GFerg

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/d...ales.Chart.pdf

GFerg

Sales Up 5.1% for the Month and 9.5% Year-to-Date

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...117169673.html

LexFather

Forgot.........

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...117169673.html

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American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted February sales of 98,059, an increase of 21.6% compared to February 2010, the company announced today. February marks the 5th straight month of double-digit sales increases for American Honda. Year-to-date sales of 174,328 represent an increase of 17.7%.

Honda Division posted February sales of 87,263, an increase of 21.7% compared to February 2010, with sales of light truck models increasing 31.8% to 39,923. Honda CR-V sales of 19,096 led light truck models, increasing by 61.4% and breaking the previous February 2008 sales record of 15,694. Additional light truck models with increased sales included the all-new Odyssey, up 17.3% to 8,744; the Pilot, up 23.3% to 8,224; and the Element, up 35.0% to 1,241. Car models with year-over-year sales increases included the Civic, up 16.1% to 19,121; and the Fit, up 43.6% to 4,200. Accord was the best-selling Honda vehicle for the month with sales of 22,916, up 2.0%.

"Honda models available with 4-wheel drive like the CR-V and Pilot saw sales increase significantly in February as people looked for ways to outsmart the bad weather," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The versatile, efficient and capable CR-V continues to solidify its position as the best-selling* SUV in America by setting a new monthly record."

Acura Division sales increased 20.8% to 10,796. The Acura MDX led the division with sales of 3,845, an increase of 17.7%. Sales of the TSX increased 31.6 percent to 2,794, beating the previous February record of 2,769 set in 2007. RDX sales of 1,344 represent a 58.1% increase for the model.

*The CR-V continues to be the best-selling SUV in the United States for the 5th straight year with calendar-year 2010 results of 203,714.

SLegacy99

http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=43&item=227

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GM Up 49% in February

* Year-over-year retail sales gain of 70% highest on record
* Car, Truck and Crossover segment retail sales each rise 59% or more
* GM’s newest vehicles continue to gain customers – retail sales up 119%
* Retail sales improve 52% for the 1st 2 months

DETROIT – General Motors total sales in the United States rose 49% in February, as dealers reported 207,028 deliveries for the company’s four brands. For the 2nd month in a row, the gain in total sales was driven by soaring retail demand for the company’s products. During the month, retail sales rose 70% – the highest year-over-year gain in the company’s history.

For the 1st 2 months of the year, GM’s total sales have risen 36%, while the company’s retail sales – those to individual consumers – have increased by 52%.

Retail sales of GM’s cars, trucks and crossovers all rose at least 59 percent or more during the month, up 76%, 74% and 59%, respectively.

“Our plan was to get off to a quick start this year, and we did just that,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “Having the right vehicles in inventory, combined with aggressive advertising and targeted consumer marketing has been the key to our success in the first two months this year.”

Newest Vehicles Lead Gains, More Than Doubling During February

Combined sales for GM’s newest vehicles – Chevrolet Equinox, Silverado HD, Cruze and Volt; Buick LaCrosse and Regal; GMC Sierra HD and Terrain; and Cadillac SRX, CTS Wagon and CTS Coupe – increased 66%, while retail sales surged 119% for the month, compared to February 2010.

Passenger Cars

Total sales of GM passenger cars improved 40 percent during February, led by the sale of 18,556 Chevrolet Cruzes. Retail sales of GM passenger cars rose 76% for the month, with Cruze retail sales 212% higher than the compact car it replaced. Strong retail sales of the all-new Cadillac CTS Coupe helped propel CTS retail sales to a record high for the month of February, up 159% versus a year ago. The Buick Regal had its best month since launch, recording 3,541 retail sales.

Crossovers

February total sales for GM’s industry-leading lineup of fuel-efficient crossovers were the best ever for the month, increasing 57% versus February 2010. Each of GM’s most popular crossovers set a record for retail sales for the month of February – Chevrolet Equinox (up 98%) and Traverse (up 32%); GMC Terrain (up 76%) and Acadia (up 25%); Buick Enclave (45%); and Cadillac SRX (up 62%). Combined retail sales for these models rose 58% during the month, compared to last year’s month.

Pickups and Utilities

Total sales of GM’s full-size pickup trucks – Chevrolet Silverado and Avalanche, and GMC Sierra – improved 65% in February versus a year ago, with retail sales rising 83%. Total sales of GM full-size utilities – Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade – rose 50% during the month, with combined retail sales improving 52%.

Month-end dealer inventory in the United States stood at about 517,000 units, which is about 7,000 higher compared to January and about 101,000 higher than February 2010.

Brand Key Facts:

* Chevrolet: Chevrolet dealers delivered 142,919 total vehicles in February, a 43% increase versus last year. Retail sales for Chevrolet rose 69 percent and were propelled by improving Cruze sales, which were 212% higher than the compact car it replaces. Silverado retail sales rose 84%, while Equinox posted its best February ever, with retail sales almost doubling, up 98% (read more).
* Buick: Buick reported 15,807 total sales, a 73% increase compared to February 2010. This includes a 90% surge in year-over-year retail sales, led by Regal (3,541units), Enclave and LaCrosse, which had retail sales 45 and 28% higher than last year, respectively. This marks the 17th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains for the brand (read more).
* GMC: GMC reported total sales of 32,534, a 59% increase compared to the same month last year. This marks the 17th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. Retail sales were 61% higher than last year, spurred by Sierra, Terrain, Yukon and Acadia – up 87%, 76%, 63% and 25%, respectively (read more).
* Cadillac: Cadillac reported total sales of 15,768 for February – 70% higher than last February, with retail sales increasing 83%. February was the 13th consecutive month of year-over-year total and retail sales gains. CTS retail sales rose 159%, driven by strong demand for the all-new CTS Coupe and Sedan. SRX retail sales were up 62% compared to a year ago, and the Escalade family saw retail sale rise 27% versus February last year (read more).

Fleet sales for GM’s 4 brands were 43,900 for the month, a 2% increase for the month, with sales to rental fleets down 5% during the same period. Sales to commercial customers rose 19% for the month, the 11th consecutive month of commercial fleet sales gains. Fleet accounted for 21% of GM total sales during the month.

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http://autospies.com/news/Chrysler-B...ebruary-62061/

Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 95,102, a 13% increase compared with sales in February 2010 (84,449 units).

The entire Jeep® product lineup, the Ram pickup truck, the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango 3-row SUV, and the new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan helped drive the 13% sales increase. February marked the 11th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

"Our retail sales were up substantially in February, proof positive that the 16 all-new or significantly-refreshed models we launched during 2010 are resonating with consumers," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. "The sustained buzz generated by our Super Bowl commercial has added to the interest and excitement in our 2011 models as they land in dealership showrooms in volume."

February was a solid month for Jeep and Ram Truck as each brand posted year-over-year double-digit percentage sales increases. All 5 models in the Jeep vehicle lineup posted sales gains in February, led by the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, winner of MotorWeek's prestigious 2011 Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility.

Sales of Ram pickup trucks increased 82% in February, marking the 10th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. At last month's Chicago Auto Show, Ram Truck further strengthened its lineup unveiling the Ram 1500 Tradesman, a value-priced option package designed to meet the needs of small businessmen, construction jobsites and commercial fleets, and announced a series of upgrades to its Heavy Duty truck lineup that will give it outright class supremacy in trailer towing.

6 Dodge brand models posted sales increases in February, compared to a year ago, and sales of the all-new Dodge Durango were up 128% in February versus last month as greater volumes of the new model arrive in showrooms.

In the wake of Chrysler Group's innovative Super Bowl ad, the new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan was the center of attention in February for the Chrysler brand. Sales of the Chrysler 200 were up 203% in February, compared with last month's sales, as dealers took delivery of the model in greater volume.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 68-day supply of inventory (269,107 units). U.S. industry sales figures for February are projected at an estimated 13.4 SAAR.

February 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

Jeep® Brand

Jeep brand sales were up 23% in February compared with the same month in 2010. All 5 Jeep brand models posted a sales increase during the month, led by the brand's flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee and the iconic Jeep Wrangler. Sales of the Jeep Grand Cherokee increased 31% in February versus a year ago, while sales of the Jeep Wrangler were up 28%. Each Jeep model posted a double-digit percentage sales gain in February. February also marked the 10th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains for the brand.

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Jeep brand is offering distinctive 70th Anniversary Edition models of each vehicle in its lineup. The 70th Anniversary Edition models, which pay homage to the history of the legendary Jeep brand, will arrive in dealerships in spring.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee earned MotorWeek's respected Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility in February, and was named the Official Winter Vehicle of New England by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA), adding to its growing list of prestigious awards. The Grand Cherokee last week made Kelley Blue Book's annual Top 10 Family Cars of 2011. The KBB editors said that the recently redesigned Grand Cherokee remains every inch the capable off-roader, but improved on-road manners and an elevated level of refinement – most noticeable in its well-appointed cabin – propel Jeep's flagship to new levels of excellence.

The Jeep brand reached an unprecedented domestic automotive milestone in February, as fans on the brand's Facebook page reached and surpassed the 1 million mark. In achieving more than 1 million fans, the Jeep brand exceeds the next closest domestic automotive brand fan's total by more than 450,000.

Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand posted an 81% sales increase in February. Ram pickup truck sales were up 82%, compared with the same month in 2010. Both the Light Duty and Heavy Duty pickups, along with the Chassis Cab, posted double-digit percentage sales gains in February versus a year ago.

The brand introduced in Chicago the Ram Tradesman, a value-priced, HEMI®-powered Ram 1500 regular cab truck that appeals to a cost-conscious, new-vehicle buyer who doesn't want to give up performance and capability. The Ram Truck brand also announced in Chicago a Ram Heavy Duty upgrade giving the Cummins Turbo Diesel an unsurpassed 800 lb.-ft. of torque and a best-in-class tow rating of 22,700 lbs.

Also in February, the Ram Truck brand announced that it would launch a new Ram 1500 model with HEMI® performance and sporty appearance aimed squarely at younger customers and 1st-time buyers. This as-yet-to be-named Ram 1500 model, developed under the code name "Adventurer," offers buyers a standard HEMI V-8 engine with its 20 mpg rating for the same price competitors are charging for their V-6 engines.

Dodge Brand

The Dodge brand posted a 2% sales increase in February. 6 Dodge models posted year-over-year percentage sales gains. The new 2011 Dodge Journey mid-size crossover, with 5- or 7-passenger seating, posted an 18% increase in sales compared with February last year. The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango, winner of MotorWeek's 2011 Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility, posted sales of 2,731 units in February. That's a 128% sales increase compared with last month, as the new model continues to gain sales steam.

From minivans to muscle cars, the Dodge brand introduced an entire lineup of new R/T performance models at the Chicago Auto Show in February. Whether it's a Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango or the Grand Caravan, every Dodge R/T vehicle will have unique handling characteristics, high-tech, high-performing engines, special exhaust tuning, a sport-tuned suspension and performance tires that grip the road.

The new product onslaught continued for the Dodge brand with the announcement in Chicago that the Dodge Charger SRT8 will return for the 2012 model year. Under the hood, the new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces. It also will offer improved fuel economy.

Chrysler Brand

As sales of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan build momentum in the marketplace, the Chrysler brand unveiled its new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible at the Chicago Auto Show. Redesigned, re-engineered, re-packaged and re-priced for 2011, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is beginning to arrive in dealership showrooms.

"Imported from Detroit," the Chrysler brand's new tagline, and the 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan continue to make a larger-than-life entrance into the mid-size market. Both the tagline and the vehicle made their debut in a 1st-ever, 2-minute advertising spot on Super Bowl Sunday.

Last week, the editors at Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com named the new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan to its list of the Top 10 Family Cars of 2011. Kelley Blue Book noted that there are just a handful of large sedans with family-friendly starting prices, and the 2011 Chrysler 300 is one of the newest and one of the best. KBB noted that for under $30,000 you can treat the family to a well-crafted interior, roomy backseat, uncannily quiet highway ride, keyless entry and start, plus an 8.4-inch LCD control screen.

Also in February, the Chrysler brand unveiled its latest entry to the mid-size segment on the front of the Chrysler Group Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. – a massive building wrap featuring an image of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 and the brand's new tagline. The wrap covers almost the entire west side of the company's 15-story headquarters.

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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hyunda....html?x=0&.v=1
(click for charts)

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced record February sales of 43,533 units, up 28% compared with the same period last year. For the year, total Hyundai sales are up 25%, with retail volume up 51%.

"February was very strong for Hyundai," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president of national sales. "Consumer activity was high, credit was readily available and the overall impact on the Hyundai business was really encouraging. With improving supply of our red-hot 40-mpg 2011 Elantra, and increasing consumer concern with fuel prices, we're looking forward to an even stronger March."

Overall retail sales through dealerships rose 46% from last February, led by a 103% retail increase for Sonata and a 74% retail increase for the all-new Elantra. Fleet sales were down 22%, with fleet mix at 16% for the month, and 14% year-to-date.

Genesis continued its impressive growth with the 20th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases, while Equus continued its successful launch in the midst of tight availability and strong consumer demand, delivering a year-to-date retail market share of the premium luxury segment of over 7%, which is 40% above Hyundai's target.

"According to Compete's latest data, Equus is already the most-shopped premium luxury car in the industry this year, ahead of the BMW 7-Series, Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 and Lexus LS," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's president and CEO. "We're delighted with the positive consumer response and we are working to increase Equus availability to meet the strong demand we're seeing."

Hyundai sold 8,830 cars with 40-mpg EPA fuel economy highway ratings during the month of February, representing 20 percent of its sales for the month. Hyundai is committed to leading the industry in sales of 40-mpg vehicles in 2011, and seeks to achieve this through the wide availability of vehicles that achieve 40 mpg. Hyundai's strategy of standard 40-mpg ratings on vehicles like the 2011 Elantra sedan and the forthcoming 2012 Accent are in contrast to the practice of competitors, which limit 40-mpg sales to low-volume and/or extra cost option package and trim levels.

Hyundai's sales-weighted average fuel economy for the month of February exceeded 35 mpg for the first time, achieving a sales-weighted average of 35.2 mpg, with a year-to-date average of 35 mpg. Hyundai provides this data to allow governments, policy-makers, journalists, and other interested observers additional data points to help gauge the feasibility of achieving the 47-to-62 mpg CAFE targets being considered for 2025.

"In 2008, Hyundai committed to achieve a 35-mpg CAFE level by 2015. While the year isn't over yet, it's good news that our sales-weighted fuel economy average so far in 2011 has already reached the 35 mpg level," said John Krafcik. "Consumers have shown us they are very willing to buy stylish, roomy, and fuel-efficient cars like the 2011 Elantra in high volumes, and that should give everyone confidence about how far we can go as an industry in achieving significant fuel economy gains from today."

The January sales-weighted CAFE data reported here are updated from last month's release to be consistent with official 2011 MY NHTSA CAFE reporting. For 2011 MY reporting, two-wheel drive sport-utility vehicles were reclassified as cars, with all-wheel drive versions remaining classified as trucks. Consistent with this in Hyundai's sales-weighted monthly fuel economy reporting, two-wheel drive Tucson, Santa Fe, and Veracruz are now categorized as cars and all-wheel drive Tucson, Santa Fe, and Veracruz are classified as trucks. This impacts car and truck fuel economy averages, but does not impact the Hyundai brand average.

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Nissan/Infiniti (click for chart)

FRANKLIN, Tenn., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported record February U.S. sales of 92,370 units versus 70,189 units a year earlier, an increase of 31.6%. Nissan Division sales were up 31.8% for the month and also set a new February record. Sales of Infiniti vehicles rose 29.9% over the prior year.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

* Nissan Division posted a record February with 83,226 sales, an increase of 31.8% over 63,148 units sold in February 2010.
* Nissan Rogue posted its best month ever with 11,427 deliveries, up 86% over last February.
* Nissan Sentra sales totaled 12,599, up 62.2% over a year ago.
* Sales of Nissan's top-selling Altima rose 28.5% over the prior year to 20,808 units.

"Nissan enjoyed a record February on strong increases by several models, clearly led by the best-ever month for Rogue," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Even though February is a short month, we saw great customer traffic on models across our lineup, from Altima and Sentra sedans to Murano, Frontier, Pathfinder and Armada on the truck side."

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

* Infiniti today reported sales of 9,144 units for the month of February, an increase of 29.9% versus 7,041 units a year earlier.
* Sales of the Infiniti G Line rose 38.8%, with the popular G Sedan performing especially well with sales of 4,044 units, an increase of 50.6%.
* The Infiniti M luxury sedans and the Infiniti FX performance crossover also contributed to the brand's growth, with sales increases of 44.2 and 20.3%, respectively.
* The Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury sport utility vehicle had another strong month with sales of 902, an increase of 11.6%.

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Mazda Reports Positive Feb 2011 Sales
(click for chart)

IRVINE, Calif., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- While the weather outside might be frightful, Mazda's February sales are anything but. Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported February 2011 sales of 19,387, an increase of 13.7% versus February of 2010.

Mazda's crossover SUVs led the sales charge for the month. CX-9 posted its best February ever with sales of 2,876 vehicles, up 42.8% and CX-7 recorded its best February since 2008, with sales of 2,357 vehicles, up 31.2%.

Mazda6 sales also were on the rise with 2,838 vehicles sold, up 16.9%. The Mazda6 offers all the standards in the mid-size sedan segment, but goes one step further by adding style, performance, technology and passion that no other vehicle in class can offer.

"We are pleased with our February sales results. While our year-over-year sales increase is good (+13.7%) it only tells half the story; we're selling cars the right way," said Jim O'Sullivan, MNAO president and CEO. "Compared to the industry, our incentive spend continues to be very low and our retail versus fleet mix is very strong. At Mazda, we do not chase volume, but rather, long-term brand strength and profitability."

Rounding out the North American market, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported strong February sales of 2,131 vehicles, representing an increase of 24%, while Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) sold 4,170 vehicles, down 15% compared to last February.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

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http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...01/521242.html
(click for chart)

DEARBORN, MI--March 1, 2011: Consumer demand for Ford's fuel-efficient vehicles continues to grow as February retail sales increased 23% versus a year ago.

Ford's total February sales, including sales to fleet customers, were 156,626, up 14%.

"With oil nearing $100 per barrel and gasoline prices continuing to rise, consumers' consideration for fuel economy once again is taking top billing," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "Ford's investment in new products, engines and transmissions is delivering real value to our customers, and people are rewarding us for it."

Ford offers 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy, including four vehicles with EPA certified 40 mpg or higher fuel economy ratings--a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

Cars

Retail sales of Ford's small cars. Fiesta and Focus were more than double year-ago levels (up 114%). Fiesta had its best sales month ever with 6,270 vehicles and continues to gain share in its market segment. Focus retail sales were 43% higher than a year ago. The all-new Focus will arrive in Ford dealer showrooms this spring.

Ford Fusion set a new monthly sales record with total sales of 23,111, up 40% versus a year ago.

Retail sales also were higher for the Ford Mustang (up 22%) and the Lincoln MKZ midsize sedan (up 17%).

Utilities

Sales of Ford's utility vehicles were paced by the all-new Ford Explorer. Explorer retail sales were up 268%. For the second straight month, the new Explorer is the fastest-turning vehicle in the Ford showroom.

Retail sales also were higher for the Ford Escape (up 34 percent), Edge (up 18%) and Lincoln MKX (up 13%). Escape set a February record with total sales of 18,005 (up 19%).

Trucks

Strong sales to commercial fleet customers and higher sales to retail customers powered Ford truck sales growth in February. Sales of Ford's F-Series truck totaled 37,549, up 14% versus a year ago.

Ford's commercial vehicles also posted strong year-to-year increases. Econoline sales totaled 9,723 (up 22%) and Transit Connect sales were 2,152 (up 61%).

Year-to-date sales

In the 1st 2 months of 2011, Ford sales totaled 283,943, up 14% versus the same period a year ago. Retail sales were up 25% with the strongest growth in the East (where retail sales were up 45%) and California (where retail sales were up 43%).

"Ford's fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles are winning customers nationwide, but the strongest growth is in the 'smile' region of the country," said Czubay. "Early consumer reactions indicate the new Focus will drive more growth in these areas."

North American production

In the 2nd quarter, Ford plans to build 710,000 vehicles, up 57,000 vehicles (9 percent) compared with the 2nd quarter of 2010. In the 1st quarter, Ford plans to build 650,000 vehicles, unchanged from the previous forecast.

Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.

mmarshall

An interesting sales month....even with gas prices well above that of January, a number of automakers did very well in February, especially GM, Toyota, and Nissan..

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...,5800394.story

February was one of the strongest months in the last year for auto purchases as renewed consumer confidence sent shoppers to car lots.

With most major carmakers reporting Tuesday, February U.S. sales were up more than 20% overall compared with the same month a year earlier to about 1 million vehicles, according to industry estimates.

"The consumer is back to the showrooms," said Brian Johnson, an analyst with Barlcays Capital.

Certainly that was the case for General Motors Co., which on Tuesday said its February U.S. sales rose 45.8% compared with a year earlier to 207,028 vehicles.

The automaker said its retail sales grew by 70% over February 2010 and that its sales to car rental companies and commercial users were about even with the same period a year earlier. The gain in the retail market was the highest year-over-year jump in GM's history.

"Our plan was to get off to a quick start this year and we did just that," said Don Johnson, GM's sales chief. "Having the right vehicles in inventory, combined with aggressive advertising and targeted consumer marketing has been the key to our success in the first two months of this year."

GM's robust numbers were helped by "very large incentives offered by the manufacturer for the second month in a row," Johnson, the Barclays Capital analyst, wrote in a report to investors.

But the analyst said the deals offered by GM don't signal an outbreak of a broader price war that could kill off industry profits. Johnson noted that GM was "tactically" offering higher incentives while the automaker's management had recently " reiterated its commitment to keep its incentives in line with the industry for the year."

In fact, the industry average for incentives was the lowest for a February since 2007, said Jesse Toprak, an analyst at TrueCar.com.

Ford Motor Co. said its total February sales rose 14% compared with the same month a year earlier to 156,626.

Retail sales of Ford's small cars — Fiesta and Focus — were more than double year-ago levels, which the automaker said could be a result of rising gas prices.

Nissan North America, Inc. said its sales rose 31.6% in February to 92,370 vehicles. The figure set a Nissan record for February U.S. sales.

Toyota Motor Corp. said its February sales rose 41.8% to 141,846 vehicles. Johnson of Barclays Capital cautioned that the gain was deceptive, "the result of a very easy comparison versus last year, when its sales suffered from safety concerns."

Toyota has issued more than 13 million product recalls since September 2009 in the U.S. alone, including the recall of more than 2 million vehicles to correct problems with floor mats and other issues that could cause unintended acceleration. Toyota briefly stopped selling many of its popular models a year ago to fix sudden acceleration problems.

Still Toyota officials were pleased with the result.

"After two months of improving sales, we feel good about the way 2011 has started," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president

Chrysler Group said its February sales rose 13% to 95,102 vehicles.

Analysts noted that it was a strong month overall for retail car sales.

"Consumers hit the showrooms during the Presidents Day weekend at a rate that well outperformed February of 2010," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power & Associates. "The strong retail performance is pushing the [annual] retail selling rate to a level that is approaching 11 million units."

After suffering through nearly two years of historically low sales, auto dealers were happy to see the flood of customers.

"We are trending to do 140% over February 2010. It is nice to see sales come back," said Beau Boeckmann, vice president of Galpin Ford of North Hills, the nation's largest Ford dealership. "Presidents Day was the biggest sale we have had in a year."

"Our biggest hits right now are the Edge crossover and the Fusion sedan and the hybrid. The new Fiesta and the new Explorer are also doing extremely well," he said.

Schuster estimated that, including fleet sales, automakers were at an annual rate of about 12.6 million vehicles. GM estimates the number to be as many as 13 million vehicles. Most automakers are forecasting total sales of about 13 million, up from 11.6 million last year.

GS69

http://www.audiusanews.com/pressrele...cord-year-best
(click for chart)

• 2011 February sales of 7,753 rose 24.7% above February 2010, marking the best February by Audi in the U.S. market
• 2011 Audi A8 flagship sedan sales rise 961.8% year-over-year
• Consumers continue to demand clean diesel vehicles; sales mix hit 47.67% for the Audi A3 TDI and 46.23% for the Q7 TDI

Audi today sustained its 2011 momentum with record-setting February U.S. sales of 7,753 luxury vehicles, which surpassed the prior February record set in 2007 and bested 2010 by 1,537 vehicles. Closing in on a promising 1st quarter, February 2011 sales of Audi cars and SUVs not only marked the 2nd-straight record setting month of the year, but also comes on the heels of Audi posting its best annual U.S. sales for 2010. For the 1st 2 months in 2011, Audi is ahead of the sales pace by 22.3% set over the same period last year.

The strong February 2011 results were buoyed by the continued strong consumer response to the 2011 Audi A8 flagship model, introduced in November 2010, which jumped 961.8% from a year earlier as consumers continue to respond favorably to the most technologically advanced vehicle Audi has ever produced.

Audi models have already earned significant awards in the U.S., including the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award to the 2011 Audi A8, four category winners in the Strategic Vision 2010 Total Value Index and the EyesOn Design “Best Production Vehicle” awarded to the Audi A6, which is scheduled to arrive this Fall.

February 2011 Audi A3 sales climbed 22.1% for the 1st 2 months of 2011, compared to the same time period in 2010, as consumers continued to demand the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel model, the 2010 Green Car of the Year. In addition, the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel model accounted for a 47.67% sales mix in the Audi A3 lineup. Demand for the popular Audi Q7 full-size luxury crossover remained strong with a sales increase of 102.7% from a year earlier. The Audi A6 sedan also enjoyed nearly a 20% increase in sales over this time last year.

In February 2011, Audi recorded year-over-year sales increases exceeding 35% with 5 of its models: the Audi A8, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi R8, and the Audi TT.

“Consumers are clearly rewarding Audi for its superior vehicles and propelling the brand to the top of the luxury vehicle market,” said Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. “I’m optimistic that 2011 will be another banner year for us.”

Audi sales highlights – February 2011
• February 2011 ranks as the best February in Audi of America history, eclipsing the record set in 2007.
• Audi A8 sales numbers continue to skyrocket with 361 vehicles sold, due to launch of redesigned 2011 Audi A8 flagship.
• 5 models within Audi lineup post gains of over 35% YOY.

Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 February sales and news notes
• Audi Q5 sales of 1,539 vehicles sold in February second only to A4, with 2,770 vehicles sold.
• Audi Q5 sales up 45.2% for February YOY.
• Audi Q7 sales of 742 vehicles sold up 102.7% for February YOY.

Audi A3, A6 and R8 February sales and news notes
• A3 TDI represents 47.67% of sales mix.
• Audi A6 luxury sedan sales up 17.2% YOY to 594 vehicles sold.
• R8 sales record 176.5% uptick over February 2010 with 94 vehicles sold.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes
• February 2011 CPO sales of 2,577 units represent 43.6% YOY surge from 1,794 vehicles a year earlier.

dunnojack

are they gonna can the HS yet?

a little over 1 year out, and it's dead in the water.



Acura TL is neck n neck with the ES350

dunnojack

bmw ..............

what the hell happened to the 3 series ???