Category Archives: marketing

July Vehicle Sales Stall in U.S. SAAR Projected less than 10 M

The sale of new vehicles in the U.S. will be about 11.8 million units in July. This is the third straight month below the 12 million mark as the U.S. economy remains close to reentering a recession. Continue reading

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If Vehicles are So Appealing Why Aren’t they Selling?

The J.D. Power survey – financed by automakers – begs the question: if the new cars and trucks are so bloody enticing why is the U.S. auto market stuck in the doldrums? Continue reading

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Chrysler Group Q2 Revenues up $3.2 B but Profit Down

By Chrysler’s accounting, Chrysler said it would have reported a $181 million profit in the second quarter, but took a $551 million one-time charge to repay loans from the U.S. Treasury Department and the Canadian government. Continue reading

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Blue Angels Mustang to be Auctioned at EAA Oshkosh

The Blue Angels Mustang pays tribute to 100 years of naval aviation, which will be celebrated all week at AirVenture 2011, arguably the biggest gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the world. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Group Posts Record Sales for First Half of 2011

The Volkswagen Group said today that it delivered more vehicles in the first six months of 2011 than eve before. A total of 4.09 million vehicles were delivered from VW, Škoda, Seat, Audi, Bentley and Porsche to customers worldwide from January to June of this year. Continue reading

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European Brands Gain Momentum in U.S. Consumer Interest

Overall interest for domestic brands actually decreased by 4.4% while sales increased 1.9% during the second quarter of 2011 – which the NADA analysts think may be an indication that sales for the domestic brands may see a decrease in the near future. Consumer interest in Japanese brands increased by 1.8% in Q2, while sales numbers for the brands dropped 3.5% during the second quarter. Continue reading

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Toyota Europe Increases Sales. Delivery Waits Now Normal

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) reported half-year sales of 403,656, an increase of 3% compared to 2010. The results are good since the overall European market is flat year-to-date and has been declining for three years. The Toyota Auris family ( 3- and 5-door hatchbacks off the Corolla platform), including the Auris hybrid, saw sales of 55,222 vehicles, up 22% from 2010. Continue reading

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Infiniti JX Concept Teaser Photo Released

Infiniti also announced the launch of the “Power of 7,” the latest social media campaign from an automaker designed to spark interest about the JX Concept in advance of its global reveal at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18. Continue reading

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New-Vehicle Consideration Rates Shift To European Models in China, away from Japanese. Chevrolet and Buick Gaining

The study finds that the proportion of new-vehicle intenders who say they would consider purchasing a model from a European automaker has increased to 32% in 2011 from 25% in 2009. Consideration rates for Japanese models have declined to 27% in 2011 from 32% in 2009. An increasing proportion of intenders are citing concerns about quality and reliability and concerns about dealer service for Japanese models. Continue reading

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Driving the 2012 Toyota Prius V – Another Hybrid Benchmark

Toyota has done it again. A day of test driving the newly enlarged Prius V – for versatile – model affirmed the claim that this hybrid station wagon can indeed return the expected EPA ratings of 44 mpg in the city, 40 highway and 42 mpg combined. On the road Prius V is comfortable, reasonably quick, and mostly quiet except for some pleasant hybrid drive whine and the inevitable tire noise on expansion joints and rough pavement that comes from the low rolling resistance rubber. Alas the electric steering is still vague and without usable feedback. Nonetheless Prius V is a delightful family car. Continue reading

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Nissan Announces Ambitious Global Growth Plan

Things are going to get better during the next five years for Nissan Motor Company, the Yokohama based automaker announced this morning. In unveiling what is an ambitious six year business plan, Japan’s number two automaker said that it will deliver on average an all-new vehicle every six weeks for six years. As a result, the company’s global portfolio will have 66 vehicles and will cover 92% of all markets and segments, Nissan claimed. Continue reading

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European Car Sales Rise 7% in May. Still Lag Pre-Crisis Levels

European car sales are of concern for U.S. taxpayers because they have been undermining the financial performance of General Motors and Fiat, which controls Chrysler. Both GM’s Opel subsidiary and Fiat are struggling in Europe. Even Ford Motor results are negatively affected by Europe, which remains a drag on its earnings. Continue reading

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Toyota North American Production Back to 100% in September

All of the Detroit Three automakers – GM, Ford and Chrysler – clearly outsold the Japanese Big Three – Toyota, Nissan and Honda – in May as a result of the marketplace chaos. The largest Japanese automaker Toyota – also the most dependent on imports to the U.S. – saw decreases of 33% across its brands to 108,387 vehicles compared to a year ago. Continue reading

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With BMW EV Due, Study Says Range Anxiety Not an Issue

One of the observations about the 80 to 100 mile range – that it’s acceptable – challenges conventional wisdom. This will be tested further when the all-electric BMW Active E becomes available in some U.S. markets beginning in late 2011. A two-year lease will be $499 a month with a $2,250 down payment. A series production BMW I3 follows in 2013. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Says 2012 Cruze Improves Fuel Economy 2 MPG

Popular versions of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be rated 2 mpg higher on the EPA highway cycle when they go on sale later this year, Chevrolet said today. A lower axle ratio for the compact models enables about a 5% increase in highway fuel efficiency. Your mileage may vary. Continue reading

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