosse will be a one generation name. The production EPS II sedan will be in a different class than the current Buick LaCrosse IMO.