Drew Dowdell

I wish Dodge could have seen fit to put a better interior in the Challenger.

It still surprises me that Volkswagen thought they could suddenly yank Passat owners up about 8 grand.......

nice pics... but WOW what a huge sig!

I can only post them as often as I get them.

Toyota Reports April Sales Click here for the April 2010 Sales Chart TORRANCE, Calif. (May 3, 2010) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today reported April sales of 157,439 vehicles. With equal selling days in April 2009 and 2010, sales were up 24.4 percent over the year-ago month on a daily selling rate and unadjusted raw volume basis. The Toyota Division posted April sales of 139,080 units, an increase of 23.8 percent over the same period last year. The Lexus Division reported April sales of 18,359 units, an increase of 29.3 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded sales of 83,506 units, an increase of 18.2 percent over last April. Passenger car sales were led by Corolla with sales of 27,932 units, up 50.7 percent over the year-ago month. Camry and Camry Hybrid posted combined April sales of 27,914 units, up 10.2 percent over the same period last year. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid reported sales of 12,555 units for the month, up 49.7 percent over April 2009. The new Avalon sedan recorded monthly sales of 2,812 units, up 36.1 percent over the year-ago month. Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 55,574 units in April, up 33.3 percent over April 2009. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV, which recorded monthly sales of 14,851 units, up 33.5 percent over the same period last year. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 7,026 units for the month, up 25.6 percent over last April. 4Runner reported sales of 4,200 units, up 204.3 percent over the year-ago month. The Tacoma mid-size pickup posted sales of 9,407 units for the month, up 4.2 percent over last April. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 8,949 units, up 45.4 percent over the same period last year. The all-new Sienna minivan reported sales of 8,688, up 40.6 percent over April 2009. Scion posted April sales of 3,577 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with sales of 1,643 units. The tC sports coupe posted April sales of 1,171 units. The ScionxD reported sales of 763 units for the month. Lexus Division Lexus reported passenger car sales of 9,901 units, up 37.7 percent over the year-ago month. Lexus passenger car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan which posted sales of 4,396 units, up 23.9 percent over last April. The IS luxury sports sedan and coupe reported combined sales of 2,701 units, up 16.2 percent over the same period last month. The HS luxury hybrid sedan recorded April sales of 1,076 units. Lexus light trucks recorded sales of 8,458 units, up 20.7 percent over last April. Lexus Division sales were led by the RX, which posted combined April sales of 7,454 units, up 19.5 percent over the year-ago month. TMS Hybrids TMS posted April sales of 17,242 hybrid vehicles, up 41.1 percent over April 2009. Toyota Division posted sales of 14,902 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported sales 2,340 hybrids in April. There were 26 selling days this month and last April.

Audi sets April U.S. sales record with second-best monthly performance in its history - Audi 2010 April sales increased 33% over 2009; only December 2006 provided better monthly results - Audi Q5 sales set a single-month record - A3 TDI accounts for nearly 60% of line’s sales, exceeding expectations HERNDON, Va., May 3, 2010 - After the best first quarter in the brand’s history, Audi today maintained its 2010 momentum with record April sales in the U.S.. For the month, sales of Audi cars and SUVs increased 32.9% compared to April 2009. The April 2010 results were buoyed by record monthly sales for the Audi Q5 and the A5 Cabriolet, and they marked the second-best U.S. sales in any month for Audi. In April 2010, Audi sold 9,319 luxury cars and SUVs. This topped the previous record, set in 2007, of 8,106 vehicles sold. The best month for Audi in the U.S. was December 2006 when sales reached 11,897 vehicles. Audi A3 sales jumped 144% from a year earlier. That gain was largely due to strong consumer demand for the A3 TDI model, which is the reigning 2010 Green Car of the Year. Another positive product story for Audi came from sales of the A6 luxury sedan which increased 105.2% over last April. “Consumers of luxury goods are clearly buying again,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “As these buyers return to the car market they are seeking out cars representing substance, leading-edge engineering and sophisticated styling. Those priorities are the fundamental reason Audi has set record sales in three of the past four months.” Audi A5 continues its single-month sales record streak The Audi A5 Cabriolet’s popularity continued to grow, setting a monthly sales record of 797 cars in April (including Audi S5 Cabriolet results). In April, the overall A5 model line (including S5 and A5/S5 Cabriolet sales) posted a year-over-year increase of 171.5%. Without the A5/S5 Cabriolet models (which weren’t available in April 2009), sales for the A5/S5 line increased a robust 54.3% from a year earlier. Audi TDI technology convinces consumers to go “green” Consumers are continuing to embrace TDI clean diesel technology from Audi in extraordinary ways. The Audi A3 TDI now accounts for 58.7% of the overall A3 model mix. Overall, A3 sales rose 144%, meaning sales of the TDI models are incremental since their introduction to the U.S. market late last year. The Audi Q7 TDI SUV continues to account for 36.2% of the Q7 line, a result that’s largely limited by supply of the TDI models. Audi Q5 also achieves best-ever sales mark Since its debut in 2009, the Q5 has become the brand’s second-best performing model, trailing only the A4 lineup. Sales of the Q5 crossover vehicle reached 1,910 units in April, an increase of 60.2% from last April. The positive sales results for Audi in the U.S. came as AUDI AG reported its operating profits globally in the first quarter rose 30% to 478 million euros (roughly $632.7 million). Double-digit growth rates in all global regions over the first three months of 2010. In the first quarter, AUDI AG reported operating revenues of 8,260 million euros (roughly $10.9 billion). Audi CPO sales results Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales slipped due to limited supplies. Audi recorded 2,285 CPO units sold in April, off 12.2% from April 2009. AUDI US SNAPSHOT -----YEAR TO DATE----- Model Line -10 Actual -09 Actual Yr/Yr % change -10 YTD Actual -09 YTD Actual Yr/Yr % change A3 593 243 144.0% 2,043 936 118.3% A4 3,177 3,494 -9.1% 11,658 11,009 5.9% A5 1,846 680 171.5% 5,601 2,434 130.1% A6 796 388 105.2% 2,609 2,012 29.7% A8 81 126 -35.7 230 398 42.2 Audi Q5 1,942 1,212 60.2% 5,753 2,964 94.1% Audi Q7 636 672 -5.4% 2,016 2,231 -9.6% R8 41 35 17.1% 170 233 -27.0% TT 207 160 29.4% 554 601 -7.8% Total Audi Sales 9,319 7,010 32.9% 30,634 22,818 34.3% NOTES: - 2010 A4 numbers include Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and S4 models. 2009 A4 numbers include A4 cabriolet, which has been discontinued. - 2010 A5 numbers include Audi A5 cabriolet and coupe’ and S5 cabriolet and coupe’ models. 2009 A5 numbers do not include the cabriolet models. - A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models. - A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models. - TT includes Audi TT coupe’ and TT roadster models.

Chrysler Group LLC Reports April 2010 U.S. Sales Increase of 25 Percent Increasing consumer confidence in Chrysler Group LLC propels the company to its best year-over-year percentage sales improvement since July 2005 Steady month-over-month improvement in 2010 continues with strong April sales results Chrysler Brand sales increased 61 percent compared with the same time last year Dodge Brand sales are up 61 percent versus April 2009 Dodge Challenger sets monthly sales record April’s ‘Minivan Event’ drives sales of the Chrysler Town & Country (up 80 percent) and Dodge Grand Caravan (up 56 percent), minivan sales up a combined 68 percent Auburn Hills, Mich., May 3, 2010 - Chrysler Group LLC today reported a U.S. sales increase of 25 percent, the best year-over-year percentage sales improvement for the company in almost five years. In addition, the company continued its trend of month-over-month sales increases in 2010, up 3 percent versus March 2010. “April was a very positive month for Chrysler Group, with concrete results that highlight the company is on-track and gaining momentum,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization. “Today we reported sales increased 25 percent compared with April 2009, building on the news from April 21 that the company posted an operating profit of $143 million for the first quarter 2010.” Chrysler Group LLC reported total U.S. sales for April of 95,703 units, an increase of 25 percent versus April 2009 (76,682 units). Sales increased 3 percent compared with March 2010 (92,623 units). Chrysler Group finished the month with a 53-day supply of inventory (196,614 units), a 42 percent decline versus April 2009 (336,913 units). Overall, U.S. industry sales figures for April are projected at an estimated 11.5 SAAR. “We are proud of our Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram truck dealers, who supported the new company from day one,” added Diaz. “They are as excited about our future as we are, and their enthusiasm is spreading to consumers, resulting in increasing showroom traffic and sales.” April U.S. Sales Highlights Dodge Brand sales (38,795 units) were up 61 percent compared with April 2009 (24,070 units) Dodge Challenger sales (3,713 units) increased 42 percent versus last year (2,619 units) and set a new monthly sales record for the Dodge Challenger Dodge Grand Caravan sales (10,435 units) improved 56 percent compared with the same time period last year (6,687 units) Dodge Avenger sales increased by triple digit percentages versus April 2009 Dodge Charger sales increase 90 percent compared with the same time period last year Dodge Caliber sales (3,671 units) were up 44 percent compared with last year Dodge Nitro increased sales (1,536 units) 14 percent versus the same time period last year Chrysler Brand sales (22,386 units) increased 61 percent versus April 2009 (13,874 units) Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible) both posted triple digit percentage increases compared with April 2009 Chrysler 300 sales (4,127 units) were up 40 percent versus last year (2,946 units) Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales (13,367 units) improved 80 percent compared with April 2009 (7,443 units) Jeep Compass sales (1,443 units) were up triple digits versus April 2009 (712 units) Jeep Patriot sales (2,404 units) improved 21 percent compared with last year (1,983 units) Jeep Liberty (3,490 units) sales increase six percent versus April 2009 Dodge Dakota improved sales 36 percent versus April 2009 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck sales improved 13 percent compared with April 2009 “With competitively priced vehicles that customers want to purchase, the company was able to reduce incentive spending compared with last year, while posting improved sales,” said Diaz. “But we aren’t resting on this month’s results. We are hungry to continue building on the sales improvements – we are just getting started.”

FORD’S U.S. APRIL SALES UP 25 PERCENT; FIFTH STRAIGHT MONTH FORD SALES HAVE INCREASED MORE THAN 20 PERCENT Ford, Lincoln and Mercury April sales totaled 162,996, up 25 percent versus year ago; retail sales were up 32 percent, and fleet sales were up 13 percent Ford brand sales up 26 percent versus year ago, Lincoln up 22 percent and Mercury up 19 percent Ford cars up 10 percent versus year ago, utilities up 33 percent and trucks up 38 percent Ford Fusion, Escape, Flex and Transit Connect set sales records Ford, Lincoln and Mercury year-to-date sales totaled 591,592, up 34 percent versus year ago Ford gains retail market share for the 18th time in the last 19 months, as more buyers turn to Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2010 – Ford continued to post strong sales and market share gains in April, with Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivering 162,996 new vehicles in April – a 25 percent increase versus a year ago. It marks the fifth month in a row Ford sales have increased more than 20 percent. Year-to-date sales totaled 591,592, up 34 percent. In April, Ford retail sales were up 32 percent versus a year ago, and Ford gained retail market share for the 18th time in the last 19 months. Fleet sales were up 13 percent. Ford is benefiting from a fresh lineup of new, high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles delivering industry-leading levels of safety and smart design. “Customers are benefitting from our strong new product lineup,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service. “Our laser focus on quality and dependability is increasing Ford resale values at a higher rate than the overall industry, bringing real value to Ford customers at trade-in time and driving industry-leading customer satisfaction and higher market share.” On average, resale values of Ford vehicles have increased 23 percent versus last year, outpacing the industry average by 4 percentage points, according to the latest North American Dealers Association auction data. Ford vehicles now have the fewest number of defects of any full-line manufacturer and the highest customer satisfaction with vehicle quality among all major automakers, according to a first quarter study by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Once again, sales were higher throughout Ford’s lineup in April – continuing a trend that began in December. Cars were up 10 percent versus a year ago, utilities were up 33 percent, and trucks were up 38 percent. Among brands, Ford sales were up 26 percent, Lincoln sales were up 22 percent and Mercury sales were up 19 percent. Additional Sales Highlights Ford Fusion, Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, set an April sales record of 18,971, up 4 percent versus the previous record set last year. Fusion has set monthly sales records in 12 of the last 13 months, and sales have been up 13 months in a row. Mercury Milan sales were up 36 percent, its sixth consecutive monthly sales increase. Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,166 in April, almost double year-ago levels (up 99 percent). Ford Focus sales were up 21 percent. With sales of 40,946, Ford’s F-Series posted a 42 percent sales increase in April. Ford’s leadership position in the truck market is strengthened by the arrival of the 2011 model F-Series Super Duty – the most capable, fuel-efficient heavy-duty pickup in the industry. In April, sales of the all-new 2011 Super Duty were more than double Ford’s plan for the month. F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for 33 years in a row and best-selling vehicle (car or truck) for 28 years in a row. F-Series sales have increased five months in a row, and April’s increase was the largest. Utility vehicles also posted strong sales increases. Ford Escape set an April sales record of 19,146, up 41 percent. Ford Edge sales were up 18 percent (its seventh straight monthly increase), Ford Flex sales were a record for April and up 22 percent, and Mercury Mariner sales were up 24 percent (its fourth monthly increase in a row). Sales for traditional SUVs (Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator) also were higher than a year ago. Sales for Ford’s E-Series van (Econoline/Club Wagon) were up 15 percent versus a year ago. E-Series has been America’s best-selling full-size van for 31 years. Sales of the new Ford Transit Connect small commercial van totaled 2,229 in April – its highest sales month ever. ADT Security Services, the world’s largest electronic security provider, plans to place an order for 3,000 Transit Connects, representing half of its North American fleet. This move will save ADT an estimated $5.3 million annually in fuel costs while reducing carbon emissions. In a separate announcement, the city of Boston last week became the first municipality in America to approve the Transit Connect cab for taxi use. Meanwhile, the production of the battery-electric Transit Connect begins later this year. The company’s hybrid vehicles (Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner) posted sales of 2,726 in April, up 19 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, the company’s hybrid sales totaled 9,742, up 55 percent. Ford has sold approximately 130,000 hybrid vehicles in the U.S. and is America’s largest domestic hybrid company. In addition, Ford has sold more than 10,000 vehicles equipped with its V-6 EcoBoost engine technology.

DETROIT – A combined retail sales increase of 33 percent for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac propelled total sales for GM's four brands in the U.S. to 183,091 during the month. This represents a 20-percent increase from a year ago. For the calendar year-to-date, combined total sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac are up 31 percent. The continued year-over-year sales increases are largely being driven by the company's launch products, which now represent one of every four GM vehicles sold at retail. Year-to-date, combined sales of the Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Equinox, Buick LaCrosse, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX are up nearly 300 percent, at 110,176, compared to the vehicles they replaced. "Clearly, our launch vehicles are hitting the mark with consumers who are looking for bold styling, quality, safety and fuel efficiency," said Steve Carlisle, vice president of U.S. Sales Operations. "But our results aren't limited to just our newest vehicles. Sales of our full-size pickups and our mid-sized crossovers continue to strengthen." Retail sales of GM's full-size pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche and GMC Sierra were up a combined 20 percent in April, and are up 8 percent year-to-date. Retail sales of GM's mid-sized crossovers – the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia – increased 26 percent in April and are 15 percent higher year-to-date. "The good news is that we have more on the way, including the all-new Buick Regal this spring and the Chevrolet Cruze in the third quarter," added Carlisle. Chevrolet dealers reported sales of 135,369 – 17 percent higher than April, 2009. Retail sales for the brand were 32 percent higher for the month. Retail sales of the Chevrolet Malibu surged 38 percent for the month – the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. The Chevrolet Silverado, Equinox, Traverse and Camaro all posted year-over-year retail sales increases of 20 percent or more (read more). Buick sales rose 36 percent for the month to 12,181 – the seventh consecutive month of double digit year-over-year sales increases. Retail sales for Buick rose 42 percent during April. Buick LaCrosse had its best retail month since 2005, with an increase of 237 percent for the month. Year-to-date sales of the LaCrosse have increased 154 percent, with 42 percent of sales coming from consumers who replaced a non-GM vehicle (read more). GMC sales of 24,224 were 18 percent higher than last year, while retail sales for the brand were up 37 percent. Sales were led by retail sales of the GMC Terrain, which were up 537 percent for the month versus the vehicle it replaced. For the year, sales of the Terrain are up 313 percent. The Terrain continues to attract new customers to the brand, where 46 percent of buyers are trading in a non-GM make (read more). Cadillac sales increased 36 percent to 11,317, while retail sales improved 31 percent for the month. April retail sales of the SRX were 504 percent higher than a year ago, and are up 405 percent for the year. The SRX continues to bring new customers to the Cadillac brand. Year-to-date, 49 percent of SRX buyers traded in a competitive brand (read more). Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at about 430,000 units, which is about 3,000 higher compared to March 2010, and about 311,000 lower than April 2009. April Key Facts: Chevrolet: total sales up 17 percent compared to a year ago; retail sales up 32 percent; Chevrolet Equinox retail sales increased 276 percent; Camaro retail sales continued to set the pace for the sport segment with 7,830 deliveries; Chevrolet Traverse retail sales were up 30 percent for the month, and are up 10 percent for the year; Silverado retail sales were up 23 percent, the second consecutive month with a retail sales increase of 20 percent or more. Buick: total sales up 36 percent; retail sales up 42 percent; Buick LaCrosse retail sales rose 237 percent and are up 154 percent for the year; Buick Enclave retail sales rose 29 percent in April and are up 11 percent for the year. GMC: total sales up 18 percent; retail sales up 37 percent; GMC Terrain retail sales were up 537 percent for the month and 313 percent for the year; GMC Acadia retail sales increased 20 percent for the month and are up 26 percent year-to-date Cadillac: total sales up 36 percent; retail sales up 31 percent; Cadillac SRX retail sales were up 504 percent for the month and 405 percent for the year; Cadillac CTS had its best month of the year, with retail sales up 9 percent vs. March. Fleet sales for GM's four brands were 58,000 for the month, down 2 percent vs. the prior year. Crossovers for GM's four brands doubled sales in April compared to last year. Combined Total and Retail sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have increased year-over-year for seven straight months.

damn! I didn't buy my euros in time!

I was referring to the 1-series.. but ok

Why should that be a requirement for Cadillac? BMW can't even build a compact car for $27,000 and sell it in volume. Mercedes tried and gave up.

just change out the frame, the body panels, the interior, the dash, the tires, the engine, the transmission, the front clip, the rear clip, the doors, and the fuel tank...it looks like you could re-use the windshield.... and it'll be good as new!

Cleanup in aisle 6!

are these the original pads?

Until that part falls off an kills someone behind them.... or someone tries driving around with no functioning tail lights at night....and gets slammed into. people get killed all the time on Florida highways from parts falling off other people's cars.

The difference there is that the police detained that person with cause. The new Arizona law allows for an officer to use any suspicion they have of the person being illegal..... which is based on..... what criteria again?

If universal health coverage was part of the longstanding liberal agenda to implement a European-style welfare state in America, Arizona's tough new anti-immigrant law represents the conservative agenda to install a European-style surveillance state. Indeed, the very same conservatives who could not find words strong enough to condemn the Europeanization of America under ObamaCare are now greeting the Arizona law--which will require residents to prove their lawful status to authorities on demand--with a cheerful smile and a shrug.

Oh, I have lots. My entire first floor is covered in braided rugs that were hand made by my grandmother in the 50s. They are priceless to me. I grew up playing on those rugs. The lines on them were the highways for my hotwheels cars to drive on. I have some of my great grandfather's furniture and a clock of his. I have numerous articles that he collected from his round the world travels.

I think they are saying that it's unconstitutional to require citizens to carry their passport.

My only problem with the post is this: For Corn and Soybean ethanol, this is quite possibly true. However, not so much with algae, kelp or waste sources of ethanol. The issue is the Corn lobby got it's talons into energy legislation.

For as divergent as your and my views are, I find it interesting that we both read that blog. I've followed it since before the 2004 election.

Its there. If you make a bunch of posts in quick succession they get merged together into one automatically.

No. I want to remove the incentive for them to be here regardless of their immigration status. I'm happy that there is plenty of incentive for them to be properly naturalize or documented. If they want to come here and work, I'm all for it...... just follow the laws.