Car Fanatics Forum

Chrysler
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Chrysler reports May 2012 U.S. sales increased 30 percent; best May sales in five years

Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 150,041 units, a 30 percent increase compared with sales in May 2011 (115,363 units), and the group’s best sales in the month of May since 2007.

The Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each posted sales increases in May compared with the same month a year ago. The FIAT brand set a sales record for the fourth-consecutive month and the brand’s 128 percent year-over-year sales gain was the largest percentage increase of any Chrysler Group brand in May.

Chrysler Group recorded its 26th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its 12th-straight month of sales increases of at least 20 percent.

Several additional Chrysler Group models posted record sales in May. The iconic Jeep Wrangler SUV and Dodge Challenger muscle car each set all-time monthly sales records, while the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger mid-size sedans set sales records for the month of May.

“In spite of a tremendous amount of global economic uncertainty, the U.S. new vehicle sales industry continues to power ahead,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Our May sales increased 30 percent and represented our 26th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. We are also in the process of adding production capacity as quickly as possible to meet strong demand for our products.”

Once again, a broad range of Chrysler Group models contributed to the company’s 30 percent increase. While the Fiat 500 continues to rack up sales records, the Ram pickup truck logged its 25th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. Both the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans posted double-digit sales gains in May, while the Chrysler 300 flagship sedan recorded triple-digit year-over-year sales growth. The Jeep brand weighed in with impressive double-digit sales gains by the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler SUVs.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 61-days supply of inventory (351,804 units). U.S. industry sales figures for May are projected at an estimated 14.2 million units Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR).

May 2012 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

FIAT Brand

FIAT brand sales were up 128 percent in May versus the same month a year ago, the largest year-over-year sales gain of any Chrysler Group brand. The FIAT brand set a sales record in May, the fourth-consecutive month that the brand has set a new record this year. May marked the first full month of sales of the Fiat 500 Abarth. Dealer orders for the Abarth, the ultimate high-performance small car, exceeded the production run of this model for the 2012 model year. The Fiat 500 Cabrio won the Sub Compact Car of Texas award at this year’s Texas Auto Roundup hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).

Chrysler Brand

Chrysler brand sales were up 81 percent in May, the brand’s best May sales since 2008 and its 11th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. All three Chrysler models contributed to the brand’s strong sales performance in May. Sales of the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, the brand’s volume leader for the month, were up 87 percent, a new sales record for the month of May.

Sales of the Chrysler 300 full-size sedan were up 140 percent, the model’s best May sales in five years. The Chrysler 300 earned “Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction” in the “Large Car” category from the automotive research group AutoPacific in May. The AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are based solely on owners’ satisfaction ratings of their new vehicle. Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales were up 56 percent in May compared with the same month in 2011.

Two Chrysler brand models earned accolades during TAWA’s Texas Auto Roundup. The Town & Country took home two awards – Family Car of Texas and Minivan of Texas. The Chrysler 300 Luxury Series was named Full-Size Luxury Car of Texas. After a day of demanding driving at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, journalists voted on their favorites and Chrysler Group secured eight of the possible 18 awards – the most of any participating manufacturer at the event.

Jeep® Brand

Jeep brand sales were up 24 percent in May compared with the same month a year ago, the brand’s best May sales performance in 12 years and its 25th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The Jeep Wrangler, the brand’s volume leader for the month, set an all-time sales record in May with its solid 44 percent sales increase. May sales of the Jeep Liberty mid-size SUV were the best since 2007.

Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever, increased 40 percent in May, the model’s best May sales since 2005. For the second year in a row, the Grand Cherokee was named “Premium Mid-Size SUV” in AutoPacific’s “2012 Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction” Awards. Also in May, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was named “Performance SUV of Texas” at TAWA’s Texas Auto Roundup.

Dodge Brand

Dodge brand sales increased 14 percent in May, the brand’s best May sales in four years and its 12th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. Two Dodge vehicles broke sales records. The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan set a new sales record for the month of May with its 93 percent year-over-year increase. The Dodge Challenger muscle car set an all-time monthly sales record in May. The Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, the brand’s volume leader in May, and the Dodge Journey full-size crossover, each had their best May sales in four years.

The 2013 Dodge Dart, which goes on sale in dealerships this month, took home three awards from TAWA’s Texas Auto Roundup. The first Chrysler Group vehicle built off a FIAT-derived architecture, the all-new Dart blends Alfa Romeo DNA with Dodge’s passion for performance and style. The Dart was named “Compact Car of Texas,” and took home awards for “Best Value” and “Best New Feature” for its Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display.

Ram Truck Brand

Sales of the Ram pickup truck, Chrysler Group’s volume leader, were up a sound 29 percent in May compared with the same month a year ago. It was the pickup truck’s 25th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains and its best May since 2007. Both Ram light- and heavy-duty pickup trucks posted sales increases in May. Of the Ram light-duty truck sales, the regular cab pickups posted the largest percentage sales increase in May, but the quad cab trucks led in volume. The Ram Truck brand posted its best May sales in five years.

Dealers are expected to begin ordering the 2013 Ram 1500 pickup truck in July. The new Ram pickup, which bowed at the 2012 New York International Auto Show in April, delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency, new technology and new features as well as interior and exterior upgrades. The 2013 Ram gets the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, one of Ward’s “10 Best Engines” for 2012, which features 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6 powertrain.

Ford
May 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Ford posts gains across cars, utilities, trucks in May; Fusion sets May and retail records

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 216,267 vehicles in May, a 13 percent increase versus year-ago levels. Retail sales increased 12 percent.

Overall, cars were up 6 percent, utilities were up 12 percent, and trucks improved 21 percent.

America’s top-selling vehicle for 30 years, the Ford F-Series pickup posted May sales of 54,836 pickups, a 29 percent increase versus last May. E-Series delivered a 31 percent increase with 14,160 vans sold. Transit Connect had its best monthly sales performance ever with 3,937 vans sold, a 53 percent gain versus last May.

Fusion posted its best May sales ever and its strongest-ever retail sales month – with sales up 9 percent at 26,857 vehicles. Focus was up 11 percent, with its strongest sales coming from California. Mustang and Taurus increased 58 and 9 percent, respectively, with the rollout of new 2013 model products leading the way.

Utilities expanded 12 percent. Explorer delivered its best sales month since the current model hit the market in December 2010. Edge sales were up 24 percent in May versus a year ago.

“Ford posted solid gains across our fresh lineup of new cars, utilities and trucks in May,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Fuel efficiency continues to be a top purchaser driver, and Ford’s wide range of fuel-efficient products delivered again.”

During May, Ford dealers started delivering the all-new 2013 Escape to customers. The new small utility features two EcoBoost engine choices including a 1.6-liter that delivers class-leading 33 mpg on the highway.

In addition, the company delivered the first Focus Electric vehicles to retail customers.

Ford also announced its third-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 690,000 vehicles in the third quarter, up 5 percent (34,000 vehicles) from the third quarter 2011. Second quarter production of 730,000 vehicles is unchanged from the previous guidance.

General Motors
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

GM reports highest monthly sales in 33 months

GM today reported May sales of 245,256 vehicles in the United States, up 11 percent year over year and the highest monthly total since August 2009 when dealers delivered 246,479 units. GM retail sales were up 14 percent year-over-year and the retail mix was 70 percent. Fleet sales increased 3 percent. Buick and GMC both reported sales increases of 19 percent and Chevrolet was up 10 percent.

Sales of GM small and compact cars were up 16 percent in May versus a year ago, driven by the new Chevrolet Sonic, which had sales of 7,205 units, and the new Buick Verano, with 3,609 sales, which has increased sales every month since launch.

Combined sales of all seven Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac crossovers were up 14 percent versus a year ago. The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain continue to stand out, with sales up 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

Full-size pickup sales were up 23 percent year over year, mid-size pickup sales were up 34 percent and full-size SUVs were up 14 percent.

“GM’s sales in May were the highest in almost three years and we are poised to keep delivering good news for the U.S. economy with one of the most aggressive new product offenses in our history,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “About 70 percent of our nameplates will be new or freshened over the course of 2012 and 2013 and that positions us very well as the industry and GM start to approach pre-recession sales levels.”

This summer, Chevrolet will launch the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu four-cylinder and the Chevrolet Spark, while Cadillac will launch the XTS large luxury sedan and ATS compact luxury sedan.

The Cadillac XTS went into production in May and cars are expected to begin arriving in showrooms in June. The XTS and ATS will complement the Cadillac CTS sedan and coupe, the SRX crossover and the Escalade sport utility vehicle. Cadillac’s total sales reflect a planned 82 percent decrease in fleet sales.

Audi
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Audi sets all-time U.S. sales record for the month of May

Audi today reported record-setting May sales with a 10% increase to 11,503 new vehicles sold, marking the 17th consecutive month of unprecedented sales in the U.S. May sales not only represented all-time record total sales for the January-May period, but also marked the fifth-best month ever for the brand, exceeding more than 11,000 in total vehicle sales.

“Consumers are responding favorably to Audi as 17 consecutive months of record-setting sales attests,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “Audi’s progressive luxury and technologically advanced vehicle portfolio continues to set the pace in the high-end sector of the luxury car market.”

Sales of Audi premium category vehicles (A8, A7, A6, and Q7) jumped 54% YTD and represented 34.2% of total May sales. Overall, sales improvements shown by Audi in the top tiers of the luxury sector accounted for 125% of the Audi May gain.

May year-over-year results were buoyed by strong premium vehicle performance of the Audi A6 increasing 260.2% to 1,693 vehicles sold. Sales for the design-forward Audi A7 continued with 792 vehicles sold, while sales of the Audi R8 coupe jumped 14.6% to 47 vehicles sold in May.

Highlights:

• May 2012 ranked as the best May in Audi of America history, marking the fifth-best month ever for the brand.
  

• Audi A6 sales up 260.2% compared to May 2011; YTD sales grow 124.7% compared to previous period
  

• Audi A7 YTD sales increased 194.8%, compared to previous period.
  

• Sales of Audi Q5 increased 5% compared to May 2011; YTD sales up 14.4% compared to previous period.
  

• Audi Q7 recorded an 8.8% boost in sales with 919 units sold, compared to May 2011.
  

• Sales of the Audi R8 coupe rose 14.6%, accounting for 47 vehicles sold within the total 90 new vehicle sales for the sports car line in the month.
  

• Audi A4 sales remained steady despite an inventory draw down in advance of the updated 2013 models just now reaching dealership showrooms.
  

• Audi May Certified Pre-Owned sales jumped 16.9% compared to vehicles sales from April 2012.
  

Volkswagen
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Volkswagen reports 28% increase in May sales

Best May since 1973 with 38,657units sold; Passat sales exceed 10,000 units for third record month in a row, with 10,178 sold, the best Passat month ever.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 38,657 units sold in May, a 28.4 percent increase over prior year sales, 35.7 percent increase year-to-date and the best May since 1973.

“Selling over 38,000 vehicles this month is a significant accomplishment for Volkswagen,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We’re thrilled to see consumers embracing our strong lineup of fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles and we expect our growth to continue.”

Yesterday, Volkswagen announced the production of the 100,000th Passat out of the Chattanooga plant. Sales of the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year, Passat continue to rise with record sales of 10,178 units in May, the third month breaking 10,000 units.

Jetta sedan, including the enthusiast GLI model, remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 12,962, while Jetta SportWagen totaled 2,213.

The Beetle continues to gain sales with 3,002 units sold, the best May since 2002, while the Golf and GTI sales totaled 3,878 units.

Mercedes-Benz
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Highest May on record for Mercedes-Benz with sales of 22,515

smart up 43%, Sprinter up 43.7% For the Month; total MBUSA at 25,259 -- up 24.4%.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported May sales of 22,515 for its Mercedes-Benz models, a 19.2 % improvement over May 2011, delivering a year-to-date total of 106,364 new vehicles to customers, up 17.8%. Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter for the month totaled 25,259, up 24.4% bringing a year-to-date total of 117,231, up 22.8 %, making this the company's highest May on record.

Sales for the month of May were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class - the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers - took the lead with sales of 6,649, up 34.7% and the 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 5,576. MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 3,198, up 65.9% compared to May 2011. Other strong performers were the company's popular new CLS four-door coupe which at 743 saw sales growth of 1,855.3% and the all-new SLK roadster which increased 542.9% over May 2011 with sales of 405. Also, the all-new iconic sixth generation 2013 SL roadster, debuting in showrooms this month, posted sales of 709, an increase of 458.3%, and the SLS AMG supercar retailed 83 for the month, up 295.2% over the same period last year.

On a year-to-date basis, top performers again were the C-Class with 31,180, the E-Class with 24,777 and the M-Class with 17,735.

Monthly sales of the high-performance AMG models were 615, up 109.2% versus May 2011 (294) and up 68.7% year to date. Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were up 62.3% for the year at 7,662 compared to the 4,772 diesels sold over the same time last year.

The company's smart brand continued seven consecutive months of sales increases with May sales of 703 vehicles, a 43% jump for the month (compared to the 492 vehicles sold in May 2011), bringing the year-to-date volume to 3,731, up 68%.

On the van side, sales of Sprinter Vans also saw best-ever sales in May with 2,041 vans to new customers- up 43.7% over last year and up 37.7% on a year-to-date basis.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,534 vehicles in May; a decrease of 4.1% when compared to May 2011 (sales of 6,816 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 32,826 vehicles, a decrease of 1.9% over the comparable period (with sales of 33,445 vehicles).

Nissan
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported May U.S. sales of 91,794 units versus 76,148 units a year earlier, up 20.5 percent. Nissan Division sales increased 16.4 percent for the month at 81,202 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were up 65.8 percent over the prior year, to 10,592 units.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

• Nissan Division posted 81,202 sales, up 16.4 percent from last May's 69,759 units.
  

• Nissan Rogue sales set a new May record with 11,977 units sold, up 72 percent from a year ago.
  

• Nissan Juke also saw best-ever May sales, with 3,298 units marking a 66.2 percent increase over May 2011.
  

• Sales of the Nissan Versa rose 80.3 percent from year-ago, to 8,643 deliveries.
  

• Nissan's lineup of trucks and SUVs delivered strong gains, with sales increases across the lineup, including: Frontier up 17.2 percent; Titan up 86.7 percent; Pathfinder up 32.6 percent; and Armada up 26 percent.
  

"Fuel-efficient models like the Versa, Juke and Rogue had a great May, but moderating gas prices drove gains across our entire truck lineup," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Demand for the Altima remains strong through our sell-down efforts, with sales for the year up more than 20 percent. We look for that momentum to carry into the launch of the all-new 2013 Altima, which goes on sale by the end of June."

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

• Infiniti today reported sales of 10,592 units for May, an increase of 65.8 percent from 6,389 units a year earlier.
  

• The Infiniti G Sedan had sales of 3,758, an increase of 40 percent and the best May since 2008.
  

• The Infiniti QX full-size luxury SUV had its best May since 2006, with sales of 994, an increase of 27.6 percent.
  

• The all-new Infiniti JX 7-passenger luxury crossover contributed incremental sales of 2,678 units for May, and 5,297 for the year.
  

Subaru
June 1, 2012

A report released this morning by Subaru of America Inc. shows the company sold 29,724 vehicles last month – an increase of 48 percent over the 20,036 units sold in May of last year.

The Outback, produced at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette, was the company’s best seller. Sales of the Outback increased 9 percent, to 9,192.

Based on percentage, the Impreza line led the company’s report.

Cashing in on an all-new Japanese-made vehicles, Subaru sold 8,311 Impreza models last month – a whopping 218 percent improvement over May of last year.

Sales of the Forester, also built in Japan, rose 41 percent, to 7,323 units.

The SIA-made Legacy vehicles also posted a sales increase last month, rising by 23 percent to 4,462.

Sales of the Tribeca, also built at the Subaru plant in Lafayette, fell by 10 percent in May, to 165 units.

Honda
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

American Honda reports May auto sales: Civic, CR-V and Accord fuel Honda double-digit sales gain; new Acura RDX sets all-time monthly sales record

American Honda today reported May 2012 U.S. sales of 133,997 units, an increase of 47.6 percent compared to May 2011 (an increase of 36.3 percent based on the daily selling rate*). The Honda Division posted May 2012 sales of 119,411 units, an increase of 46.0 percent compared to May 2011. Acura’s U.S. May sales of 14,586 units increased 62.1 percent compared to May 2011.

Honda

• Civic sales up more than 80 percent compared to May 2011; an exceptional sales figure for any month, Honda sold 33,490 Civics in May
  

• CR-V sets a May sales record (25,186 units), besting previous record by 5,226 units, leading Honda to a May record for light truck sales
  

• Accord sales (29,737 units) continue to show strength in the tough mid-size segment, up more than 70 percent from May 2011
  

"With our best May sales performance since before the financial crisis it’s obvious Honda’s return to strength is in full swing,, and our May sales are impressive irrespective of last year’s production supply problems,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. “Any time Honda Civic sales surpass 33,000 units in a month, it shows real demand in the marketplace."

Acura

• Total Acura sales of 14,586 units were up 62.1 percent, making this Acura’s best month since December of 2010
  

• The RDX had its best sales month ever (3,301 units), with May 2012 sales up 216.8 percent. The RDX is expected to be at the top of the compact luxury SUV segment
  

• Overall, Acura light trucks posted a best-ever May result of 8,226 units, up 64.7 percent
  

• The all-new ILX compact luxury sedan went on sale May 22. As dealer inventory builds, the ILX marketing campaign launches with national TV advertising beginning in early June with the NBA conference finals on ESPN
  

“With the new RDX setting an all-time sales record this month, Acura went well beyond recovering from last year’s supply issues,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “Now, with the new ILX reaching dealerships across America, Acura is just beginning a great new hot streak.”

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 26 days for May 2012 and 24 days for May 2011. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 127 days for 2012 and 126 days for 2011. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

Toyota
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Toyota sales increase nearly 90 percent in May 2012

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported sales of 202,973 units, an increase of 72.9 percent compared to May 2011 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Unadjusted for 26 selling days in May 2012 versus 24 selling days in May 2011, TMS sales were up 87.3 percent over the year-ago month on a raw volume basis.

The Toyota Division posted May total sales of 181,510 units, an increase of 74.4 percent over May 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota Division sales were up 88.9 percent over the year-ago month.

"We're grateful to our customers who have made Toyota the number one retail brand in America for the third consecutive month," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "Our growth has been driven by the success of our new products, led by Camry and Prius family, part of the most aggressive product launch in our history. With the much anticipated Scion FR-S on sale today and the continued recovery of the overall automotive market, we're confident our sales momentum will continue."

The Lexus Division reported total sales of 21,463 units, up 61.0 percent over May 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 74.4 compared to last year.

“With exciting new Lexus products reaching dealerships on a daily basis, inventories are at optimal levels, and we look forward to continued sales growth throughout the rest of the year,” said Tim Morrison, Lexus Division vice president of sales and dealer development.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars posted combined sales of 104,422 units, up 88.1 percent over May 2011. The all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid led passenger cars with combined monthly sales of 39,571 units, an increase of 94.0 percent year-over-year. Corolla reported sales of 31,847 units, up 73.1 percent over the year-ago month. The Prius family recorded May sales of 21,477 units, increasing 186.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

Toyota Division light trucks recorded May sales of 77,088 units, an increase of 58.7 percent compared to May 2011. The RAV4 compact SUV led light trucks, posting monthly sales of 19,248 units, up 106.0 percent over last year. The Sienna minivan followed with sales of 14,606 units and an increase of 56.4 percent year-over-year. Increasing 87.0 percent over last May, the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid midsize crossover reported combined sales of 11,657 units. The 4Runner midsize SUV also posted a year-over-year increase with sales of 4,421 units, up 26.3 percent. The Tacoma mid-size pickup recorded sales of 12,269 units, up 24.6 percent over May 2011, followed by the Tundra full-size pickup, which increased 87.9 percent year-over-year with sales of 8,765 units.

Scion posted May sales of 6,047 units, up 18.9 percent versus May 2011. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,190 units, and the xB urban utility vehicle recorded May sales of 1,855 units, up 45.4 percent compared to the same period last year. The xD five-door urban subcompact posted a year-over-year increase of 10.1 percent with sales of 1,019 units, and the all-new iQ premium micro-subcompact posted monthly sales of 897 units.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 9,621 units, up 56.3 percent over May 2011. The ES entry luxury sedan led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 2,937 units, an increase of 13.0 percent over the year-ago month. The IS luxury sports sedan recorded an increase of 43.0 percent versus last May with sales of 2,656 units. The all-new GS and GS Hybrid sports sedan posted combined sales of 1,996 units, up 502.1 percent over May 2011. The CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted sales of 1,549 units, increasing 214.9 percent year-over-year.

Lexus luxury utility vehicles reported sales of 11,842 units, up 65.0 percent compared to May 2011. The new RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle posted a year-over-year increase of 68.1 percent with combined monthly sales of 10,647 units, while the new LX luxury utility vehicle recorded sales of 387 units, up 151.6 percent over last May.

TMS Hybrids
TMS posted May sales of 29,069 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 199.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted sales of 26,440 hybrids for the month, up 218.4 percent over the year-ago month. Lexus Division reported monthly sales 2,629 hybrids, increasing 86.2 percent year-over-year.

Kia
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Kia Motors posts 13.4% global sales growth in March

Kia Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for March 2012, recording a total of 245,238 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 13.4%.

In March, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in all regions of the world with an exception of Kia’s home market of Korea – 29.4% in North America (64,133 units sold); 19.3% in Europe* (54,106); 19.1% in China (40,427 units sold); 8.0% in general markets (44,522 units sold)*; and a -8.8% decrease in (42,050 units sold) in Korea.

Cumulatively, through the first three months of 2012, Kia’s global sales have increased by 12.6% year-on-year to reach 636,398 units. North America and Europe have experienced the highest cumulative gains to date in 2012 of 30.8% (153,106 units sold) and 26.2% (128,661 units sold), respectively.

Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets for the month of March was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 42,771 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 32,325 units delivered, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ in some markets), D-segment Optima sedan and Sorento mid-size CUV followed with 29,429, 24,333 and 18,437 units sold, respectively.

BMW
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

BMW Group U.S. reports May 2012 sales

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 28,321 vehicles, an increase of 7.1 percent from the 26,452 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group is up 12.2% on sales of 130,843 in the first five months of 2012 compared to 116,656 in the same period in 2011.

“The auto business looks to be the strongest part of the economy right now with both BMW and MINI keeping up the sales momentum to give BMW Group in the U.S. it’s best May since 2008,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America, LLC. “Our optimism for rest of the year is fueled by the new BMW models on their way to market and improving availability so that we can meet demand.”

BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 7.3 percent in May for a total of 22,168 compared to 20,651 vehicles sold in May, 2011. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 13.8 percent on sales of 104,779 compared to 92,068 sold in the first five months of 2011.

In May, best performing vehicles included the 5 Series, up 45.3 percent to 6,102 units; and the 6 Series, up 159.9 percent to 725 units; and the Sports Activity Vehicle segment (X3, X5 and X6), up 23.8 percent to 6,939 units.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles
In May, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 7.4 percent to 13,930 vehicles from the 12,975 vehicles sold in May 2011. January through May, BMW used vehicle sales are up 3.1 percent on volume of 68,792 compared to 66,710 in the same period of 2011.

MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported sales of 6,153 automobiles in May, an increase of 6.1 percent from the 5,801 sold in May 2011. Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 6.0 percent on volume of 26,064 compared to 24,588 in the first five months of 2011.

Porsche
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Porsche reports May sales

June 1, 2012 – 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 May 2012 sales of 2,852 vehicles. This compares to 2,817 vehicles last May, for an increase of one percent. For the year, Porsche has sold 13,448 cars in the U.S., which is a three percent increase over last year’s sales of 12,996.

“May was another solid month, especially for the new, seventh-generation 911,” said PCNA's President and CEO, Detlev von Platen. “In addition, our Panamera model line scored a 22% increase over last year. We’re now looking forward to the arrival of our highly anticipated third-generation Boxster, which should help boost our sales growth once it comes to Porsche dealerships in the beginning of July.”

With 878 sales of the new 911, the recently-launched iconic sports car showed a 43 percent increase over May 2011.

Porsche’s Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales set a record for the month of May 2012, with 871 vehicles sold compared to 750 last year – a 16 percent increase. Year-to-date, Porsche’s CPO sales are up 12 percent (4,025 vs. 3,597).

Hyundai
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Hyundai America reports best-ever May sales

Hyundai Motor America, the most fuel-efficient automaker in the U.S., today announced an all-time May sales record of 67,019 units, up more than 13 percent over last year’s all-time May record, and the second best sales month in company history.

“The industry experienced choppier waters than anticipated in May,” said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales. “While industry demand and traffic remained strong, consumer confidence was clearly conflicted with a recovering market being hedged against the inherent uncertainties of a looming presidential election and some disappointing housing and unemployment news. Amidst this economic backdrop and our own very low inventories, we felt great about setting yet another monthly volume record and are really well positioned for what we fully expect to be a robust summer sales period.”

Hyundai is operating with a 32-day supply of inventory, believed to be the leanest among all competitive brands and running at about half of current industry levels. The company’s supply of the highly fuel-efficient Accent, Elantra, and Veloster models are running at extremely low levels of availability. “Having demand exceed supply is an enviable position to be in but it forces us to be exceptionally efficient in our production planning, inventory management, and sales velocity,” added Zuchowski.

The all-new Azera, a recent recipient of IIHS’ Top Safety Pick, the seventh Hyundai model to hold this recognition, continued its strong launch sales pace with a 558 percent increase over last May, while the Veloster saw sales gains of almost 14 percent over last month. Hyundai’s family of premium products, Genesis and Equus, continue to deliver outstanding sales results with another all-time record volume month, representing a year-over-year sales increase of about 40 percent. Business to fleet accounts was less than a seven percent mix, among the lowest levels in the industry.





In keeping with its industry-leading fuel efficiency status, Hyundai achieved a corporate average fuel economy level of 37.0 MPG (28.5 MPG label value) in May, while selling 25,614 vehicles (38 percent of total sales) with 40 MPG window label highway fuel economy ratings.

“Demand for Hyundai vehicles in May remained at record levels, and so once again our total sales this month were a reflection of low inventories at Hyundai dealerships rather than market demand,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve continued to keep our incentive spending and fleet mix low reflecting this situation, while at the same time watching carefully the mixed economic signals we’re seeing, especially continued stagnation in the housing market, today’s disappointing news on unemployment, and significant incentive spending increases from our key competitors.”

Mazda
June 1, 2012
By: CF staff

Mazda sales up more than 13 percent year-over-year

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported May U.S. sales of 20,357 vehicles, representing an increase of 13.9 percent (up 5.4 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis) versus last year. On a calendar year-to-date basis, Mazda's sales are up 20.2 percent (19.3 percent DSR), with 123,886 vehicles sold.

Key May sales notes:

• The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, named "2012 Crossover of the Year" by Autobytel and an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" is a popular choice for customers. In its third full month of sales, 3,973 vehicles were sold in May. Mazda 6 sales are up 40.0 percent versus last year with 2,294 vehicles sold.
  

• Mazda's SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency, is already demonstrating strong sales through its fitment in the 2012 Mazda3 (up to 40 MPG highway) and the CX-5 (highest highway (35 MPG) and best combined (29 MPG) fuel economy of any SUV sold in the U.S.). Mazda's total SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY vehicle sales for May account for 72 percent of total sales for the month.
  

Rounding out sales for the North American market, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported its best May sales ever of 2,143 vehicles, up 4.0 percent versus May of last year.