LexFather

Its funny how irrelevant a brand is when you are an also-ran for decades. They sold less that 7,000 cars last month, over 50% G37s. There will be no media attention, no articles about it, no "infiniti is dying" write-ups. The bottom line is no one cares. The Infiniti M37/45 has been a tremendous failure. Between styling, lack of prestige price and the amateur luxury ride with the 20s the car has flopped. Its like seeing the Q45 all over again when a car a year old is selling under 1,000 units in a month MULTIPLE months. Sad. Lexus would really have to screw up the GS to follow the same fate. Infiniti now is like Cadillac where their best known model is a huge SUV, the QX56 ala Japanese Escalade. It outsold the M again last month. Thats great for the QX but surely not what the brand expected nor aimed for. They aimed for the M37/56 to elevate the brand. It hasn't. What saddens me is I hope they don't throw in the towel on the big V-8 and dump it. The engine pulls effortlessly and its simply a great option to have. They also couple it with AWD is one wants it.

They were over 3,000 units behind Audi last month. Audi is now right on Acura's ***.

YTD, Audi is beating Infiniti. They have never been in front of Infiniiti this early in the year. It is remarkable to see Audi's rise. This was unheard of just a few years ago.

Lexus actually NEEDS Acura and Infiniti to do better and step it up to help with the perception of Japanese luxury cars. Lexus cannot continue to be the only serious and credible effort from Japan, not with Audi now rising in the ranks. Where it was BMW/Benz vs Lexus soon its going to be BMW/Benz/Audi vs Lexus in AMERICA. People's perceptions about Japanese luxury are going to change as people bunch Lexus together with Acura/Infiniit. Audi can rise riding BMW/Benz's success here.

Its only compounds Lexus issues.

spwolf

funny headlines incoming "Due to Japan's quake and various quality problems, Lexus...."


:-)

GS69

American Suzuki April 2011 Sales Up 9%
(click for chart)

-- Suzuki celebrates 7th consecutive year-over-year sales increase

-- Kizashi sales up 111% calendar year to date

2011 Suzuki Auto Product Line

Suzuki is proud to offer the most affordable all-wheel-drive lineup available in the U.S. and maintains a versatile array of vehicles, including the spirited SX4 Sport sedan, multipurpose five-door SX4 Crossover, SX4 SportBack hot hatch, refined Grand Vitara compact SUV, award-winning Equator pickup truck and performance-oriented Kizashi Sport. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki's standout virtues of durability, leading-edge style and high-content at a competitive price. All 2011 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/7-year, fully transferable, 0-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

GS69

Mercedes-Benz Eeks Out a 2.3% Sales Gain

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported April sales of 19,157 vehicles, a 5.1% improvement over April 2010, and the best April on record since April 2008. On a year-to-date basis, the 75,152 vehicles sold represent a 9.2% increase.

The highest volume performers for the month were the E- and C-Class model lines. The 9th generation E-Class led the pack with sales of 5,342, up 17.9% over April 2010. The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and 1st-time Mercedes-Benz buyers –continued its strong momentum with sales of 5,232, up 13.1% over last year. MBUSA's versatile SUV, the M-Class, finished 3rd in volume with monthly sales of 1,990.

On the high end, the commanding G-Class was up 29.4% over April 2010, and the company sold 54 of its supercar – the SLS AMG – bringing its year-to-date sales to 309.

Sales of Sprinter Vans increased by 85.8% for the month, with sales of 1,115 – bringing a year-to-date total of 3,764 (up 94.3%).

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 7,093 vehicles in April 2011, a decrease of 8.5% over last year. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 26,632 vehicles, decrease of 4.7 % over the comparable period last year.

GS69

April's 10 Best

High gas prices and the Japanese quake dramatically shifted the best-sellers' list for April. It's now skewed toward high-efficiency cars as well as Korean and American makes -- and April's big winners are Hyundai and Chevrolet.

Hyundai laid claim to 2 slots on the top 10 list — the 1st time the South Korean automaker has achieved this feat — for its redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata and Elantra sedans. 2011 Elantra sales were up an astonishing 128.8% in April. The model outsold nameplates like the Ford Focus and Fusion and Nissan Altima, which are usually best-sellers.

And Chevrolet's, for the 1st time, joins the top 10 list with 25,160 vehicles sold for the month. The new compact managed to outsell all its compact competitors except the Honda Civic. Chevy's Silverado sales lagged for the month, but it still placed 4th, down from its usual 2nd place.

The Ford F-Series remained the best-selling vehicle in America for April, but high-gas prices affected the trucks' sales product mix. V-6-equipped F-150s made up 50% of the model's sales, up from 40% in March, according to PickupTrucks.com.

For the month, most major automakers saw double-digit month-over-month sales growth: Nissan (12.2%), Hyundai (40.3%), GM (26.4%), Ford (16.4%), though Toyota (-2.4%) and Honda (5.7%) trumped the trend.

April was the first time in at least 12 months that Japanese automakers didn't control at least half of the top 10 list. Nissan had no top 10 vehicles for April. Typically, the Altima sells well and it's still the third best-selling midsize sedan year-to-date. Nissan, Toyota and Honda are beginning to feel the supply crunch due in large part to the effects of the March earthquake and tsunami that continue to disrupt Japanese industrial output.

Kostamojen

Yes, CT sales were destroyed by the production stoppage. There are just no vehicles on the lots at all to sell, several people have even been posting they flat out gave up and bought something else, while others are reporting 10-12 month wait lists for CT's

SLegacy99

24,762 for Subaru

http://media.subaru.com/index.php?s=43&item=242

dunnojack

damn. i didn't expect the malibu and cruze to make it to top 10 sales.
that's a lot

and damn, the elantra too


so many people like the ugly E class.

-J-P-L-

I knew the Camry would bounce back over Accord and Altima.
Not bad for an almost 6 year old model.

Corolla took a surprising hit. I think it's new, and better competitors are starting to hurt. Not sure if Japan supply was an issue.

A Chevy small car beating Corolla? Someone go check Hell's temperature. I new the excellent Cruze would do well, but shooting all the way to #6 so quickly is a bit of a shock.

The Elantra success doesn't surprise me. An outstanding offering by Hyundai and 40 standard mpg just in time. I expect sales to grow even higher.

No Ford passenger cars cracked the top 10 but...
...they are still doing very well.

GS69

Mitsubishi Doubles April Sales
Up More than 60% Year to Date

CYPRESS, Calif., May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported April 2011 sales of 8,081 units, an increase of 106% compared to April 2010. It was Mitsubishi's largest month of sales in 2.5 years (August 2008) and the 8th consecutive month that the company has achieved a year-over-year sales increase.

"We're particularly pleased that we're showing increases month after month. Sustained progress is very important," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "We will launch a new advertising campaign for Outlander and Outlander Sport this month to increase this tremendous momentum."

Outlander Sport sales continue to grow. There were 1,402 units sold in April, marking the 7th consecutive month of sales growth since the introduction of the fuel-efficient CUV last October.

Yokozawa added, "We're also experiencing wonderful response to our exciting, all-new, all-electric Mitsubishi 'i' which will go on sale later this year." Yokozawa says MMNA has received more than 300 pre-orders for the vehicle since the process launched April 22.

Other April sales highlights include:

Year-to-date sales are up 60.9%.
Outlander and Outlander Sport combined sales were up more than 110% for the month and are up more than 98% year-to-date.
Lancer sales increased more than 40% for the month, and are up 6.5% year to date. Lancer Evolution sales were up more than 12% compared to last April, and more than 15 percent for the year.
Galant sales are up more than 80% year-to-date.
Endeavor sales are up 107% year-to-date.
Eclipse Spyder sales are up 206% year-to-date.
Sales of vehicles manufactured at the Normal, Illinois, plant are up more than 76% year-to-date.

GS69

http://www.autospies.com/news/Hyunda...n-April-63580/

Hyundai Motor America today announced all-time record April sales of 61,754 units, up 40% compared with the same record-breaking period last year.

For the year, total sales are up 31 percent, with retail volume rising 40%. Sales to fleet accounts are down 45% for the year with fleet representing 13% of the total sales mix year-to-date and 11 percent for April. 34% of Hyundai vehicles sold in April achieved 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

"April was another outstanding month for Hyundai," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president of national sales. "Our unwavering commitment as the industry leader in fuel efficiency with four vehicles achieving 40 MPG standard this year has helped overcome escalating fuel prices and drive our continued growth.

"Further, we believe our innovative Assurance Trade-In Value Guarantee program will take the uncertainty out of future resale values and bolster consumer confidence in our brand."

April's strong performance was led by the hot-selling Elantra that registered 22,100 units sold, up 129% from a year ago. Its Alabama sibling, Sonata, saw sales climb 17% over April last year resulting in a combined 71% of total Hyundai volume. This marked the first time Hyundai sold more than 20,000 units in the same month of 2 different models.

Genesis' sustained growth trajectory continued with a 17% sales increase over last year, representing the 22nd consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases for Hyundai's first premium products. Hyundai's flagship Equus continues its strong performance and has now exceeded 1,000 total sales since its December launch, continuing to out-perform its 5% retail share objective.

GS69

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Kia-Mo....html?x=0&.v=1
(click for chart)

IRVINE, Calif., May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced all-time record monthly sales of 47,074, a 56.7% increase from April 2010, and a 6.6% increase over the previous record set last month. Consumer demand for the all-new 2011 Optima midsize sedan continues to increase while sales of the Soul eclipsed the 10,000 unit mark for the second consecutive month. The Sorento was Kia's best-selling vehicle for the 16th consecutive month and posted its best-ever sales of more than 12,000 units.

"More and more car shoppers are being drawn to Kia as a result of our commitment to offering stylish, fuel efficient and high quality vehicles, such as the Sorento and Soul, that exceed the expectations of today's discriminating consumers at a tremendous value," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "Demand for the new Optima has outpaced supply since its launch last year and with gas prices continuing to rise, the upcoming launch of Kia's first-ever hybrid vehicle couldn't be coming at a better time. The 2011 Optima Hybrid will deliver class leading fuel efficiency, world-class design, and modern amenities that will resonate with American consumers and further validate Kia's tremendous value proposition."

Consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand continues to increase, evidenced by the brand's continued record sales performance and market share gains. At the New York International Auto Show, KMA introduced the all-new 2012 Rio and Rio5, which bring world-class styling and class leading horsepower and fuel economy(1) of 40 miles per gallon(2) to the sub-compact segment. Building on the success of the best-selling Sorento, KMA announced the addition of 2012 Optima production later this year at KMMG in West Point, Georgia*, further reinforcing the brand's commitment to the U.S. market.

GS69

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

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported April 2011 sales of 20,638 vehicles, an increase of 9.0% versus April of 2010. Through the 1st 4 months of the year, Mazda's sales are up 13.8%, with 85,197 vehicles sold.

Mazda's crossover SUVs led the way with the ever-popular CX-7 and CX-9 posting best-ever April sales. CX-7 recorded sales of 2,873 vehicles, up 28.4% over April 2010, while CX-9 sales also were up 23.9% with 2,750 vehicles sold.

Mazda6 posted an increase of 7.8% with sales of 2,734 vehicles while sales of the MX-5 Miata were up 14.2% with 659 vehicles sold.

Rounding out the North American market, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported best-ever April sales of 2,174 vehicles, accounting for a 5.1% increase versus last April. MMdM's year-to-date sales are up 19.8%, with 8,845 vehicles sold. Mazda Canada, Inc. (MCI) sold 7,574 vehicles, which is down 9.0% versus last April. MCI's year-to-date sales of 21,219 vehicles are down 17.0%.

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.

GS69

http://autospies.com/news/Chrysler-S...s-Up-22-63591/

Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 117,225, a 22% increase compared with sales in April 2010 (95,703 units), and the best April sales since 2008.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 and the new 2011 Dodge Avenger mid-size sedans helped drive the significant increase in Chrysler Group car sales in April. This was the best month for Chrysler Group mid-size sedans since March 2008.

Sales of the new 2012 Fiat 500 were up 76% compared with the previous month of March 2011, also helping to boost Chrysler Group’s car sales in April.

“Both our retail car and truck sales were up significantly in April as we continued to build upon our sales growth momentum on the heels of a solid first quarter,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “Our mid-size cars had their best month since March 2008, and every Jeep® and Ram Truck model that we sell experienced a year-over-year sales gain in April. Our truck and SUV sales remained strong in April even in the face of rising gas prices at the pump. Our new product line up is resonating quite well with consumers.”

The Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck brands each posted year-over-year sales gains in April. The Jeep brand’s 65% increase was the largest of the Chrysler Group brands.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 70-day supply of inventory (304,168 units). U.S. industry sales figures for April are projected at an estimated 13.4 SAAR.

April 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

Jeep® Brand

The Jeep brand posted a 65% sales increase in April. All 5 Jeep brand models contributed to the increase by posting year-over-year sales gains. The new 2011 Jeep Compass, now featuring Jeep Trail Rated® capability for the 1st time, logged a 181% sales increase in April versus a year ago.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues its strong market performance, as the brand’s volume leader posted a 189% sales gain in April. The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) in April named the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee as its Northwest 2011 SUV of the Year. NWAPA journalists also recognized the Grand Cherokee as “Best Off-Road SUV.” The Jeep brand’s premium SUV has captured 29 awards since introduction last summer, including the latest – Ward’s “10 Best Interiors” award for 2011.

It was a busy month for the Jeep brand, unveiling 6 new “Moparized” Jeep vehicles for the 45th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah and two new models at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.

In New York, the brand introduced the most powerful, technologically advanced, high-performance Jeep vehicle ever – the all-new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8® arriving in Jeep showrooms in the third quarter. The brand also unveiled the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave. Paying tribute to the well-known and rugged western desert Mojave Trail, Jeep Wrangler Mojave features a unique desert theme inside and out, and an aggressive wheel and tire package to tackle the toughest terrain.

Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand posted a 29% sales increase in April. Ram pickup truck sales were up 29%, compared with the same month in 2010. Both the Light Duty and Heavy Duty pickup trucks, along with the Chassis Cab, posted double-digit percentage year-over-year sales gains. This was the brand’s 12th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

The Ram Truck brand in April unveiled its new 2011 Ram 1500 Express, targeting younger customers and first-time buyers. The Ram 1500 Express combines great looks and MPG along with HEMI® horsepower, torque, towing and payload, all at a fantastic price. The Express offers buyers a standard HEMI V-8 engine with a 20 mpg rating for the same price competitors are charging for their V-6 engines. Mopar® has announced that it will have hundreds of accessories available for buyers who are looking to personalize their Ram 1500 Express.

Dodge Brand

The Dodge brand posted a 14 percent sales increase in April, driven in part by sales of the new 2011 Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan. The Avenger, with its best-in-class V-6 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy, posted a 26% sales increase in April, compared with the same month a year ago. It also logged a 27% sales increase compared with March 2011. The Avenger is proving to be a strong competitor in the marketplace.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango three-row sport-utility posted a 15% increase compared with the month of March 2011 as the new SUV continues to gain sales momentum. The Dodge Nitro, with its four popular models – Heat, Heat 4.0, Detonator and Shock – posted a 44 percent sales gain in April, the largest percentage increase of any Dodge brand vehicle.

The Dodge brand unveiled the new 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T at the New York auto show. Avenger R/T rounds out Dodge brand’s entire lineup of R/T performance models. With a stiffened suspension, best-in-class 283 horsepower engine, center-mounted tachometer and performance-inspired interior and exterior design, the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T ups the driving fun factor.

In April, the 2011 Dodge Charger Rallye Plus won the prestigious Ward’s “10 Best Interiors” award, affirming the company’s commitment to interior design, craftsmanship and quality.

Chrysler Brand

Sales of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 increased 23% in April, compared with sales in the month of March 2011. Sales of the mid-size sedan and convertible continue to increase monthly in the wake of the “Imported from Detroit” Super Bowl ad, driving the 41% increase in Chrysler brand car sales in April.

For 2012, the Chrysler brand is expanding the appeal of its flagship 300 sedan even further by launching three all-new models, all with unmistakably bold American style, luxury and performance targeted at different owner lifestyles.

The all-new Chrysler 300 SRT8 with its 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 offers the ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in Chrysler’s most powerful, best-handling sedan ever
The all-new Chrysler 300S Series brings a youthful and aggressive appearance together with athletic style and sophistication
With premium materials and world-class refinement, the all-new 300C Executive Series is the most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever

The 3 new models bring uniquely distinct personalities to the Chrysler flagship sedan’s 2012 model lineup. Unveiled at the New York auto show, they will be available in Chrysler showrooms in the third quarter of this year.

The Chrysler 200 now has two siblings, the 2011 Chrysler 200 S Sedan and the new 2011 Chrysler 200 S Convertible. With the introduction of the S models, Chrysler expands the lineup, offering customers production vehicles with a one-of-a-kind style. The S models have the same DNA as the traditional models, but with an entirely different appearance and attitude.

Chrysler 200 S models will arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms this spring.

April 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights

Jeep brand sales (32,384 units) increased 65% compared with the same month last year (19,645 units)
Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (9,802 units) improved 189% versus April last year (3,393 units)
Sales of the new 2011 Jeep Compass (4,050 units) were up 181% compared with April 2010 (1,443 units)
Jeep Wrangler sales (9,051 units) increased 9% compared with April 2010 (8,327 units)
Jeep Liberty sales (4,845 units) increased 39% versus April last year (3,490 units)
Jeep Patriot (4,636 units) posted a 93% year-over-year sales increase
Ram Truck brand sales (19,260 units) increased 29% compared with the same month last year (14,877 units)
Ram pickup truck sales (17,680 units) improved 29% versus April 2010 (13,665 units)
Dodge Dakota sales (1,580 units) increased 33% compared with April of last year (1,192 units)
Sales of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan (8,274 units) were up 23% versus sales in the month of March 2011 (6,750 units)
Dodge brand sales (44,320 units) increased 14% versus the same month last year (38,795 units)
Dodge Avenger sales (7,577 units) improved 26% versus the same month in 2010 (6,000 units), and increased 27% compared with the previous month of March 2011 (5,954 units)
Dodge Journey sales (4,598 units) increased 3% compared with April a year ago (4,475 units)
The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango SUV posted sales of 5,064 units, up 15% from March 2011 (4,392 units)
Dodge Nitro sales (2,209 units) increased 44% compared with April 2010 (1,536 units)
Chrysler Group car sales (36,075 units) increased 18% compared with the same month a year ago (30,527 units)
Chrysler Group truck sales (81,150 units) improved 25% versus April 2010 (65,176 units)
The new 2012 Fiat 500 posted sales of 882 units in April, up 76% from the previous month of March 2011 (500 units)

GS69

http://media.vw.com/Volkswagen%20of%...017%20percent.
(click for chart)

April sales total 28,542 units, a 23% increase over prior year sales

HERNDON, Va. (May 3, 2011) – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported 28,542 units sold in April 2011, a 23% increase over prior year sales and the company's best sales month since November 2003. Year-to-date sales are up 17%.

"We are gaining traction in the U.S. market," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "With our Jetta model continuing to lead the way, the numbers show our product line up is responding to consumers needs for performance, precision engineering and smart fuel economy."

Volkswagen Jetta sales totaled 16,955 - a 74% increase over last year. Sport utility vehicles Touareg and Tiguan experienced 62 percent and 47% sales increases, respectively. CC sales increased 39% over prior year. Volkswagen's high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models accounted for more than 23% of all April sales.

"The enthusiasm and demand for our products is unmistakable and we see this trend continuing when the new Beetle and U.S.-built Passat hit showroom floors this fall," said Browning.