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Fusion, Escape Achieve All-Time Record Sales; Ford Motor Company U.S. Sales Up 6 Percent in March Fusion delivers its best-ever sales month and quarter ever, with March sales passing 30,000 and quarterly sales passing the 80,000 mark for the first time in its history Escape posts its best-ever sales month and quarterly sales Explorer sales up 33 percent – best monthly sales since the current model debuted in 2010 America’s best-selling pickup for 36 years, F-Series posts 16 percent increase as full-size pickup segmentation continues to improve versus year ago – best first quarter sales since 2007 Ford Motor Company March U.S. sales up 6 percent – best sales results since May 2007, with cars even with year ago, utilities up 14 percent and trucks up 6 percent DEARBORN, Mich., April 2, 2013 – Ford’s newest vehicles – Fusion and Escape – set all-time monthly sales records in March, driving Ford Motor Company’s best U.S. sales results since May 2007. “Customers are buying our all-new Fusion and Escape in record numbers, and we are working harder than ever to keep pace with demand for these fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Full-size pickup demand continues gaining momentum, outperforming the industry for the third consecutive month.” Ford Fusion posted an all-time record monthly and quarterly sales volume in March with 30,284 vehicles sold for the month and 80,558 during the first quarter – crossing the 30,000 monthly and 80,000 quarterly vehicle sale thresholds for the first time ever in Fusion sales history. Escape had its best sales month ever with 28,934 vehicles sold. This 28 percent increase versus year-ago results marks the best sales performance since Escape’s launch 13 years ago. Escape also posted record quarter sales of 72,983 vehicles, surpassing record third quarter 2012 sales of 72,908 vehicles. Explorer’s March sales totaled 17,509, representing a 33 percent increase over last year and its best monthly sales performance since the current model was introduced in 2010. Explorer retail sales were up 42 percent over last year, providing it best March retail sales performance since 2005. With the industry’s March full-size pickup segment estimated to be up 15 percent over last year, America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series sales increased 16 percent to 67,513 pickups in March. This was F-Series 20th straight month of monthly sales increases and represented F-Series’ best March and first quarter sales performance since 2007. The company’s overall sales in March were up 6 percent with 236,160 vehicles sold. Cars were even with a year ago, utilities up 14 percent and trucks up 6 percent.
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GM Reports Best March Sales in Five Years Cadillac sales up almost 50 percent on new models DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 245,950 vehicles in the United States in March, up 6 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales increased 4 percent, fleet sales were up 12 percent and the fleet mix was 27 percent of total sales. “GM delivered its best March sales in five years thanks to a strengthening economy and new products, and we are expecting our third consecutive increase in market share versus last year,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations. “Sales of smaller cars have been robust for some time. Trucks have improved in lockstep with the housing market and the strength of the crossover market signals that America’s families are more confident about their financial health.” March Highlights (vs. 2012) Cadillac was up almost 50 percent; Buick was up 37 percent; GMC was up 12 percent; and Chevrolet sales were essentially equal to a year ago. Crossovers were up 31 percent; trucks, which include pickups, vans and SUVs, were up 2 percent; car sales were down 3 percent; large pickup sales were up 6 percent. Small business sales, which are included in retail sales, were up 32 percent to almost 15,000 deliveries, aided by a stronger housing market. Sales of GM’s redesigned mid-size crossovers were up 62 percent. The Chevrolet Traverse was up 54 percent; the GMC Acadia was up 77 percent, and the Buick Enclave was up 55 percent for its best-ever March sales. The all-new Cadillac ATS had its best sales month yet with deliveries of 3,587 units. In its second full month, the all-new Buick Encore had sales of more than 3,000 units, driving a 19 percent increase in GM small and compact crossover sales. First Quarter Highlights (vs. 2012) GM sales were up 9 percent: retail sales were up 10 percent; fleet sales were up 6 percent, and fleet mix was 26 percent of total sales. Cadillac was up 38 percent; Buick was up 28 percent; GMC was up 14 percent, and Chevrolet was up 5 percent. Crossovers were up 25 percent; trucks were up 10 percent and cars were up slightly. Large pickup trucks were up 21 percent, and combined mini, small and compact cars were up 14 percent.
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April 02, 2013 Toyota Motor Sales No. 1 Retail Manufacturer in March 2013 All-New Avalon Sales Doubled; Lexus Luxury Utility Vehicles Increased Nearly 18 Percent TORRANCE, Calif. (April 2, 2013) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March 2013 sales results of 205,342 units, an increase of 4.8 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Unadjusted for 27 selling days in March 2013 versus 28 in March 2012, TMS sales were up 1.0 percent over the year-ago month. For the first quarter, TMS reported sales of 529,444 vehicles, an increase of 10.1 percent over the same period in 2012 on a DSR basis. With 76 selling days in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 77 selling days in the first quarter of 2012, sales were up 8.7 percent on an unadjusted raw volume basis. "The auto industry continued its string of impressive monthly results, and at Toyota we had our best month since Cash for Clunkers in August of 2009,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “A strong first-quarter close and increased consumer confidence continue to position the auto industry as a leader in the economic recovery.” Toyota Division posted March total sales of 182,152 units, up 3.1 percent year-over-year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota Division sales decreased 0.5 percent over March 2012. Lexus reported March total sales of 23,190 units, up 19.4 percent on a DSR basis and up 15.1 percent by raw volume compared to the same period last year. “With our strong new products, Lexus’ March sales were up 19 percent, and year-to-date we are now 17 percent ahead of last year’s sales pace,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “For me, it’s great to be back at Lexus, and I look forward to partnering with our dealers and associates to continue Lexus’ innovation and success.” Other Highlights: Toyota, Lexus and Scion combined were the No. 1 retail manufacturer Toyota was the No. 1 retail nameplate Avalon sales of 6,982 units, up 109.9 percent Corolla sales of 31,423 units, up 11.1 percent Toyota Division truck sales of 75,119 units, up 7.3 percent RAV4 was the best-selling truck with sales of nearly 16,500 units Tacoma and Tundra up 21.2 and 7.9 percent, respectively Sienna sales of 12,062 units, up 17.8 percent 4Runner sales of 4,609 units, up 13.4 percent Lexus passenger car sales up 13.1 percent Lexus LS sales up 71.0 percent, with 980 units sold Lexus ES sales of 6,798 units, up 116.4 percent Lexus RX sales of 9,072 units, up 28.6 percent Total Lexus Hybrid sales of 3,617 units, up 7.4 percent on a DSR basis
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Mitsubishi Motors Reports Best-Ever Month for Outlander Sport Sales in March CYPRESS, Calif., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported sales of the U.S.-built Outlander Sport achieved a year-over-year sales increase of more than 48 percent in March. The 2,442 units sold is a record for single-month sales of Outlander Sport and marks the seventh consecutive month of sales increases for the fuel-efficient CUV. The previous high was 2,253 units sold in September 2012. "Outlander Sport sales got a boost from our release of a limited edition model commemorating 30 years of Mitsubishi sales in the U.S. and 25 years of production in Normal, Illinois," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa . "But more importantly, consumers are recognizing the unique value in Outlander Sport's combination of fuel-efficiency and features at an attractive price." Outlander sales were also up, 30 percent for the month compared to the prior year. Overall, Mitsubishi sales were down 26 percent compared to March 2012 due to discontinued models. However, total sales of Mitsubishi models currently in production were up 23 percent.
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Volvo Announces March Sales ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (April 2, 2013) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) reported U.S. sales of 5,365 units, a 19.8 percent decrease from March 2012. Year-to-date sales are down 8 percent over the first three months of 2012. The S60 sports sedan was the top seller for the month with 1,957 units sold. The XC60 crossover, currently the only luxury SUV to earn IIHS' Top Safety Pick+ award, finished the month with 1,690 units sold, up 8.1 percent versus March 2012.
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Hyundai Motor America Sets All-Time Record First Quarter Sales March sales are the second best month in history Elantra sets all-time record, up 33 percent COSTA MESA, Calif., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 68,306 units, down just two percent versus the best volume month Hyundai ever recorded last year, and up more than 30 percent over February levels. The first quarter of 2013 was the best in Hyundai's history. "March felt just great," said Dave Zuchowski , executive vice president of national sales. "We definitely benefitted from better inventories of Elantra thanks to the addition of the third shift at our Alabama plant, improved weather conditions in our important Northern markets and more robust retail activity reflecting a steady recovery in consumer confidence. Elantra led the pack with an all-time monthly sales record of 26,153 units, up 33 percent year-over-year. Sonata Hybrid also set a new all-time sales record with 2,006 sales, up 13 percent versus last year." Fleet mix was 17 percent for the month and stands at 16 percent for the year, among the lowest in the industry. "This March was an incredibly strong month for us, the second best sales month in our history, just two percent below our all-time record from last March," said John Krafcik , president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "While our plants continue to stretch to hit our demand levels, we still have one of the tightest inventory levels in the industry. This month, you could see the impact of improved Elantra availability, but our dealers remain constrained on Sonata, which continues as one of the fastest turning mid-size cars in the industry." According to data from Cars.com, the traditional five highest volume mid-size sedans (Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion, andMalibu) have 72 percent more dealer stock than Sonata. Sales in March of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles totaled 6,715, up eight percent for the first quarter. More than 80 percent of Hyundai's dealers are now participating in the CPO program, which has been a key component in driving Hyundai residual values to record high levels. Hyundai Elantra, Azera, and Santa Fe Sport are all ALG Residual Value award winners for the 2013 model year.
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JAGUAR LAND ROVER REPORTS U.S. SALES FOR MARCH 2013 Jaguar Land Rover North America sales increase 4 percent for March 2013; best JLR March sales since 2006 Jaguar U.S. sales increase 7 percent; highest monthly sales volume in last 30 months Land Rover U.S. sales increase 3 percent for March 2013; best March in the history of the brand in the U.S. Jaguar XF (+30%) and Range Rover Evoque (+47%) power U.S. March sales growth Range Rover Evoque establishes a new monthly sales high Land Rover sets record for its highest U.S. Q1 sales ever (MAHWAH, NJ) April 2, 2013 – Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported March 2013 U.S. sales: Land Rover sales were 4,314 units, 3 percent up from 4,199 units in March 2012; Jaguar sales were 1,408 units, 7 percent up from 1,321 units in March 2012. Jaguar Land Rover North America March U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,722 units, a 4 percent increase from 5,520 in March 2012. Year to date for the first quarter of the year, Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 14 percent, with Jaguar up 8 percent and Land Rover up 17 percent. For Land Rover, 2013 Q1 sales were the highest Q1 in the history of the brand in the United States. "We are thrilled that the Jaguar Land Rover business had such a robust kick off to the spring selling season with our best March in seven years,” said Andy Goss, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “Jaguar had its best month in over 2 years on renewed interest in the XF sedan, now available with a range of 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines, and rear and all wheel drive. Land Rover continues its U.S. growth streak with its best Range Rover Evoque month ever, helping it increase for the month, and set a new record for the best first quarter in the history of the brand in the U.S.” U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS Land Rover For the month of March, Range Rover Evoque established a new monthly sales record of 1,157 units, an increase of 47 percent from 785 units in March, 2012. The volume leader continues to be the Range Rover Sport with 1,386 sales, an increase of 2 percent from 1,356 sales in March 2012. For the first quarter 2013, Land Rover reached 12,419 units, its best Q1 sales in the history of the brand in the United States (previous high was 11,298 units in 2006). Quarterly sales increases came from LR2, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover. At the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Land Rover debuted the All New 2014 MY Range Rover Sport, going on sale this fall. The new Range Rover Sport, built on a weight saving aluminum architecture, will join the recently launched Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque in the brand’s portfolio of all new Range Rover SUVs. Land Rover's 2013 model year line-up features five models: The 240-hp 2.0 liter powered LR2 and Range Rover Evoque; the LR4 powered by the 375-hp 5.0 liter V8; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the Naturally-aspirated 375-hp V8 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. For MY14 both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will come equipped with a choice of supercharged 340-hp 3.0 liter V6 or 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. Jaguar For the month of March, the Jaguar XF was the volume and growth leader with 800 units sold, up 30 percent from 614 sales in March 2012. Year to date, for Q1, Jaguar sales are 3,585, up 8 percent from 3,328 sales, with both XF and XJ sedan sales increasing on the appeal of new powertrains and all wheel drive. At the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Jaguar debuted two new models, the 550-hp Jaguar XJR and Jaguar XKR-S GT, expanding its R performance lineup to six models. For MY13 the transformed Jaguar U.S. lineup includes: Instinctive All Wheel Drive™ – Available on both the XF and XJ Supercharged 340hp V6 engines in the XF and XJ Turbocharged 240hp four cylinder engine available in the XF Eight Speed ZF® Automatic Transmissions on all XF and XJ models Auto Engine Stop/Start on select XF and XJ models Jaguar's 2013 model year line-up features three models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by either the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 in rear wheel or all wheel drive configuration, naturally-aspirated 385-hp 5.0 liter V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 or the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8; the Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by the 240-hp 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder, supercharged 340-hp 3.0 liter V6 in rear wheel or all wheel drive configuration, the naturally-aspirated 385-hp 5.0 liter V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 or, in the XFR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains; and the XK coupe and convertible sports cars powered by either the naturally-aspirated 385-hp V8, or for the XKR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains. Jaguar also offers its highest performance models ever, the 2013 Jaguar XKR-S coupe and convertible with a 550-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrain. The Jaguar F-TYPE convertible will join the lineup in summer of 2013.
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MAZDA SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES LEAD MARCH SALES CHARGE - SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY Accounts for More Than Half of Mazda's Total Sales - Apr 2, 2013 IRVINE, Calif., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported March U.S. sales of 32,028 vehicles, representing a decrease of 1.1 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through March are down 4.6 percent versus last year, with 78,283 vehicles sold. Key March sales notes: Mazda CX-5 celebrated its best month ever with 7,116 vehicles sold, accounting for a 96.1 percent increase versus last year. Mazda CX-9 also recorded its best month ever with 4,281 vehicles sold, up 123.8 percent versus last year. Mazda5 sales jumped 101.0 percent with 2,526 vehicles sold. The all-new 2014 Mazda6 reported sales of 2,702 vehicles, equating to a 107.8 percent increase versus last month. With three months of availability in dealerships, and inventory growing nationwide, the 2014 Mazda6 continues to gain traction, garner media accolades, nominations and awards. In the U.S., Mazda's total SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY vehicle sales for March (comprised of CX-5, 2014 Mazda6 and certain models of Mazda3) accounted for 55.3 percent of the company's total sales for the month and dominated Mazda3 sales with 75.2 percent of all Mazda3s sold. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported March sales of 2,442 vehicles, up 17.0 percent versus March of last year.
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Nissan Has Best-Ever U.S. Sales Month in March -Nissan LEAF has best month since launch; Pathfinder sales jump 177.1% - -Infiniti sales grow 9% on strength of crossover and SUV sales- NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported March U.S. sales of 137,726 units, up 1 percent from last year's total of 136,317 and marking the best month in NNA history. Nissan Division also posted its highest volume month ever, with 126,623 deliveries, up 0.4 percent. Infiniti deliveries totaled 11,103, up 9 percent from last March. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS Nissan LEAF sales totaled 2,236 deliveries, up 286.2 percent and the nameplate's best month since launch. March marks the first full month of deliveries of the lower-priced 2013 LEAF, now produced at Nissan's assembly plant in Smyrna, Tenn. Price-competitive with traditional cars in its segment, LEAF is the best-selling pure electric vehicle in the world. Sales of the all-new Pathfinder SUV totaled 9,071, up 177.1 percent, setting a new March record. Year-to-date Pathfinder sales, which launched in November 2012, are up 172.4 percent. Nissan Altima totaled 37,763 in March on higher retail and lower fleet sales than year-ago levels. Nissan Versa sales finished at 15,917, up 2.1 percent and establishing a new March record for the nameplate. Versa is the best-selling sub-compact in the U.S. Nissan NV sales finished March at 1,290, the best month ever for the large commercial vans. Nissan's core volume models like Altima, Pathfinder and Versa are delivering the value, performance, style and innovation that consumers want. With strong retail demand for Altima, Pathfinder up almost 180 percent and the U.S.-built all-electric LEAF having its best month since launch, Nissan had its best month in history. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS Contributing to Infiniti's increase in March were its luxury crossovers and sport utility vehicles, which were up 50.9 percent. The Infiniti JX 7-passenger luxury crossover, which was launched exactly one year ago, had sales of 2,633 units in March, an increase of 387 percent over prior year. NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. February had 27 selling days in 2013 and 28 selling days in 2012.
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Porsche Records Best First Quarter in PCNA History; YTD Sales up 34 percent Company sets March sales record with 3,487 units sold ATLANTA, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars, Cayenne SUVs and the Panamera four-door sports sedan line-up in the United States, today announced record March sales of 3,487 vehicles. This compares to 2,460 vehicles sold in March 2012, an increase of 41 percent. For the year so far, PCNA has delivered 9,650 vehicles versus 7,159 during the same period last year, an increase of 34.8 percent – marking the best first quarter in PCNA history. The 911 line enjoyed a successful sales month, with an increase of 112 percent to 990 units, up from 465 in March 2012. Demand for the Cayenne SUV also remains strong, with the diesel and GTS models accounting for 45 percent of the 1,508 Cayenne units sold. "In March, our 2-door sports cars accounted for 45 percent of our total sales – a number that we expect to remain this strong with the arrival of the all-new Cayman later this month," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. "And the tremendous media coverage of the 911 GT3 debut at the Geneva and New York Auto Show bodes well for a successful cadence of product launches this year."
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BMW Group U.S. Reports March 2013 Sales BMW brand sales up 13.1 percent, best March ever MINI brand sales up 3.5 percent BMW Motorcycle sales up 7.6 percent Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 2, 2013… The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 33,149 vehicles, an increase of 11.2 percent from the 29,806 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) is up 4.3 percent on sales of 78,957 in the first three months of 2013 compared to 75,729 in the same period in 2012. “March roared out like a lion giving BMW even better numbers than the previous record set in 2007,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “The arrival this month of the new 320i at a very attractive price plus the changeover to the 2014 models will further accelerate our momentum in the months ahead.” BMW Brand Sales The BMW brand reported the best March ever with sales of 27,078 vehicles, an increase of 13.1 percent from the 23,940 sold in March 2012. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 5.4 percent on sales of 64,902 compared to 61,549 sold in the first three months of 2012. In March, best performing vehicles included the Z4 Roadster, up 21.1 percent to 316 units; the 6 Series, up 15.5 percent to 877 units; and the Sports Activity Vehicle segment (X3, X5 and X6 in particular), up 40 percent to 7,317 units. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles In March, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) decreased 2.9 percent to 15,809 vehicles compared to the 16,278 vehicles sold in March, 2012. January through March, BMW used vehicle sales are up 3.2 percent on volume of 42,675 compared to 41,352 in the same period of 2012. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported sales of 6,071 automobiles in March, an increase of 3.5 percent from the 5,866 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are down 0.9 percent on volume of 14,055 compared to 14,180 in the first three months of 2012. MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles In March, sales of MINI used automobiles (including MINI NEXT certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 0.5 percent to 1,721 automobiles from the 1,713 sold in March, 2012. January through March, MINI used vehicle sales are up 21.4 percent on volume of 4,846 compared to 3,991 in the same period of 2012.
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Kia Motors America Announces March Sales Kia Completes Second-Best First Quarter in Company History; All-New 2014 Forte Compact Sedan Set to Begin Arriving In Dealerships This Month IRVINE, Calif., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported March sales of 49,125 units on the heels of the world debut of three stylish and technology-laden new vehicles last week at the New York International Auto Show. March sales contributed to KMA's second-best first quarter sales in company history. The U.S.-built* Optima midsize sedan led sales for the 16th consecutive month with 14,366 units sold, while the Sorento CUV also built in West Point, Georgia*, and the Soul urban passenger vehicle also posted strong sales. Kia is set to deliver seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles this calendar year, including the all-new 2014 Sorento, which arrived in dealerships in February and the all-new 2014 Forte compact sedan, scheduled to arrive in dealerships in April. The all-new 2014 Soul and 2014 Forte Koup, and the updated 2014 Optima - all introduced in New York - are scheduled to arrive in late-summer/early-fall. With the 2014 Forte sedan going on sale soon, the next addition to the Kia lineup will be the 2014 Cadenza, the most powerful and technologically-advanced vehicle Kia has introduced in the U.S. market to date.
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SUBARU REPORTS MARCH 2013 SALES AS BEST SALES MONTH IN COMPANY HISTORY March sales of 36,701 represent best-ever sales month for Subaru of America Cherry Hill, N.J., Apr 2, 2013 - Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 36,701 vehicle sales for March 2013, which represents the best-ever sales month for the company and a 13 percent increase over March 2012. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 92,527 – a 15 percent increase over the same period in 2012 and represent the best first quarter in company history. These results build on strong sales from 2012 where Subaru achieved five consecutive years of sales increases and exceeded 300,000 annual sales in 2012 – a first in company history. During the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Subaru achieved another company first when it introduced the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, the brand’s first-ever hybrid vehicle. BRZ sales were notably strong as were sales of the all-new 2014 Forester. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is based on the popular XV Crosstrek crossover that achieved 4688 sales in March 2013 and 10,710 year-to-date sales. The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient all wheel drive crossover in America. It will go on sale in the fall. “We are pleased to see our sales growth continue and surpass the records we set last year,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “Subaru offers customers uncompromising driving performance and green capabilities. It is a winning combination that will continue to drive sales.” “Subaru achieved record first-quarter sales with a strong product lineup,” said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “Bringing a hybrid vehicle to market will give our retailers an additional offering for shoppers.”
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 2, 2013 Porsche Cars North America - Up 41% Audi of America, Inc - Up 14.4% Subaru of America, Inc - Up 13.3% BMW Group U.S. - Up 11.2% American Honda - Up 7.1% General Motors - Up 6.4% Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 6.3% Ford Motor Company - Up 5.7% Chrysler Group LLC - Up 5% Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 4% Volkswagen of America, Inc. - Up 3.1% Nissan North America, Inc. - Up 1% Toyota Motor Sales - Up 1% Mazda North American Operations - Down 1.1% Hyundai Motor America - Down 2% Kia Motors America - Down 14.6% Volvo Cars of North America - Down 19.8% Mitsubishi Motors North America - Down 26% William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 2, 2013 Porsche Cars North America - Up 41% Audi of America, Inc - Up 14.4% Subaru of America, Inc - Up 13.3% BMW Group U.S. - Up 11.2% American Honda - Up 7.1% General Motors - Up 6.4% Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 6.3% Ford Motor Company - Up 5.7% Chrysler Group LLC - Up 5% Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 4% Volkswagen of America, Inc. - Up 3.1% Nissan North America, Inc. - Up 1% Toyota Motor Sales - Up 1% Mazda North American Operations - Down 1.1% Hyundai Motor America - Down 2% Kia Motors America - Down 14.6% Volvo Cars of North America - Down 19.8% Mitsubishi Motors North America - Down 26% William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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04.02.2013 VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS 3.1 PERCENT INCREASE IN MARCH U.S. SALES March sales total 37,704, up 3.1 percent, and best March since 1973 • March sales total 37,704 units representing an 3.1 percent increase versus the prior year • Best YTD since 1973 with 98,178 units delivered, up 4.0 percent vs. 2012 • Chattanooga-built Passat delivered 9,521 units for the month, 34 percent diesel • Jetta Sedan achieved 12,872 deliveries in March • High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for 22.6 percent of sales in March Herndon, VA - Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 37,704 units sold in March, a 3.1 percent increase over prior year sales and best March since 1973. “Last month marked our 31st consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases and our strongest March in 40 years,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “While we are cautious in terms of economic outlook, we expect to see continued growth at a moderate pace in the months ahead.” Jetta sedan, the volume leader for Volkswagen, delivered 12,872 units. Jetta SportWagen closed the month with 2,133 units, up 5.6 percent versus the prior year. The Chattanooga-built Passat continued to deliver strong results with 9,521 units sold and best year-to-date with 25,909 units delivered. In March, 34 percent of the Passat’s sold were diesel. The Beetle and Beetle Convertible delivered 2,599 and 1,483 units, respectively, for the month. The Tiguan saw a significant increase in sales with 3,304 units sold, up 24.3 percent, marking the best March and best year-to-date ever for the vehicle. Total sales of the Golf (including Golf R and GTI) were 2,854 units. The next-generation “A7” Golf will debut at the New York International Auto Show on March 27. The “A7” Golf is off to a strong start in Europe and received the prestigious European Car of the Year Award. In addition, last week at the New York International Auto Show, the vehicle was also named the World Car of the Year. Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for 22.6 percent of sales in March, a 6.6 percent increase over the prior year.
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Chrysler Group LLC Reports March 2013 U.S. Sales Increased 5 Percent; Best Sales Month Since December 2007 Best monthly sales since December 2007 36th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains First-quarter sales up 8 percent compared with same quarter a year ago Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each post sales increases in March compared with same month a year ago Ram Truck brand sales up 24 percent in March; best March sales since 2007 Ram pickup truck sets all-time sales record with 25 percent year-over-year sales gain Dodge brand sales increase 15 percent; best March sales since 2007 Dodge Dart sets all-time sales record with 5 percent month-over-month sales increase Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan sets all-time sales record with 33 percent sales gain Dodge Challenger muscle car sets all-time sales record; sales up 42 percent in March Dodge Durango sales up 19 percent; best March sales since 2005 New 2014 Dodge Durango debuts at the 2013 New York International Auto Show Fiat 500 sets sales record for month of March with 3 percent sales gain Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan sets all-time sales record with 11 percent sales gain Chrysler brand and Carhartt team up to introduce the 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition mid-size sedan at the New York International Auto Show Chrysler brand named ‘Most Refined Brand’ in Kelley Blue Book’s 2013 Brand Image Awards All-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee mid-size sport-utility vehicle debuts at the New York International Auto Show Jeep® and Mopar reveal six new concept vehicles for 47th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah Jeep Compass sets sales record for month of March with 28 percent sales gain Jeep Patriot sales up 8 percent; best March sales since 2008 Jeep Wrangler sales up 3 percent; best March sales since 2007 April 2, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 171,606 units, a 5 percent increase compared with sales in March 2012 (163,381 units), and the group’s best monthly sales since December 2007. The Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in March compared with the same month last year. The Ram Truck brand’s 24 percent increase was the largest sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in March. Chrysler Group extended its streak of year-over-year sales gains to 36-consecutive months in March. This sales milestone tops a previous sales streak of 35-consecutive months that occurred from February 1992 through December 1994. Despite the extension of the sales streak, shipment volumes and sales in the first quarter of 2013 were negatively affected by the end of Jeep Liberty production in Q3 2012 and the product launches during the quarter of the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Compass, and the new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty truck line, as Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC, Sergio Marchionne, pointed out in the 2012 Q4 and full-year earnings call at the end of January. “With our 5 percent sales increase in March, Chrysler Group has now achieved year-over-year sales gains in every month for the past three years,” said Reid Bigland, Head of U.S. Sales. “Furthermore, in spite of limited inventory last month on some of our most popular models, we also managed to record our strongest monthly sales since December 2007.” Five Chrysler Group vehicles set all-time sales records in March. Sales of the Ram pickup truck were up 25 percent in March, its best sales ever. Both the Light-Duty Ram and Heavy-Duty Ram pickups were substantially refreshed for the 2013 model year. The Ram 1500 is Motor Trend’s 2013 Truck of the Year. In addition to the Ram, three Dodge models recorded their best sales ever in March. The all-new Dodge Dart compact car set an all-time sales record with its 5 percent month-over-month sales gain. Dart sales have increased in every month but one since the all-new model was launched in June last year. In addition, the Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and the Dodge Challenger muscle car each set all-time sales records in March. The Challenger recorded its best sales ever with a substantial 42 percent sales gain. The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan also recorded an all-time sales record with its 11 percent sales gain. Chrysler Group finished the month with a 66-days supply of inventory (419,084 units). U.S. industry sales figures for March are projected at an estimated 15.6 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR). March 2013 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand Ram Truck Brand Ram Truck brand sales were up 24 percent, the largest percentage sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand in March. Ram Truck, the most-improved brand in the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, had its best March sales in six years. March sales represented the Ram Truck brand’s 20th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The new Ram 1500 is resonating well with consumers in the marketplace. Sales of the pickup truck were up 25 percent in March, an all-time sales record. The new Ram Heavy Duty line of trucks, now shipping to Ram Truck dealers, will build on the brand’s momentum in the marketplace. March was the pickup truck’s 35th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Light Duty Ram pickup were up 30 percent in March led by the Quad Cab pickups. Heavy Duty Ram sales were up 28 percent, driven by the Crew Cab model. The Ram 1500 was named 2013 Rocky Mountain Truck of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association during the Denver Auto Show in March. Dodge Brand Dodge brand sales were up 15 percent, the brand’s best March sales in six years and its 22nd-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Three Dodge brand vehicles set all-time sales records in March led by the all-new Dodge Dart. The compact car, with its 5 percent month-over-month sales increase, had its best monthly sales performance since Dodge dealers began selling it in June last year. Like the Dart, the Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan and the Dodge Challenger muscle car each set an all-time sales record. The Challenger’s 42 percent increase was the largest year-over-year increase of any Chrysler Group vehicle in March, while the Avenger’s 33 percent increase represented its 18th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Sales of the Dodge Durango were up 19 percent, the full-size SUV’s best March sales in eight years. The new 2014 Dodge Durango made its world debut in March at the New York International Auto Show. Building upon its best-in-class attributes, the three-row Durango adds several new class-exclusive features for 2014, making it the Dodge brand’s most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and stylish Durango ever. FIAT Brand The Fiat 500 set a sales record for the month of March with its 3 percent sales gain. It was the 13th-consecutive month in which the 500 has set a sales record, including an all-time sales record in September last year. The new 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, which began arriving in FIAT studios in March, combines turbocharged, track-capable performance with a clever open-top design for a high-performance four-passenger cabrio with the most interior space, rear-seat legroom and shoulder room among key competitors. Coming this quarter to FIAT studios in California, the FIAT brand is adding the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e to its product lineup. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the stylish Fiat 500e’s highway-cycle performance at 108 MPGe, which is unsurpassed by any electric vehicle (EV) on the U.S. market. MPGe is the EPA-devised measure for determining how many miles an EV can travel on a quantity of battery-generated electricity that has same energy content as a gallon of gasoline. Chrysler Brand Chrysler brand sales were up 35 percent month-over-month in March on strong sales of the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, but the brand’s year-over-year sales were down 2 percent. The 200 set an all-time sales record with its 11 percent increase in March. The flagship Chrysler 300 full-size sedan and the Chrysler Town & Country minivan each recorded their best sales months so far this year in March. The Chrysler brand and Carhartt teamed up in March to introduce the 2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition mid-size sedan at the New York International Auto Show. The Chrysler 200 S Special Edition accelerates the successful relationship with Carhartt, which started with an exclusive made in the USA Carhartt/Imported from Detroit clothing line in November. The special edition model celebrates the traits that both companies share – hard work, ingenuity, perseverance and a “never say die” attitude. The 200 S Special Edition brings style and customization in the mid-size sedan market to a whole new level. The Chrysler brand was named “Most Refined Brand” by Kelley Blue Book in its 2013 Brand Image Awards in March. The Brand Image Awards recognize what KBB.com shoppers perceive to be the most outstanding automakers in a number of categories. Kelley Blue Book noted that the Chrysler brand combines an air of confidence with a sense of flair, resulting in a lineup and a brand that feel a class above their competitors. Jeep® Brand Jeep brand sales were up 27 percent month-over-month in March, but the brand’s year-over-year sales were down 13 percent due to Jeep Liberty production ending in August and the ongoing product launches of and launch preparations for the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Cherokee (the Liberty replacement), and the Jeep Compass and Patriot. The Jeep brand did log its best sales month so far this year in March. The Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, and Jeep Wrangler all had solid sales during the month. The Compass set a sales record for the month of March with its sizeable 28 percent increase, while the Patriot recorded its best March sales in five years. Wrangler sales were up 3 percent while the Jeep Grand Cherokee charted its best sales month so far this year. The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV debuted at the New York International Auto Show in March. The Cherokee completely redefines the mid-size SUV segment, delivering legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent (versus the outgoing Liberty model), superior on-road ride and handling, a cutting-edge, revolutionary design, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 advanced safety and security features. The Cherokee will be built at Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, and will arrive in dealer showrooms in the third quarter of this year. Jeep and Mopar revealed six new concept vehicles for the 47th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah in March. Thousands of die-hard, off-road enthusiasts looking to enjoy a week of wheeling on some of the country’s most famous and challenging trails attended this year’s event. Since 2002, Jeep and Mopar have teamed to create nearly 40 unique concept vehicles for enthusiasts who attend the popular Easter Jeep Safari.
