Redesigned 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe & All-New Veloster Turbo

The redesigned 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe now sports more aggressive coupe styling with the 348 horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine receiving sophisticated direct-injection technology and the 274 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine upgrading to a more precise twin-scroll turbocharger and larger intercooler. Automatic transmissions for these two models now have 8-speeds, with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC® manual-shifting capability. Hyundai’s proprietary telematics platform, Blue Link®, is now available.

The all-new 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo powered by a new 201 horsepower 1.6-liter Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic or manual transmission arrives in the Summer of 2012, facing off against competitors such as the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper/Clubman S with a better power-to-weight ratio than all of them, and a unique sport-tuned steering and suspension hardware set. All Velosters feature six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The Veloster Turbo is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifter and and Shiftronic® controls rather than the base Vesloster’s EcoShift DCT.

All-new Ford Fusion Hits U.S. Showrooms Later This Year

The all-new Ford Fusion offers gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions in S, SE and range-topping Titanium series. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is expected to deliver 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear is the Fusion performance option. Fusion's new technology features can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

The Fusion Hybrid has all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph. Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

Lincoln MKZ Concept Becomes Reality Later This Year

The new Lincoln MKZ Concept strongly hints at the production model arriving in dealerships later this year, as well as Lincoln's design future. A panoramic glass roof spans uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight. Integrated into the sedan's aluminum and boron steel superstructure, the fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin, creating an airy, open interior.

The Lincoln MKZ Concept's interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal instrumentation. The reconfigurable 10.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD positioned ahead of the driver operates with the latest version of MyLincoln Touch™ as does the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen.

2013 Porsche Boxster At $50,450 & 911 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet

 
2013 Porsche Boxster open-top two-seat car receives an entirely new lightweight body and a completely revamped chassis weighing less than the previous generation and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. The new Boxster base model delivers 265 horsepower from a 2.7 liter displacement, 10 more horsepower than its larger displacement predecessor and it's also up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than previous models on the European cycle.  Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-liter engine of the Boxster S which delivers 315 horsepower, 5 horsepower more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed PDK available as an option With gear changes without interruption to the power flow, the Boxster sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Boxster S in 4.7 seconds. The new Boxster models are expected in U.S. showrooms in early summer 2012. The basic list price will be $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a $950 destination charge.

The 911 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet with a completely new roof concept and lightweight design ensures less weight and lower fuel consumption. As with the Coupés, the new Cabriolets start with the 911 Carrera, powered by a 350 horsepower 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine and the 911 Carrera S with 400 horsepower 3.8 litre flat engine.

2013 Dodge Dart Starting At $15,995 Next Quarter

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, with Alfa Romeo DNA and fuel-efficient powertrains will have a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $15,995 and will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. The 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered a new 160 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 160 horsepower 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir® Intercooled Turbo engine and a new 184 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine combined with three transmission choices: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or six-speed dual dry clutch transmission. Production of the 2013 Dodge Dart will begin in the second quarter of 2012.

Acura Debuts 2013 RDX, ILX & NSX Concept

Acura unveiled three new vehicles last week: the ILX luxury compact sedan concept; a prototype of the 2013 RDX crossover sport utility vehicle; and the NSX Concept. Acura also announced the next-generation NSX will feature Acura's new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® technology.

The lineup of Acura ILX models will include an entry-level model powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine; a high-performance model with a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission; and a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, Acura's first-ever hybrid offering.

The 2013 Acura RDX, the second generation of Acura's five-passenger crossover SUV, scheduled to launch in Spring 2012, will have as standard equipment a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 273 horsepower— 33 more than the outgoing model and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a new lock-up torque converter. The RDX front-wheel-drive models anticipated EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

As with the ILX, the 2013 RDX will receive a host of new technologies including Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text message feature, a smart entry keyless access system, pushbutton start, and a three view rear camera. An available Technology Package will provide a full complement of relevant technologies, including AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps. New for 2013, the even more advanced navigation system utilizes a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity – including 15 gigabytes that can be allocated for music storage.

The Acura NSX Concept has a 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. The new Acura supercar, expected to debut in the next three years.

All-new 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept With 3 New Engines

The all-new ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept will feature three all-new powertrains: the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine featuring direct- injection engine that will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) producing more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission.

Hybrid
The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy. In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger. In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). For more efficient high-speed cruising, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid will launch next winter.

2013 Lexus LX 570 Is Refreshed

The 2013 Lexus LX 570 eight-passenger SUV has a new Lexus spindle grille, new 20-inch alloy wheel design, upgraded interior and gets a new look at both the front and rear. New LED daytime running lights complement new headlamp design and new larger fog lamp bezels. Taillamps are also updated, while the rear license plate surround gets a revised look and the tow hitch cover is more integrated. Both front and rear bumpers are refreshed, and the rear bumper protector is enhanced by a stainless steel accent. Turn signals have been added to the side mirrors, and wider bodyside moldings sport a new look. The LX 570 has a 383 horsepower 5.7-liter V8.

Lexus LF-LC Hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe Concept

The Lexus LF-LC hybrid 2+2 sport coupe concept is a new design driver-focused concept showcasing the future design direction for Lexus. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive LF-LC features Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive with a glass roof and a lightweight, cantilevered pillar with a glass-to-glass juncture. Overall, the greenhouse design enhances driver visibility while adding to the sleek lines of the car. Twin 12.3-inch LCD screens provide information and navigation display.

Toyota NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Concept Targeted for 2015 Production

The Toyota NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept is a mid-sized concept with a Human-Machine Interface providing a user interface built around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone. The NS4 introduces a next generation Pre-Collision System with lane departure, rear-end and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies designed to predict collisions under certain circumstances and help avoid them. This PCS uses millimeter-wave radar and stereo cameras mounted on the front of the vehicle to detect and react to lane departure, pedestrians and other vehicles. In addition, the system emits near-infrared beams to enhance PCS recognition at night helping to avoid collisions with other vehicles, road-side obstructions, and pedestrians by applying the brakes and manipulating steering.

Adaptive Driving Beam headlights help prevent vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers and pedestrians. Using a camera mounted behind the front grill and partial shielding inside the headlights, this feature allows drivers to maintain near-high beam illumination to improve nighttime visibility. Four new glass technologies are integrated into the windshield and front triangle, door, and rear windows to improve driver visibility, gas mileage and electric driving mode mileage efficiency: Hydrophobic coating – Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form into semi-spherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop elimination (also used on the roof solar panel), Anti-fog film – High performance resin material with anti-fogging characteristics and increased durability, High ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer – Removes 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays, Anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency – Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves electronic device functionality.

The NS4 concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid, separate from the Prius family, for potential global market introduction by 2015.

2011 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported total U.S. sales of 234,351 vehicles in December, up 4.7 percent compared with December 2010.  Sales for the calendar year were 2,503,820, up 3.7 percent.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales in December were 210,140, a 10 percent rise over 2010 and for the full year sales reached 2,148,806, an 11 percent gain over last year.
   
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported December 2011 sales results of 178,131, flat compared to the same period last year. For the full year, TMS reported annual sales of 1,644,661 vehicles, down 6.7 percent from the same period in 2010 as inventory continued to recover from shortages due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. 

Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales of 138,019, a 37 percent increase compared with sales in December 2010, the group's best monthly sales since May 2008. For the year, Chrysler Group sales totaled 1,369,114, up 26 percent versus sales in 2010.

American Honda reported December monthly new-vehicle sales of 105,230, a decrease of 18.8 percent on a daily selling-rate basis. American Honda's 2011 annual vehicle sales totaled 1,147,285, a decrease of 7.1 percent compared to 2010.

Nissan North America reported record December U.S. sales of 100,927, an increase of 7.7 percent.  NNA finished the calendar year with 2011 sales totaling 1,042,534, 14.7 percent higher than 2010.

Hyundai Motor America announced sales of 50,765 vehicles in December, a 13 percent increase compared with the same record-setting period a year ago. For the year, Hyundai sales were 645,691, up 20 percent versus 2010.

Kia Motors America reported record December sales of 43,390 units, a 42.5 percent increase over the same period in 2010, which contributed to the Kia's best-ever full-year sales of 485,492, a jump of 36.3 percent over 2010.

Volkswagen of America reported December sales totaled 32,502, up 36.2 percent over 2010, marking the best December since 1972. 2011 sales of 324,402 was a 26.3 percent increase over prior year sales. Separately, Audi announced December 2011 sales of 12,655, a 20 percent increase over the same period last year, a new all-time monthly record. 2011 sales were a record 117,561, 15.7 percent over 2010. 

BMW Group reported December sales of 32,545 vehicles, an increase of 17.9 percent from the same month a year ago. In 2011, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) achieved its best sales since the record year of 2007 retailing 305,418 vehicles, up 14.9 percent compared to the vehicles sold in 2010.

Subaru of America reported December sales of 33,701, a 26.3 percent jump over the same month a year ago. For 2011, sales of 266,989 represent a 1.2 percent gain over 2010. Subaru has now posted sales records in each of the past three years and Subaru is the only manufacturer in the US to have posted four successive years of sales growth.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported 28,006 vehicles were sold in December, a 30.4 percent improvement over December 2010 and for the year sold 264,460 vehicles in 2011, representing the highest annual volume on record with a 17.5 percent increase over 2010. 

Mazda North American Operations reported December U.S. sales of 22,353 vehicles, an increase of 4.1 percent versus last year. For 2011, Mazda's U.S. sales were 250,426, up 9.1 percent over 2010.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported December 2011 sales of 5,032, up 3.2 percent from December 2010.  Mitsubishi's 2011 sales of 79,020 finished 41.9 percent more than sales in calendar year 2010, its highest full-year sales total since 2008.

Jaguar December sales of 1,137 was a 4 percent drop from December 2010 and for the year Jag sales were 12,276 down 8 percent. Land Rover sales were 4,743 in December, up 28 percent over the same month last year and came in at 38,099 for the year, a 20 percent increase over 2011. Combined, Jaguar Land Rover December sales were 5,880, a 21 percent gain and for the year sales were 50,375, up 11 percent over 2011.    

Porsche Cars North America announced December sales of 1,834, a 28.6 drop from December 2010. Porsche 2011 sales of 29,023 vehicles is a 15 percent increase over last year.

American Suzuki sold 2,566 in December, a 3 percent drop from a year ago and for 2011 sold 26,619 vehicles, a gain over 11 percent over 2010.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid With 37 MPG Starts At $26,610

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid powered by a  2.4L Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder hybrid engine and equipped with standard Blue Link® telematics has an MSRP of $26,610 including the $760 frieght charge. The 2012 Sonata Hybrid delivers a 37 mpg combined city/highway rating from the EPA. Standard features include a 4.2-inch TFT multi-function trip computer with hybrid technology display, AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 with iPod®/USB & Aux input jacks, Integrated Bluetooth® with phonebook transfer and Hyundai Blue Link Telematics system.

Two optional packages
The Leather Package for $1,500 MSRP that has leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions, leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass. The Ultimate Package for $5,500 MSRP includes the Leather package contents plus panoramic sunroof with tilt & slide, 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish, navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display, rear backup camera, Infinity® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier (400-watt), HD Radio® Technology with multicasting, SiriusXM, NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports & Stocks w/ 90-Day Trial, HVAC multi-mode button, Premium door sill plates, Glossy black door surround and outside mirror housing. Looks like a lot of car for the money not to mention the gas savings.

KNX Radio "Live" From L.A. Auto Show: Sedan Introductions

Richard Saxton on KNX Radio with Business Hour host Frank Mottek discussing new sedan introductions at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The focus is on new vehicles from Cadillac, Hyundai, Lincoln, BMW and Porsche.

KNX Radio "Live" From L.A. Auto Show: Compact SUV Introductions

Richard Saxton on KNX Radio with Business Hour host Frank Mottek discussing the highly popular new compact SUVs coming in 2012 - Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape and Honda CR-V.

 

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Goes On Sale This Spring

 The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is almost 2 inches longer, 2.24 inches wider and 242 pounds lighter than its predecessor in an all-aluminum bodyshell with few components made from other materials. The designers used even lighter magnesium for the cover panel behind the fuel tank and roof. High-strength steel tubing is integrated into the A-pillars for added safety. The new V8 in the SL550 develops 429 horsepower from its displacement of 4663 cc, which is around 12 percent more than its predecessor despite some 0.8 liters less displacement. Fuel consumption has been reduced while at the same time the torque has increased from 391 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft, a gain of 32 percent. The SL550 takes just 4.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph - eight tenths less than the previous SL550.

The sixth generation of the 60-year old SL model has a retractable hard top that can be operated using a space-saving electrohydraulic mechanism, converting the SL from coupe to roadster and back again in less than 20 seconds. In contrast to its predecessor, the new SL offers two versions of the retractable hard top - glass or the unique panoramic roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparent roof switches between light and dark at the push of a button. In the light setting it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up in bright sunlight. The frame of both versions is made from magnesium, reducing weight by around 13 pounds compared with the outgoing model, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and delivering greater agility.

New Features
The FrontBass system which uses of the spaces in the aluminum structures forward of the footwell as resonating chambers for the woofers delivering clear, rich bass sounds even with the top down. The new layout has the added bonus of freeing up space in the doors and interior.

MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new wipe/wash system which dispenses wash fluid just in front of the wiper blade via channels integrated into the blade - in both directions of travel. The result is no water splash on the windshield to disrupt driver visibility and a perfectly clean windshield. The water also stays on the windshield, with no risk of overspray into the passenger cabin when the roof is down. A fully heated wiper blade is included as standard equipment, preventing the build-up of snow and ice on the blade in winter. This heating function also allows warm water to be applied directly onto the windshield for the first time, even in cold temperatures.
   
The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system allows hands-free operation of the trunk lid by the driver simply moving their foot in the vicinity below the rear bumper.

The 2013 SL550 will make its global debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show and goes on-sale in the U.S. this spring.

Stephen Cannon - New President & CEO for Mercedes-Benz USA

Stephen Cannon, 50, is the new president and CEO for Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) effective January 1, 2012.  He replaces Ernst Lieb who left the company in October.  The announcement was made by Dr. Joachim Schmidt, executive vice president of sales & marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Germany, to whom Cannon will report. Cannon will have overall responsibility for the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Sprinter and smart brands in the United States.  He will lead MBUSA's more than 1,700 employees and 356 dealers throughout the U.S.

Cannon's most recent post was vice president of marketing for MBUSA with overall responsibility for marketing communications, market research and product management of the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands in the U.S. Cannon began his automotive career in 1991 as executive assistant to the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz of North America (predecessor to MBUSA).  From there, Cannon moved to Stuttgart and joined a small team tasked with the development, manufacturing and launch of the M-Class, the first Mercedes-Benz SUV ever made in and for this market.  

North American Car & Truck of the Year Finalists Announced

The Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat are the three finalists for the 2012 North American Car of the Year chosen from 17 vehicles: Audi A6 & A7, Buick Verano, Chevrolet Sonic, Chrysler 300/SRT-8, Fiat 500, Ford Focus, Hyundai Accent, Elantra & Veloster, Kia Rio/Rio 5, Scion iQ, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Camry & Prius V, VW Beetle & Passat.

Finalists for the 2012 North American Truck of the Year are the BMW X3, the Honda CR-V and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Others considered were Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mini Countryman, Nissan Quest and Saab 9-4X.

The Audi A7 won the first-ever Motor Press Guild Car of the Year so we'll see if that's a predictor. Last year the 2011 North American Car of the Year was the Chevrolet Volt and the 2011 North American Truck of the Year was the Ford Explorer.

The winners will be announced in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show on January 9th, 2012.

2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Goes On Sale This Summer

 
The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a new 4-door addition to the 6 Series line with 4+1 seating offered in three models in the US. The 315 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder powered 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model arriving early this summer. Later in the summer, the 445 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will go on sale. All with the 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission. The Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches longer than its 2-door coupe sibling to enhance seating comfort for the rear passengers.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe features the BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services. Also available is the rear-view camera, Surround View, Parking Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Departure Warning System and Active Blind Spot Detection. The standard BMW iDrive control system is the operating portal for the navigation, communications and infotainment functions. The high definition, trans-reflective technology Control Display is centrally mounted high on the dash and emulates a freestanding flatscreen. There is the optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System.

November 2011 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors reported total sales of 180,402 vehicles in November, up 6.9 percent compared with November 2010 and year-to-date sales are 2,269,469, a 14.7 percent increase over 2010.

Ford Motor Company's November U.S. total sales were 166,865, up 13 percent over November 2010. Year-to-date Ford sales are 1,938,666, up 11.1 percent vs. a year ago. 

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., reported November sales of 137,960, up 6.7 percent over the year-ago month. Year-to-date Toyota sales are 1,384,558, a decline of 20.5 percent from 2010.

Chrysler reported U.S. sales of 107,172, a 45 percent increase compared with sales in November 2010 and year-to-date sales are 1,231,095, up 25 percent from last year.

Nissan North America reported record November U.S. sales of 85,182, an increase of 19.4 percent. Year-to-date sales are 941,607, a gain of 15.6 percent over 2010.

American Honda posted November sales of 83,925, a decrease of 10.1 percent. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 1,042,055, down 5.7 percent versus last year.

Hyundai Motor America November sales of 49,610 was a 22 percent increase compared with the same record-setting period a year ago. Year to date, Hyundai sales are 594,926, up 21 percent versus 2010 in total.

Kia Motors America announced best-ever November sales of 37,007, a 39.1 percent increase over the same period last year and year-to-date sales are 442,102, up 35.7 percent. 

Volkswagen of America reported November sales of 28,412, a 40.7 percent increase over prior year sales.  Year-to-date sales are 291,899, up 25.3 percent over 2010. Audi reported 9,700 vehicles sold in November 2011, a 3.6 percent increase over the previous all-time record set a year earlier. Year-to-date sales of 104,906 was a gain of 15.2 percent, topping the previous annual U.S. sales record of 101,629 set at the end of last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA reported November sales of 28,255 vehicles, a 55.2 percent improvement over November 2010 for their highest November volume on record.  On a year-to-date basis, the 236,415 vehicles sold represent a 20.4 percent increase over the same period last year. 

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 26,271 vehicles, an increase of 14.8percent from same month a year ago.  Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are 272,873, up 14.6 percent in the first eleven months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

Mazda North American Operations reported November U.S. sales of 18,432, an increase of 20.4 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through November are 228,073, up 9.6 percent versus last year.    

Subaru of America reported November sales of 17,657, a drop of 15 percent from November 2010 and year-to-date sales of 233,288, a 1.6 percent decline compared to the same 11 months last year.

Jaguar sold 915 cars in November, an 18 percent drop from 2010 and year-to-date Jag has sold 11,139, an 8 percent drop. Land Rover November sales were 3,820, a 31 percent jump over the same month a year ago and for the 11 months of 2011 Land Rover sales are 33,356, an increase of 18 percent. Combined, JLR sales were 4,735 in November, up 17 percent and for the year 44,495, a 10 percent gain.

Mitsubishi Motors North America reported November 2011 sales of 3,735, down 13 percent from November 2010.  Sales of Mitsubishi vehicles for calendar-year-to-date 2011 are at 73,988, a 45.6 percent increase over 2010.

Porsche Cars North America announced November 2011 sales of 2,255 vehicles and year-to-date sales of 27,189, a 19 percent increase from 2010.

American Suzuki sold 2,332 vehicles in November, down 22 percent from a year ago while year-to-date sales are 24,053, a 13 percent gain over 2010. 

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

SUBARU BRZ Becomes a Production Reality

Shown as a concept at the Los Angeles Auto two weeks ago with expectation of becoming a production vehicle, the SUBARU BRZ rear-wheel drive sports car featuring the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine, made its world premiere at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011 as anticipated. It was developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota, as a sports car with superior steering response and driving pleasure that everyone can experience. The Subaru Boxer engine in the BRZ was positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centers of gravity on a light-weight chassis for handling character.