March 2007 Auto Sales Thread
ATLANTA--Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne SUVs in the United States and Canada, today announced its best-ever March sales in the United States. The company sold a total of 3,278 Porsches, an increase of 3 percent compared to March of 2006, which had been the previous record. Of this total 1,363 are Porsche 911s, the most ever sold in this month in the United States. Year-to-date sales are 8,229 compared to 9,132 sold in the first three months of last year.
PCNA's record performance was due mainly to its sports cars, including a sharp increase in the Boxster/Cayman series that enjoyed combined sales of 1,036 in March, an increase of four percent. Cayenne sales, which were affected by the growing ramp up of the new 2008 just launched on March 3rd and now enjoy full availability at all dealerships in the U.S., totaled 877 for March compared to last year's number of 1,052.
In addition, dealers sold Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicles in March, compared to 470 for the same period last year.
DETAILS HERE
.
PCNA's record performance was due mainly to its sports cars, including a sharp increase in the Boxster/Cayman series that enjoyed combined sales of 1,036 in March, an increase of four percent. Cayenne sales, which were affected by the growing ramp up of the new 2008 just launched on March 3rd and now enjoy full availability at all dealerships in the U.S., totaled 877 for March compared to last year's number of 1,052.
In addition, dealers sold Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicles in March, compared to 470 for the same period last year.
DETAILS HERE
.
Maybe some are figuring out that as great as Porsches are they are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY overpriced.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 0
From: IL
The 535i is bad news for the other cars in this class. I am curious if there are any incentives on the Infiniti M.
It's commendable that RX sales remain so high seeing as this model has been on the market for several years now. I predict the next-gen RX will hit some ridiculous sales numbers.
It's commendable that RX sales remain so high seeing as this model has been on the market for several years now. I predict the next-gen RX will hit some ridiculous sales numbers.
What is interesting however, is that I expected the MDX to be selling like hot cakes. Either they are capacity constrained, or the car is just not selling like they thought it would (or I should say, like I thought it would). OR, that big as... front grill is scaring the would be buyers away? OR, people are going up to the Audi Q7? I know my neighbor cross shopped the two of them and ended up in the Audi....
edit: Infiniti is advertising the M like crazy here in Chicago and has some nice lease incentives going on right now as well. Those on the GS board report serious trouble finding GS350s with the options/colors they want.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Reason I ask is because it's a great seller up here in Canada, and it looks like it's caught on in the US as well.
MotorWeek just reviewed one too IIRC and loved it.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Its quite clear that Toyota has the ability to build lots of RXs. If that thing had a 3rd row, I agree, the numbers would be amazing. My initial comment btw, was in reference to my theory that with the increased competition (especially those with 3rd rows), the RX would not continue to post 10K per month sales.
What is interesting however, is that I expected the MDX to be selling like hot cakes. Either they are capacity constrained, or the car is just not selling like they thought it would (or I should say, like I thought it would). OR, that big as... front grill is scaring the would be buyers away? OR, people are going up to the Audi Q7? I know my neighbor cross shopped the two of them and ended up in the Audi....
edit: Infiniti is advertising the M like crazy here in Chicago and has some nice lease incentives going on right now as well. Those on the GS board report serious trouble finding GS350s with the options/colors they want.
What is interesting however, is that I expected the MDX to be selling like hot cakes. Either they are capacity constrained, or the car is just not selling like they thought it would (or I should say, like I thought it would). OR, that big as... front grill is scaring the would be buyers away? OR, people are going up to the Audi Q7? I know my neighbor cross shopped the two of them and ended up in the Audi....
edit: Infiniti is advertising the M like crazy here in Chicago and has some nice lease incentives going on right now as well. Those on the GS board report serious trouble finding GS350s with the options/colors they want.
I had some thoughts that the M might be getting some nice incentives, and there have been complaints for months now about the problematic availability of the GS350. It's still a mystery as to exactly why the supply/availability is such.
Lexus Fanatic
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Posts: 7,285
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From: A better place
I remember several insiders mentioning that the next-gen RX would have a third row, and possibly a V8 option. It's also interesting as to what platform the next RX will be based off of.
Lexus has already confirmed that this current ES is the last generation to be based off of the Camry platform. Makes you wonder if the ES, and/or RX will get their own, dedicated platofrms.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 2
From: CA
Have they confirmed the ES - Camry shared issues? Will the ES become RWD?
Someone on Wikipedia posted an unconfirmed-tagged statement that there would be standard and long wheelbase versions of the RX.
IMO that would be the way to go, instead of cannibalizing one's own market for the RX with a similarly-sized LF-X derived vehicle. Save the JX/VX designations for really small European crossovers or a really huge > LX sized SUV.
Someone on Wikipedia posted an unconfirmed-tagged statement that there would be standard and long wheelbase versions of the RX.
IMO that would be the way to go, instead of cannibalizing one's own market for the RX with a similarly-sized LF-X derived vehicle. Save the JX/VX designations for really small European crossovers or a really huge > LX sized SUV.
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Posts: n/a
The 535i is bad news for the other cars in this class. I am curious if there are any incentives on the Infiniti M.
It's commendable that RX sales remain so high seeing as this model has been on the market for several years now. I predict the next-gen RX will hit some ridiculous sales numbers.
It's commendable that RX sales remain so high seeing as this model has been on the market for several years now. I predict the next-gen RX will hit some ridiculous sales numbers.
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,268
Likes: 346
From: Canada
Chrysler Group Announces March 2007 U.S. Sales
- Dodge Ram light duty pick-up truck up 15 percent
- Jeep(R) brand up 4 percent in March and up 5 percent for the first
quarter
- Jeep Wrangler sales of 13,397 units mark the vehicles' best month ever
- Vehicle inventory significantly reduced year-over-year by approximately
107,000 units or 18 percent
- Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan with no-extra-
charge DVD system in April - Minivan Month follows successful 'National
Truck Month'
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group
reported sales for March 2007 of 206,435 units; down 5 percent compared to
a very strong March 2006. All sales figures are reported unadjusted.
"In a flat to slightly down industry, our sales decline of 5 percent
compares to a March 2006 that was our best month of March in four years,"
said Steven Landry, Vice President, Sales and Field Operations. "With
strong monthly sales of the Dodge Ram light duty pick-up truck, the Dodge
Avenger and Nitro along with Jeep(R) brand sales up 4 percent, we surpassed
our own expectations."
The Dodge Nitro had its strongest month ever since the introduction of
the model in October 2006 and posted sales of 7,532 units in March. The
all-new Dodge Avenger finished the month with sales of 9,026 units. The
vehicle is just one of Chrysler Group's recently introduced fuel-efficient
offerings that achieve 30 miles per gallon or better in highway driving.
Two other Dodge brand car models also had a strong month: Dodge Caliber
sales increased 32 percent over March 2006 with sales of 8,634 units. The
Dodge Charger gained 41 percent over last year and posted sales of 12,707
units (March 2006: 9,023 units).
Jeep brand sales were up 4 percent in March with 45,335 units sold. The
Jeep Compass (3,802 units), Jeep Patriot (2,109 units) and the continuously
strong Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited with an increase of 64 percent
over March 2006 and sales of 13,397 units contributed to the overall gain
for the brand. March 2007 marks the best month ever in the Jeep Wrangler's
history.
For the first quarter 2007, the Jeep brand posted an increase of 5
percent over the first three months last year with 118,472 units sold
(2006: 112,951 units).
Improved Dealer Relations
Chrysler Group's Sales organization, led by President and CEO Tom
LaSorda, proceeded in the first quarter to intensify dealer relations and
communications.
"We continue to deliver on our promise to spend more time with our
dealers, and make their profitability a priority," said Tom LaSorda. "One
important achievement in the month of March was that our vehicle inventory
was down by more than 100,000 units compared to the previous year --
in-line with the guidance we gave earlier."
Minivan Month in April
With 'National Minivan Month' in April, Chrysler Group continues to
focus its Marketing approach and incentive offerings on its vehicles'
strong product features.
"Combined with a competitive vehicle pricing, we will feature a
no-extra- charge DVD system for our Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan
and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans," said Michael Manley, Vice President,
Sales and Dealer Operations. "The Minivan Month follows a successful
'National Truck Month' in which our no-extra-charge HEMI(R) engine upgrade
contributed to another 15 percent gain in sales for the Dodge Ram light
duty pick-up truck -- following two already strong months in 2007."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 499,771 units of inventory, or a
68-day supply. Inventory is significantly down by 18 percent compared to
March 2006 when it was at 606,734 units.
- Jeep(R) brand up 4 percent in March and up 5 percent for the first
quarter
- Jeep Wrangler sales of 13,397 units mark the vehicles' best month ever
- Vehicle inventory significantly reduced year-over-year by approximately
107,000 units or 18 percent
- Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan with no-extra-
charge DVD system in April - Minivan Month follows successful 'National
Truck Month'
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Group
reported sales for March 2007 of 206,435 units; down 5 percent compared to
a very strong March 2006. All sales figures are reported unadjusted.
"In a flat to slightly down industry, our sales decline of 5 percent
compares to a March 2006 that was our best month of March in four years,"
said Steven Landry, Vice President, Sales and Field Operations. "With
strong monthly sales of the Dodge Ram light duty pick-up truck, the Dodge
Avenger and Nitro along with Jeep(R) brand sales up 4 percent, we surpassed
our own expectations."
The Dodge Nitro had its strongest month ever since the introduction of
the model in October 2006 and posted sales of 7,532 units in March. The
all-new Dodge Avenger finished the month with sales of 9,026 units. The
vehicle is just one of Chrysler Group's recently introduced fuel-efficient
offerings that achieve 30 miles per gallon or better in highway driving.
Two other Dodge brand car models also had a strong month: Dodge Caliber
sales increased 32 percent over March 2006 with sales of 8,634 units. The
Dodge Charger gained 41 percent over last year and posted sales of 12,707
units (March 2006: 9,023 units).
Jeep brand sales were up 4 percent in March with 45,335 units sold. The
Jeep Compass (3,802 units), Jeep Patriot (2,109 units) and the continuously
strong Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited with an increase of 64 percent
over March 2006 and sales of 13,397 units contributed to the overall gain
for the brand. March 2007 marks the best month ever in the Jeep Wrangler's
history.
For the first quarter 2007, the Jeep brand posted an increase of 5
percent over the first three months last year with 118,472 units sold
(2006: 112,951 units).
Improved Dealer Relations
Chrysler Group's Sales organization, led by President and CEO Tom
LaSorda, proceeded in the first quarter to intensify dealer relations and
communications.
"We continue to deliver on our promise to spend more time with our
dealers, and make their profitability a priority," said Tom LaSorda. "One
important achievement in the month of March was that our vehicle inventory
was down by more than 100,000 units compared to the previous year --
in-line with the guidance we gave earlier."
Minivan Month in April
With 'National Minivan Month' in April, Chrysler Group continues to
focus its Marketing approach and incentive offerings on its vehicles'
strong product features.
"Combined with a competitive vehicle pricing, we will feature a
no-extra- charge DVD system for our Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan
and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans," said Michael Manley, Vice President,
Sales and Dealer Operations. "The Minivan Month follows a successful
'National Truck Month' in which our no-extra-charge HEMI(R) engine upgrade
contributed to another 15 percent gain in sales for the Dodge Ram light
duty pick-up truck -- following two already strong months in 2007."
Chrysler Group finished the month with 499,771 units of inventory, or a
68-day supply. Inventory is significantly down by 18 percent compared to
March 2006 when it was at 606,734 units.
Code:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru March 2007
Month Sales DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring (vehicle line total) 8,306 9,706 -17% -14%
Sebring Sedan 7,908 6,106 25% 30%
Sebring Convertible 398 3,513 -89% -89%
300 11,376 12,901 -15% -12%
Crossfire 678 523 25% 30%
PT Cruiser 8,531 10,224 -20% -17%
Aspen 2,896 0 0% 0%
Pacifica 6,438 9,781 -37% -34%
Town & Country 13,649 15,998 -18% -15%
CHRYSLER BRAND 51,874 59,133 -15% -12%
Compass 3,802 0 0% 0%
Patriot 2,109 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 13,397 8,180 58% 64%
Liberty 9,634 13,219 -30% -27%
Grand Cherokee 10,398 14,184 -29% -27%
Commander 5,995 7,977 -28% -25%
JEEP BRAND 45,335 43,560 0% 4%
Neon 0 4,068 -100% -100%
Caliber 8,634 6,541 27% 32%
Stratus 419 10,058 -96% -96%
Avenger 9,026 0 0% 0%
Charger 12,707 9,023 36% 41%
Viper 54 147 -65% -63%
Magnum 2,983 4,898 -41% -39%
Dakota 6,411 8,165 -24% -21%
Ram P/U 38,301 38,709 -5% -1%
Caravan 17,921 24,733 -30% -28%
Durango 4,362 5,317 -21% -18%
Nitro 7,532 0 0% 0%
Sprinter 876 2,060 -59% -57%
DODGE BRAND 109,226 113,719 -7% -4%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 206,435 216,412 -8% -5%
TOTAL CG CAR 52,625 54,033 -6% -3%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 153,810 162,379 -9% -5%
Selling Days 28 27
Sales CYTD DR % Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change
Sebring (vehicle line total) 20,935 27,104 -25% -23%
Sebring Sedan 20,145 17,393 13% 16%
Sebring Convertible 790 9,500 -92% -92%
300 30,376 39,332 -25% -23%
Crossfire 2,281 1,394 59% 64%
PT Cruiser 25,333 32,526 -24% -22%
Aspen 7,244 0 0% 0%
Pacifica 16,432 23,544 -32% -30%
Town & Country 36,871 38,988 -8% -5%
CHRYSLER BRAND 139,472 162,888 -17% -14%
Compass 11,838 0 0% 0%
Patriot 2,928 0 0% 0%
Wrangler 31,591 17,683 74% 79%
Liberty 24,363 35,424 -33% -31%
Grand Cherokee 30,856 40,567 -26% -24%
Commander 16,896 19,277 -15% -12%
JEEP BRAND 118,472 112,951 2% 5%
Neon 0 11,422 -100% -100%
Caliber 27,206 7,938 234% 243%
Stratus 942 30,666 -97% -97%
Avenger 15,515 0 0% 0%
Charger 30,923 28,908 4% 7%
Viper 153 369 -60% -59%
Magnum 8,425 13,357 -39% -37%
Dakota 15,399 19,008 -21% -19%
Ram P/U 91,313 90,386 -2% 1%
Caravan 52,889 58,624 -12% -10%
Durango 14,590 20,909 -32% -30%
Nitro 19,697 0 0% 0%
Sprinter 2,253 4,818 -54% -53%
DODGE BRAND 279,305 286,405 -5% -2%
TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 537,249 562,244 -7% -4%
TOTAL CG CAR 131,086 150,409 -15% -13%
TOTAL CG TRUCK 406,163 411,835 -4% -1%
Selling Days 77 75
SOURCE Chrysler Group
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,268
Likes: 346
From: Canada
Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Best March and Highest First Quarter Sales Ever
MONTVALE, N.J., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today
reported its highest March on record with sales of 21,612 new vehicles, an
increase of 0.9 percent over last March, bringing year-to-date sales to
55,985 new vehicles, a 9.3 percent increase compared to the first quarter
of 2006 and the highest first quarter on record for MBUSA.
The C-Class was the volume leader for the month with sales of 4,486,
closely trailed by the E-Class with sales of 4,019. The new flagship Coupe,
the CL-Class which starts at $100,675, continued to be in high demand with
sales of 295.
Luxury light truck models -- M-, GL-, R- and G-Classes -- had a
significant 33 percent increase over March 2006.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program,
MBUSA sold 5,181 vehicles in March, bringing first quarter sales to 12,700,
a 21.5 percent increase over the same period last year.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is
responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and
Maybach products in the United States. In 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time
sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever
in its history and achieving 13 consecutive years of sales growth.
MONTVALE, N.J., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today
reported its highest March on record with sales of 21,612 new vehicles, an
increase of 0.9 percent over last March, bringing year-to-date sales to
55,985 new vehicles, a 9.3 percent increase compared to the first quarter
of 2006 and the highest first quarter on record for MBUSA.
The C-Class was the volume leader for the month with sales of 4,486,
closely trailed by the E-Class with sales of 4,019. The new flagship Coupe,
the CL-Class which starts at $100,675, continued to be in high demand with
sales of 295.
Luxury light truck models -- M-, GL-, R- and G-Classes -- had a
significant 33 percent increase over March 2006.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program,
MBUSA sold 5,181 vehicles in March, bringing first quarter sales to 12,700,
a 21.5 percent increase over the same period last year.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is
responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and
Maybach products in the United States. In 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time
sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever
in its history and achieving 13 consecutive years of sales growth.
Code:
Mercedes-Benz USA
Sales -- March 2007
March March Monthly YTD YTD Yearly
Model '07 '06 % 2007 2006 %
C-CLASS 4,486 3,906 14.8% 12,282 9,980 23.1%
E-CLASS 4,019 3,884 3.5% 10,447 8,659 20.6%
S-CLASS 2,440 3,335 -26.8% 6,646 7,618 -12.8%
CL-CLASS 295 43 586.0% 784 156 402.6%
SL-CLASS 670 771 -13.1% 1,395 1,841 -24.2%
CLK-CLASS 1,752 2,551 -31.3% 4,034 5,588 -27.8%
SLK-CLASS 908 1,122 -19.1% 1,690 2,442 -30.8%
CLS-CLASS 803 1,111 -27.7% 2,043 2,844 -28.2%
GL-CLASS 2,221 n/a n/a 5,972 n/a n/a
R-CLASS 1,225 1,915 n/a 2,938 5,070 n/a
M-CLASS 2,619 2,740 -4.4% 7,401 6,857 7.9%
G-CLASS 174 39 346.2% 353 187 88.8%
GRAND TOTAL 21,612 21,417 0.9% 55,985 51,242 9.3%
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 0
From: MD
Code:
% cars/sales % trucks/sales Saab 83.54% 16.46% Infiniti 77.55% 22.45% Audi 74.13% 25.87% BMW 74.02% 25.98% Porsche 73.25% 26.75% MB 71.13% 28.87% Volvo 70.02% 29.98% Lexus 62.82% 37.18% Acura 57.56% 42.44% Lincoln 57.23% 42.77% Cadillac 54.41% 45.59%