Category Archives: results

Chevrolet Sells 1.1 Million Vehicles in Record 2011 Q1

Posted on 19 April 2011 by Ken Zino

The latest Chevrolet expansion bodes ill for the future of Opel/Vauxhall. These old world brands, steeped in history and baggage, will increasingly be relegated to regional European labels – until they can be rationalized – someday – under the Chevrolet Bow Tie. Continue reading →

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Ford to Double White Collar Workers in China by 2015

Posted on 15 April 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company will double the number of white collar workers in China by 2015, the company said ahead of a recruiting effort to take place next week at the Shanghai Motor Show. All told some 1,200 new jobs will … Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Group Sets Q1 and March Sales Records

Posted on 15 April 2011 by Ken Zino

By posting what was a 13.7% increase Europe’s largest automaker outperformed the overall market, which grew 8.1% based on preliminary Q1 results. Continue reading →

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New MG in Production at Longbridge – It’s Chinese

Posted on 14 April 2011 by Ken Zino

The new four-door hatchback, priced from £15,495 – £18,995, is a far cry from the two-seat TC, TD and TF models that were loved – and bought – by repatriated U.S. soldiers in the post WW2 years. Continue reading →

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Subaru to Debut 2012 Impreza at New York Auto Show

Posted on 7 April 2011 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America will debut of the all-new Subaru Impreza 4-door and 5-door models at the 2011 New York International Auto Show later this month. The new Impreza design will provide a larger interior for five passengers and what’s said to be improved levels of comfort and refinement. Current Impreza models sell in the $19,000 to $23,000 range. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Group March U.S. Sales Up 31%, Q1 plus 23%

Posted on 1 April 2011 by Ken Zino

Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 121,730, a 31% increase compared with sales in March 2010 – Chrysler’s best March since 2008, and the highest sales for any month since May 2008.

Both Chrysler Group car and truck sales posted year-over-year sales gains, led by car sales which increased 46%, the best month for car sales since May 2008 before the financial markets collapsed that fall and Chrysler faced bankruptcy. Overall U.S. auto industry sales were up 17% for the month; 20% for the quarter.
Continue reading →

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Three Problem Areas for Toyota in U.S. from Japan Earthquake

Posted on 1 April 2011 by Ken Zino

During a press call to discuss March sales results today, Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS) said “The events in Japan had little if any impact on March sales.”

However, that doesn’t mean that Toyota no longer faces production and resulting sales problems because of the plant shutdowns caused by the Japan earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant meltdowns. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Company Outsells General Motors in March as U.S. Sales Increase 19%! Ford Q1 Sales also Strong at Plus 6%.

Posted on 1 April 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford is clearly benefitting from relatively fresh products, a shift away from trucks to cars and improved fuel efficiency in most vehicle lines as gasoline prices continue to rise above $3.50 a gallon. Continue reading →

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Toyota U.S. Sales Down 5.7% in March. Q1 Plus 12.5%. Nissan, Honda Post Double Digit Gains as Toyota’s Troubles Go On

Posted on 1 April 2011 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A. today reported March sales results of 176,222 units, down 5.7% from a year ago on a volume basis. The Toyota Division posted March sales of 155,540 units, a decrease of 6.7% from the year-ago month. The Lexus Division reported total sales of 20,682 units, up 2.3% March. Overall, based on preliminary numbers, it looks like the industry is up roughly 12%. Continue reading →

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General Motors U.S. Sales Up 11% in March, Q1 Up 26%

Posted on 1 April 2011 by Ken Zino

Dealers for General Motors Company reported 206,621 total sales during March in the U.S., an increase of 11%, and a 17% increase in GM retail sales. Discounted fleet sales were 27% of the total.

For the first three months, total GM sales increased 26% to 592,545 units compared to a year earlier. As a result, each of GM’s remaining brands – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac – gained retail and total market share during the quarter, a welcome reversal of a declining trend that was underway for five decades and ultimately led it GM’s bankruptcy in 2009. Continue reading →

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GM Sells its Stake in Delphi Automotive for $3.8 Billion

Posted on 31 March 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) late today announced the sale of its Class A Membership Interest in Delphi Automotive LLP (Delphi) back to Delphi for $3.8 billion. Continue reading →

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Ally, formerly Bankrupt GMAC, Files With SEC for IPO

Posted on 31 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Ally’s is one of the leading suppliers in the U.S. of wholesale dealer loans, and is the leading retail provider of vehicle finance. Ally’s taxpayer-financed bailout remains a vital aspect to the thus far successful reorganizations of General Motors and Chrysler. U.S. (and Canadian taxpayers) have large interests in those recovering automakers, as well. Continue reading →

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Japan Earthquake Causes Loss of 320,000 Vehicles. More Plant Shutdowns on Way and the Worst is yet to Come

Posted on 25 March 2011 by Ken Zino

“The Japan disaster has had a profound effect on the automotive industry,” said IHS Automotive Director Michael Robinet, noting that 13% of the global automotive industry is shut down and companies have lost 320,000 units of production since the earthquake, tsunami and power disruptions. Continue reading →

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Super Bowl Ads Effective for Chevrolet, Mini, Kia, and VW

Posted on 24 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet, Mini, Kia and Volkswagen had the best return on investment among the ten automakers advertising during the 2011 Super Bowl, according to data just released by publisher Hachette Filipacchi.

A six week study conducted before and after the Super Bowl was based on traffic on 14 automotive websites. Continue reading →

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March New Vehicle Retail Sales Running at 10.9 Million SAAR

Posted on 24 March 2011 by Ken Zino

March new-vehicle sales are showing stability through the first three weeks of the month, continuing a trend of monthly double-digit year-over-year increases, according to the latest data.

New vehicle retail sales are projected to come in at 991,900 units, which represent a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 10.9 million units, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers transaction data from more than 8,900 franchise dealers throughout the United States. Continue reading →

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