VenSeattle

See the two topics below for expected changes... I have a feeling that we'll see the changes for each on both (except exterior colors.) 2007 Allure Changes http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...?showtopic=8277 2007 LaCrosse Changes http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...?showtopic=8072

They are?

I know what the Press Release says, but I'm finding that very hard to believe because I've been seeing 2007 Camrys on the road since March, and Toyota was already replacing 6-sp automatics by mid-April.

What happened to CLS sales? When will Mercedes start offering the 3.5l because the CLS desperately needs it! I will say that 10,000 S-Class sales so far is very impressive. Apparently not everyone is holding out for the new Lexus LS460 as Toyota planned.

On the way out to dinner, I actually saw my first FIT... ALREADY! The Driver looked late 50's with two teenagers sitting in the backseat. Geeeze.... Well, I'll say this... Scion might lose a lot of senior buyers to the new Fit. In person the Fit is more conservative, yet still more attractive than anything Scion offers. Fit also offers a 5-speed automatic while EVERY Scion only offers a 4-speed automatic. As Edmunds puts it, a 4-speed automatic is "about as cutting edge as a cassette deck."

OMG! Even the Lincoln Mark LT has outsold the Acura RL so far this year... Lincoln Mark LT: 4,619 Acura RL: 3,633

Holy Hell... Only 557 Amanti sales this month???? Wow! Fleets won't even buy them now! At least the Acura RL outsold something!

Kia Motors America Announces April Sales IRVINE, Calif.--May 2, 2006; Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced April sales of 27,807 units, a 2.4-percent increase over the same period last year. The Kia Spectra topped vehicle sales with 8,560 units sold, while the Sorento SUV and all-new Sedona minivan posted 5,674 units, and 4,479 units respectively. Kia Motors America is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. MONTH OF APRIL YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2006 2005 2006 2005 Rio 1,898 2,692 9,726 10,248 Spectra 8,560 5,359 20,067 16,767 Optima 3,771 3,642 10,511 16,075 Amanti 557 2,687 2,312 8,871 Sportage 2,868 3,488 12,503 7,685 Sorento 5,674 3,808 15,932 13,750 Sedona 4,479 5,472 21,590 17,091 Total 27,807 27,158 92,641 90,487 Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005497.html

BMW Group Reports Strong Increase in April 2006 Sales BMW Brand Sales Jump 16 Percent Year-To-Date WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., May 2 -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI brands combined) crossed the 100,000-vehicle sales threshold in April, reporting year-to-date sales of 101,151 vehicles, an 11 percent increase over the 90,918 vehicles sold in the same period of 2005. Almost ten years ago, in December 1996, BMW's U.S. sales exceeded the 100,000-vehicle milestone for the first time after nearly a full calendar year of sales. The BMW Group also reported an increase of 13 percent in April sales, for 28,563 vehicles over the 25,382 vehicles reported in April 2005. BMW Brand Reports Jump in April Sales April sales of BMW brand vehicles rose 20 percent for a total of 25,250 compared to 21,072 reported in the same month a year ago. BMW brand sales were up 16 percent year-to-date, as the company reported sales of 88,353 vehicles compared to 76,424 vehicles sold in first four months of 2005. BMW Automobile Sales BMW's automobile sales were up 23 percent in April to 18,427 versus 14,970 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales also were up 23 percent, to 68,311 automobiles compared to 55,397 in the same period of 2005. BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales April sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are off slightly, up 12 percent to 6,823 vehicles over the 6,102 sold last April. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are down 5 percent, to 20,042 vehicles compared to the 21,027 sold in the same period of 2005. Certified Pre-Owned Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles reached an all-time record. The company reported sales of 8,368 CPO sales in April 2006, an increase of 24 percent over April of 2005. Year-to-date, CPO sales were up 21 percent, to 28,630 over the 23,631 reported in the same period in 2005. MINI Brand MINI Automobiles MINI USA reported April sales of 3,313 automobiles, down 23 percent from the 4,310 cars sold in April 2005. Year-to-date, the division reported sales of 12,798 automobiles, a drop of 12 percent, compared to the 14,494 cars reported in the first four months of 2005. BMW Car Sales Report for April 2006 2006 2005 April 18,427 14,970 Year-to-Date 68,311 55,397 Model April Year-to- Year-to- Date April Date 2006 2006 2005 2005 325i (E90 & E46) 4,888 16,914 2,504 11,609 325Ci 304 1,162 424 1,459 325Ci convertible 513 1,531 663 2,162 325i sports wagon 0 4 53 284 325xi (E90 & E46) 1,489 5,785 394 2,500 325xi sports wagon (E90 & E46) 209 820 63 338 330i (E90 & E46) 1,572 5,571 820 3,458 330Ci 164 696 327 1,037 330Ci convertible 525 1,633 599 1,806 330xi (E90 & E46) 1,074 3,504 507 2,087 M3 255 817 427 1,356 M3 convertible 158 493 213 667 3 Series 11,151 38,930 6,994 28,763 Z4 2.5i Roadster (US) 41 221 753 2,017 Z4 3.0i Roadster (US) 628 1,119 480 1,125 Z4 Roadster 3.0si (US) 357 541 0 0 Z4 M Roadster (US) 154 299 0 0 Z4 1,180 2,180 1,233 3,142 525i (E60) 993 4,160 1,923 6,162 525xi (E60) 306 1,961 0 0 530i (E60) 813 3,899 1,651 6,233 530xi (E60) 574 3,007 0 0 530xi sports wagon (E60) 188 1,000 9 9 545i (E60) 0 6 988 3,184 550i (E60) 643 2,341 0 0 M5 (E60 & E39) 182 1,424 0 2 5 Series 3,699 17,798 4,571 15,590 645Ci 0 21 324 1,211 650i coupe 242 956 0 0 645Ci convertible 0 16 664 2,076 650i convertible 473 1,863 0 0 M6 58 58 0 0 6 Series 773 2,914 988 3,287 745i 0 0 324 1,471 745Li 0 0 410 2,572 750i 386 1,465 179 179 750Li 1,195 4,866 246 246 760i 4 21 10 44 760Li 39 136 13 96 7 Series 1,624 6,488 1,182 4,608 Z8 0 1 2 4 Z8 Alpina 0 0 0 3 Z8 0 1 2 7 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (light trucks) Sales Report for April 2006 2006 2005 April 6,823 6,102 Year-to-Date 20,042 21,027 Model April Year-to- Year-to- Date April Date 2006 2006 2005 2005 X3 2.5i 28 156 608 2,051 X3 3.0i 4,568 10,483 2,562 8,254 X3 4,596 10,639 3,170 10,305 X5 3.0i (US) 1,643 7,023 2,038 7,579 X5 4.4i (US) 495 2,014 768 2,723 X5 4.8is (US) 89 366 126 420 X5 2,227 9,403 2,932 10,722 MINI Sales Report for April 2006 2006 2005 April 3,313 4,310 Year-to-Date 12,798 14,494 Model April Year-to- Year-to- Date April Date 2006 2006 2005 2005 MINI Cooper 892 3,673 1,302 4,541 MINI Cooper S 1,340 5,638 1,480 5,403 MINI Cooper Convertible 334 1,086 871 2,490 MINI Cooper S Convertible 747 2,401 657 2,060 Total MINI 3,313 12,798 4,310 14,494 Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005408.html

Suzuki April 2006 Sales up 32 Percent BREA, Calif.--May 2, 2006--American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) today announced sales of 10,669 units in April - an increase of 32 percent over April 2005 and the best April sales in company history. April is the second consecutive month in which Suzuki reported sales above 10,000 units. Year-to-date sales, which total 37,308 are up 38 percent. Suzuki's monthly and quarterly records continue its recent sales momentum which included record sales of 82,101 in 2005 - the best sales year in American Suzuki's 21-year history. ASMC's growth was led by the sales of its Grand Vitara, which sold 2,741 units, an impressive 493 percent increase over last year's numbers. The top-selling Forenza family of vehicles also contributed to Suzuki's record month, with 4,938 units sold in April - an 18 percent increase over 2005. "Suzuki's record-setting April, following the outstanding first quarter result, illustrates the company's positive sales momentum and puts us on track to sustain our growth during 2006," said Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki's Automotive Operations. "The increasing popularity of the 2006 Grand Vitara, the continuing sales strength of the Forenza models and the excitement surrounding the two new vehicles (all-new 2007 XL-7 and all-new 2007 SX4) we introduced last month at the New York International Auto Show position American Suzuki for a successful campaign this year." Suzuki's expanding product line in the United States includes the media-acclaimed 2006 Grand Vitara, the popular Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, the five-door Reno, the Aerio and Aerio SX, the Verona and the Suzuki XL-7, one of the most affordable seven-passenger SUVs sold in the United States. In addition to the strong vehicle lineup, Suzuki automobiles feature America's #1 Warranty with its industry-leading 100,000-mile/7-year, zero deductible, fully transferable limited powertrain warranty. AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP. MONTH END REPORTING APRIL CYTD --------------------------- --------------------------- 2006 2005 MTD VS. 2006 2005 YTD VS. MTD PRIOR YTD PRIOR YR. YR. VITARA: 1 7 -86% 5 227 -98% GRAND VITARA: 2,741 462 493% 9,956 1,866 434% XL-7: 1,585 1,982 -20% 6,372 8,890 -28% AERIO: 1,121 703 59% 3,535 2,385 48% FORENZA(a): 4,938 4,178 18% 16,150 10,806 49% VERONA: 283 752 -62% 1,290 2,934 -56% TOTAL: 10,669 8,084 32% 37,308 27,108 38% (a) Please note: Forenza Wagon and Reno sales are included in the Forenza sales. link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005415.html

Mitsubishi Motors Reports Gain In April U.S. Sales Of 17.5 % May 2, 2006 -- Cypress, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported April sales of 10,841 units, an increase of 17.5% compared to April sales of 9,230. "While we are encouraged by a very strong month of sales, we sincerely believe that this is only the beginning," said President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "Our exciting Eclipse Spyder convertible is just beginning to make a contribution, and there are more exciting products to come in the near future, including the all-new Outlander in the autumn of this year." The total sales of 10,841 represent the highest monthly total since August 2005, and the second best sales month in the past year. The 17.5% increase is the largest year-over year monthly sales increase in nearly 4 years (July 2002) and the largest April year-over-year monthly increase in 6 years (April 2000). Galant was the volume leader at 3,049, up 29.9% from last April's volume Eclipse closed at 2,626, up 165.8% up from last year's volume Eclipse Spyder had its best sales month in two years with 827, up 89.7% from last year's volume. "At a time our industry is facing many challenges, Mitsubishi Motors has begun our fiscal year on a high note and we are positioned well," added Harunari. "We have exciting products and when consumers visit our dealers' showrooms, they are also finding programs that are competitive and meaningful to them as American consumers."Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 550 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com. Link: http://media.mitsubishicars.com/detail?mid...241763&mime=ASC

Not all... per this topic article:

Chrysler Group Reports April 2006 U.S. Sales Decline 4 Percent Strong April Sales of All-New Dodge Caliber Push Past 11,000 units; Days Supply Drops to 12 Days Chrysler Group Car Sales Increase 37 Percent on Sales Success of Dodge Caliber and Chrysler 300 Chrysler 300 Sales Surpass 300,000 Units Since April 2004 Introduction; Fastest Chrysler Group Vehicle to Reach that Milestone Auburn Hills, Mich., May 2, 2006- Against an exceptionally robust prior year comparison and in-line with overall industry performance, Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for April 2006 of 190,095 units, a decrease of 4 percent (8 percent decrease unadjusted) over April 2005 sales of 206,546 units. All sales are being reported on a day-rate adjusted basis unless otherwise indicated. "The Dodge Caliber helped to increase the company's car business 37 percent in April, continuing the legacy established by the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Chrysler 300 of head-turning vehicle styling. The Dodge Caliber confirms that the Chrysler Group is a serious contender in the car market," said Gary Dilts, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Sales. The strong global appeal of the all-new Dodge Caliber pushed monthly sales for the Dodge brand up 5 percent to 106,231 units, compared to April 2005 sales of 104,667. Sales of the all-new Dodge Caliber surged 78 percent over March 2006 sales to 11,236 units, marking the first month that the Dodge Caliber surpassed 11,000 unit sales. The popularity of the Dodge Caliber was reinforced in April as demonstrated by the average of 12 days supply of the vehicle on dealer lots. The Dodge Charger posted sales of 9,662 units, an increase of 11 percent over March 2006 sales and the third best month of sales since its introduction in May 2005. The Dodge Sprinter continues to make headway with commercial customers. The Dodge Sprinter posted sales of 1,646 units, an increase of 8 percent over April 2005 sales of 1,585 units. The flagship vehicle for the Chrysler brand, the Chrysler 300, posted sales of 12,804 units in April 2006, an increase of 4 percent over April 2005 sales of 12,837 units. In April, U.S. sales of the Chrysler 300 surpassed 300,000 units. Since its April 2004 introduction, the Chrysler 300 reached that milestone faster than any other Chrysler brand vehicle. The Jeep® brand is aggressively expanding its vehicle lineup in 2006 with vehicles that offer exceptional fuel economy, numerous safety features and significant value. Beginning with the Jeep Commander last fall and continuing with the all-new Jeep Compass, the unique Jeep combines trademark Jeep features and performance with the high fuel efficiency demanded by consumers. Followed by the Jeep Patriot and anchored by the Fall arrival of the all-new Jeep Wrangler and four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the Jeep vehicle lineup will more than double from three to seven models. For May, Chrysler Group announces the “0% is Back” incentive program on most Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Customers can choose from a variety of cash-back options ranging from $750 to $5,000 on selected models, or qualified customers can select 0% financing for 60 months on selected models through Chrysler Financial. The program runs through July 5. “Gas prices and interest rates are challenging consumers’ spending habits and affecting everything from groceries and household goods to some sectors of automotive sales,” said Dilts. “By bringing successful, highly fuel efficient vehicles like the Dodge Caliber to market that address customer concerns, Chrysler Group can expand our leadership beyond those segments where we are strongest: minivans, trucks and SUVs. We have five vehicles on the way that are long on style and easy on gas that will be in the marketplace by the end of 2006.” Chrysler Group finished the month with 586,263 units of inventory, or an 80-day supply. DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S.Sales Summary Thru April 2006 Link to Press release

Nissan North America Announces April 2006 Sales GARDENA, Calif.(not for long! VS)--May 2, 2006--Nissan North America, Inc.'s (NNA's) Nissan Division posted an increase in sales of 0.1 percent over last year, with the Murano celebrating best-ever April sales. The Frontier and Sentra also posted robust sales increases versus one year ago. While the Infiniti Division posted a 14.2 percent decrease in sales, the Infiniti M saw record April sales. NNA reported 86,720 total sales in April, a 1.7 percent decrease over last year. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS -- April sales for Nissan-brand vehicles of 77,102 units increased 0.1 percent on a daily sales rate basis when compared to last year with 79,982 units sold. -- Murano saw record sales for April, with 6,879 units sold marking a 16.3 percent increase from one year ago. -- Frontier pickup saw solid sales of 7,573 units in April, a 38.8 percent increase from year-ago. -- Sentra (12,242 units sold) continues its strong tempo with a sales gain of 20.1 percent from one year ago. -- April total Nissan truck sales rose 2.7% from last year, on sales of 36,678 units. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS -- Sales for Infiniti were down 14.2 percent from last April with 9,618 units sold. -- The all-new M continued its strong sales momentum with 2,417 units sold and posts its best April ever. NNA INFORMATION -- Combined April sales for Nissan and Infiniti totaled 86,720 units, a 1.7 percent decrease when compared to last year with 91,621 units. In North America, NNA's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. NISSAN DIVISION SALES ---------------------------------------------------------------------- April April Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD DSR DSR ----------------------------------------------------- 2006 2005 % Change 2006 2005 % Change ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nissan Division Total 77,102 79,982 0.1 311,142 312,699 0.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sentra 12,242 10,589 20.1 43,029 38,423 13.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Altima 20,176 22,869 -8.4 80,804 84,337 -3.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Maxima 5,195 6,541 -17.5 21,785 25,735 -14.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 350Z 2,811 2,883 1.3 9,844 9,477 4.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Car 40,424 42,882 -2.1 155,462 157,972 -0.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Frontier 7,573 5,667 38.8 27,397 23,861 16.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Xterra 4,945 5,458 -5.9 23,561 24,031 -1.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pathfinder 5,702 5,579 6.1 26,950 25,377 7.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Murano 6,879 6,142 16.3 30,075 24,452 24.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quest 2,489 3,806 -32.1 8,942 14,108 -36.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Armada 2,665 3,061 -9.6 11,053 13,856 -19.4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Titan 6,425 7,387 -9.7 27,702 29,042 -3.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Truck 36,678 37,100 2.7 155,680 154,727 1.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- North American Produced 67,412 70,859 -1.2 271,220 277,741 -1.4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Car 37,613 39,999 -2.3 145,618 148,495 -1.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Truck 29,799 30,860 0.3 125,602 129,246 -1.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Import 9,690 9,123 10.3 39,922 34,958 15.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Car 2,811 2,883 1.3 9,844 9,477 4.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Truck 6,879 6,240 14.5 30,078 25,481 19.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INFINITI DIVISION SALES ---------------------------------------------------------------------- April April Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD DSR DSR ----------------------------------------------------- 2006 2005 % Change 2006 2005 % Change ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Infiniti Division Total 9,618 11,639 -14.2 38,805 43,722 -10.4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I35 0 72 -100.0 1 942 -99.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- G35 Sedan 2,831 3,275 -10.2 12,169 15,279 -19.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- G35 Coupe 1,821 2,556 -26.0 6,789 8,637 -20.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- M45 2,417 2,288 9.7 8,938 4,856 85.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Q45 49 81 -37.2 233 484 -51.4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- QX56 801 1,184 -29.7 3,878 4,915 -20.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FX 1,699 2,184 -19.2 6,795 8,610 -20.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Car 7,118 8,271 -10.6 28,130 30,197 -5.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Truck 2,500 3,368 -22.9 10,675 13,525 -20.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- COMBINED NISSAN AND INFINITI SALES ---------------------------------------------------------------------- April April Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD DSR DSR ----------------------------------------------------- 2006 2005 % Change 2006 2005 % Change ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL VEHICLE 86,720 91,621 -1.7 349,947 356,421 -0.8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Car 47,542 51,153 -3.5 183,592 188,169 1.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Truck 39,178 40,468 0.5 166,355 168,252 2.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Selling Days 26 27 101 102 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005424.html

Subaru Reports April 2006 Sales -- Subaru Impreza sales up 8% -- CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 2 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported April sales totaling 16,073 units. Strong sales of the Subaru Impreza led the month, climbing eight percent from the same period last year. The Subaru B9 Tribeca recorded a strong 1,803 units for the month of April. The Subaru Legacy model line posted a total of 6,259 units, with Subaru Outback posting 4,283 units for the month. Subaru Impreza posted 3,066 unit sales, while Subaru Forester totaled 4,512 units for the month. Subaru Baja recorded 433 units in April. For a complete sales chart and additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit our media website at http://www.media.subaru.com/. (see attachment below) About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com/. Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005409.html Subaru_April_Sales_final4web.doc

Volkswagen April 2006 Sales 2 May 2006 New models comprise more than half of sales AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported April sales of 20,528, an 11.2 percent increase over prior year sales. The Jetta continues to be the volume car for Volkswagen, selling 9,929 units, up 32.4 percent as compared to last year’s sales of 7,498. With an increase of 52.9 percent, the Passat sedan posted sales of 3,466. Year-to-date sales are 73,824, an increase of 20.4 percent over prior year sales of 61,336. Below is a breakdown of the model line for the Volkswagen brand for April, 2006. VW-US Snapshot ---------- YEAR-TO-DATE ---------- Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005483.html

Mercedes-Benz USA Reports April 2006 Sales Best Ever MONTVALE, N.J., May 2, 2006 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its highest April on record with sales of 21,270 new vehicles, an increase of 13.1 percent over last April, bringing year-to-date sales to 72,512 new vehicles, a 15.9 percent increase compared to year-to-date 2005. Passenger car sales of 16,466 units showed an increase of 6.8 percent over April 2005. The strongest increase for the month (and for the year-to-date) was the flagship 2007 S-Class with sales of 3,033 units, an increase of 108.2 percent over last April. Another new model, the 2007 SL550, which arrived at dealerships in mid-April, boosted volume for its model line, which recorded a 22.2 percent gain over April 2005. Other strong performers included CLK-Class coupe and convertible sales of 2,202, a 14 percent increase over April 2005, E-Class sedan and wagon sales of 3,778, an increase of 1.3 percent over last April and SLK-Class sales of 1,202, a 23.7 percent increase over April 2005. Sales for Mercedes vehicles in the luxury light truck segment -- M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class and G-Class -- continue to gain momentum as a group with a 41.7 percent increase over April 2005 and a 114.6 percent increase over year- to-date 2005 (16,918 v. 7,882). The all new 2007 GL-Class, the first European full-sized luxury SUV, which arrived at dealerships at the end of April, netted sales of 499 units. Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA sold 4,055 vehicles in April, bringing annual sales for the year to a total of 14,506 units. In 2005, MBUSA achieved its twelfth consecutive year of sales growth by setting the highest sales volume in its history with 224,421 new vehicle sales. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/. April April Monthly YTD YTD Yearly Model '06 '05 % 2006 2005 % C-CLASS 4,037 4,496 -10.2% 14,017 16,965 -17.4% E-CLASS 3,778 3,731 1.3% 12,437 12,660 -1.8% S-CLASS 3,033 1,457 108.2% 10,651 4,933 115.9% CL-CLASS 64 111 -42.3% 220 472 -53.4% SL-CLASS 1,112 910 22.2% 2,953 3,362 -12.2% CLK-CLASS 2,202 1,932 14.0% 7,790 6,522 19.4% SLK-CLASS 1,202 972 23.7% 3,644 4,085 -10.8% CLS-CLASS 1,038 1,805 -42.5% 3,882 5,700 -31.9% R-CLASS 1,672 n/a n/a 6,742 n/a n/a M-CLASS 2,590 3,248 -20.3% 9,447 7,455 26.7% GL-CLASS 499 n/a n/a 499 n/a n/a G-CLASS 43 143 -69.9% 230 427 -46.1% GRAND TOTAL 21,270 18,805 13.1% 72,512 62,581 15.9% Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005419.html

Hyundai Reports 2006 Record April Sales FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 2, 2006 -- Hyundai Motor America today announced April sales of 41,025, a new record for the month. Hyundai's sedans continued to lead the charge. Azera sales were up 82 percent over XG350/Azera sales in April 2005, and Sonata sales grew by 46 percent over last year. "We are very encouraged by the strength of our sedans, with Sonata and Azera showing excellent growth over last year," said Mark Barnes, vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. "The combination of value and safety continues to resonate with consumers." All Hyundai cars and sport utility 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 powertrain 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. Following is the sales breakdown for April 2006: CARLINE APR/2006 APR/2005 CY2006 CY2005 ACCENT 3,491 4,022 8,256 13,269 SONATA 15,716 10,790 58,587 38,931 ELANTRA 9,121 11,271 34,906 38,106 TIBURON 1,674 2,124 5,337 5,984 SANTA FE 3,639 6,129 14,091 22,218 XG350/AZERA 2,601 1,427 8,861 5,210 TUCSON 4,657 5,195 16,849 17,252 ENTOURAGE 126 0 126 0 TOTAL 41,025 40,958 147,013 140,970 Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005426.html

Audi of America Announces April 2006 Sales AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 2, 2006 -- After a successful first quarter, Audi of America, Inc. continues its sales gains with a 2.9% increase for April 2006. Marking the second best April sales month in its history and the best since 2000, Audi sold a total of 7,412 vehicles. Vehicle sales in April 2005 totaled 7,202. Leading the sales gain for the month was the A4 with a total of 3,623, a 25.0% increase over last year. The A3 continues its strong momentum in the market with total sales of 746. "Our core model lines -- A3, A4, and A6 -- continue to drive sales upwards," said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America. "With the advent of the 'Year of Performance' beginning in June with the all- new Audi Q7 performance SUV, followed by the RS 4 sport sedan, A4 and S4 Cabriolets, and our luxury sport sedans S6 and S8, we're just at the beginning of a great year for Audi of America." AUDI OF AMERICA, INC. APRIL 2006 SALES Apr-06 Apr-05 Apr-06 Apr-05 Yr/Yr % YTD YTD Yr/Yr % Actual Actual change Actual Actual change A3 746 128 482.8% 3,093 175 1667.4% TT 142 376 -62.2% 355 1,043 -66.0% A4 3,623 2,899 25.0% 11,443 11,140 2.7% A4/S4 Cabriolet 859 1,286 -33.2% 2,499 3,142 -20.5% A6 1,555 1,635 -4.9% 6,039 5,789 4.3% Allroad - 333 -100.0% 3 958 -99.7% Q7 - - N/A - - N/A A8/S8 487 545 -10.6% 1,864 1,790 4.1% TOTAL 7,412 7,202 2.9% 25,296 24,037 5.2% Link: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005421.html

I'm curious to watch how Fit impacts Civic sales over the next several months... (if any)

:rotflmao:

Now, if Acura could just figure out how to sell luxury cars over $40,000... the new RL hasn't been the 'Mover & Shaker' that Acura hoped for. 4 months into the year and only 3600 sold.

Don't forget, mark-ups go to the Dealer... not to the manufacturer. If sitting side-by-side, there's no way I'd personally pay the same price for a marked-up FJ as I would for an H3.

I'd bet the H3 is more profitable than FJ just based on transaction prices alone.

Press Release American Honda Reports Record April Sales Torrance, Calif. 05/02/2006 -- Boosted by the sixth consecutive month of record light-truck sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted a best-ever April sales result of 139,124 vehicles, an increase of 6.5 percent over April 2005. April was the fourth-best month in the company's U.S. sales history. American Honda posted record April car sales of 82,372 units, up 4.7 percent over last year, and record April light-truck sales of 56,752 units, an increase of 9.3 percent over year-ago results. Year-to-date American Honda total vehicle sales of 472,968 rose 7.6 percent over the same period last year. Record April sales of Honda Division cars and light trucks, including individual April records for the Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and CR-V, pushed Honda Division sales to an all-time April record of 119,752 units, up 6.7 percent over year-ago results. April marks the fourth-best month in the Honda Division's U.S. sales history, with year-to-date Honda Division sales rising 9.5 percent to 407,945 vehicles. Since going on sale April 20, the new Honda Fit sold 3,792 units, helping drive Honda Division car sales up 3.5 percent over April 2005 to 67,414 units, on a daily selling rate basis. "Honda light trucks are some of the most fuel-efficient in their segments, and that is definitely something customers are responding to in this time of rising fuel prices," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "We're not seeing a shift away from light trucks right now, but we are seeing customers make purchase decisions based on fuel economy." The Acura Division posted strong April sales of 19,372, with record April car sales of 14,958 units. The TSX and TL both set all-time records with 3,911 and 7,975 units, respectively.