The all-new 2011 Infiniti M performance luxury sedan is scheduled for a March 18th launch with the newly designated M37 starting at $46,250 and M56 starting at $57,550 excluding applicable tax, title, license and Destination & Handling fees.
The 330-horsepower 2011 Infiniti M37 rear-wheel drive model with the 3.7 liter V6 engine with VVEL technology has an MSRP of $46,250 and the M37x all-wheel drive starts at $48,400 while the 420-horsepower Infiniti M56 with an all-new 5.6 liter V8 with VVEL and DIG (Direct Injection Gasoline™) technology starts at $57,550 for the rear-wheel drive model and $60,050 for the M56x with Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
Infiniti sales were down in January vs. a year ago so the new M should help sales accelerate.
General Motors reported 146,825 total sales (including all brands), representing a total sales increase of 14 percent from the previous year. The "new GM" brands - Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac – reported retail sales of 102,420, up 3 percent compared to January 2009, and 145,098 total sales, up 30 percent.
Ford Motor Company, including Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo brands, reported January sales of 112,406, up
24.1 percent from January 2009.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., reported January sales of 98,796 vehicles, a decrease of 8.7 percent over
last January.
American Honda, including Acura, posted total January vehicle sales of 67,479, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to January 2009.
Nissan North America reported January sales of 62,572, an increase of 16.1 percent, compared with
January 2009.
Chrysler Group reported total U.S. sales for January of 57,143 units, an 8 percent decrease compared
with the same period last year.
Hyundai Motor America had January sales of 30,503 units, up 24 percent versus January 2009.
Kia Motors America January sales of 22,123 units, was 0.1 percent increase over the same period in
2009.
Volkswagen of America reported January 2010 sales of 18,019 total units, representing a 41.4 percent increase over January 2009. Audi, owned by VW,separately reported January U.S. sales of 6,510, a 37.9% overall increase from January 2009.
Daimler reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division in the U.S. (Mercedes-Benz and smart
combined) of 15,436 units, an increase of 26.4 percent compared to January 2009. smartUSA accounted for 278 vehicles, an 84.3 percent drop from January 2009. Mercedes-Benz USA January sales of 15,158 vehicles was a 45.3 percent improvement over January 2009.
Mazda North American Operations reported January 2010 sales of 15,694, an increase of 1.8 percent versus January of 2009.
Subaru of America, coming off a record-breaking sales year in 2009, announced sales of 15,611, a 28 percent increase over January 2009.
BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) sold 15,410 vehicles, up 7.7 percent from January last year. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 7.6 percent in January for a total of 13,163 while MINI USA reported sales of 2,247, an increase of 7.9 percent compared to last January.
Mitsubishi Motors North America announced January 2010 sales of 4,170.
American Suzuki Motor sold 2,040 vehicles in January, a 44 percent tumble from January last year.
This page will be updated as manufacturers report.
The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata, the biggest hit of the Los Angeles Auto Show debuts, will have a starting price of $19,195 for the well-equipped GLS model powered by a 198 horsepower 2.4L GDI four-cylinder engine. The SE model with the 200 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine starts at $22,595 and the top-of-the-line Limited model is available for $25,295.
The Sonata GLS manual has overall fuel economy of 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway, with all other Sonata models achieving 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway. The all-new 6th generation Sonata comes standard with XM Satellite® radio, standard Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, front driver and passenger airbags, front seat side impact and curtain airbags, ESC and Traction Control System, Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Options include advanced touchscreen navigation, HD Radio Technology™ with multicasting (allowing the broadcast of alternative side-band content on HD stations) and heated front and rear heated seats. All navigation systems also include a 90-day complimentary subscription to real-time XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather®, XM Sports Ticker and XM Stock Ticker. The Navigation Package costs $2,100 and comes with rear backup camera and Infinity premium speakers with subwoofer/external amplifier.
Sonata will compete for customers against cars like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu.
Toyota is responding quickly and hopes to maintain customer loyalty with apologies from Toyota Motor Sales President & COO Jim Lentz and swift action to resolve an issue which has apparently caused 19 deaths according to longtime consumer watchdog and former Presidential candidate Ralph Nader who was interviewed on KNX News Radio in Los Angeles today. Nader also said that the under-staffed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has known about this problem for a some time.
Toyota said today that it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in the recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week after their engineers developed a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly to eliminate the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances.
From the Toyota News Release:
A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface so excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated. Toyota says it has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.
Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with a specific pedal assembly and suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.
Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include: certain 2009-2010 RAV4, certain 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, certain 2007-2010 Camry, certain 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia.
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to this recall are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
The Nissan Leaf battery electric car has been named Green Car Journal's 2010 Green Car Vision Award™ winner at The Washington Auto Show beating out the Coda electric sedan, Ford Focus BEV electric car, Mercedes-Benz F-Cell hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and Toyota Prius PHV plug-in hybrid.
"Nissan's move to offer a stylish battery electric vehicle as part of its model line is significant," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "This coming electric model will provide the features, the styling, and the driving experience that will meet the needs of a sophisticated and demanding market, while producing zero localized emissions and requiring no petroleum fuels."
The vehicle's cost does not exceed that of a comparable internal combustion model and the gas to run it.
"This kind of price parity is crucial to the success of any mass market advanced technology model," Cogan says.
To be considered for the Green Car Vision Award™, vehicles must be in their early stages of commercialization but not yet on sale, in small volume production with more than one functional prototype in existence, or operating as part of a demonstration fleet. A nominee may be an all-new model or an advanced adaptation of an existing model, such as a conversion to another type of power like electric drive.
The Leaf is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
Ford reported a full year 2009 pre-tax operating profit, excluding special items, of $454 million, a $7.3 billion improvement over a year ago. Ford posted full year net income of $2.7 billion, or 86 cents per share, driven in part by favorable net pricing, structural cost reductions, net gains on debt reduction actions and strong Ford Credit results. Ford reported its first full year of positive net income since 2005 and a $17.5 billion improvement over 2008. Revenue for the full year was $118.3 billion, a decline of $19.8 billion versus a year ago.
Ford now expects to be profitable for full year 2010 on a pre-tax basis excluding special items, for North America, total Automotive and total company, with positive Automotive operating-related cash flow.
“While we still face significant business environment challenges ahead, 2009 was a pivotal year for Ford and the strongest proof yet that our One Ford plan is working and that we are forging a path toward profitable
growth by working together as one team, leveraging our global scale,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally (pictured left).
Fourth Quarter
Net income for the fourth quarter was $868 million, or 25 cents per share, a $6.8 billion improvement over a
year ago. Excluding special items, Ford posted pre-tax operating profits totaling $1.8 billion during the fourth
quarter, a $5.5 billion improvement from a year ago. On an after-tax basis, excluding special items, Ford
posted an operating profit of $1.6 billion in the fourth quarter, or 43 cents per share, compared with a loss of
$3.3 billion, or $1.40 per share, a year ago.
Ford North America operations posted a pre-tax operating profit in the fourth quarter, excluding special items, of $707 million, its second straight profitable quarter. Ford South America, Ford Europe and Ford Asia Pacific Africa also posted pre-tax operating profits in the fourth quarter. Ford’s fourth quarter revenue was $35.4 billion, up $6.4 billion from a year ago.
Toyota Motor Sales announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.
Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, Certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia.
Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., has agreed to continue as chairman and CEO of General Motors, it was announced today.
Speaking at a press conference at GM’s headquarters, Whitacre also expressed the GM board’s commitment that the company will pay back in full the U.S. Treasury and the Canadian and Ontario government loans by June.
Whitacre’s appointment reflects GM’s progress since the new company was formed last summer. “The board of directors asked if I would be willing to stay on at GM and help continue the company’s road back to success,” Whitacre said. “Having spent the past few months learning the business, meeting with our employees, customers and dealers, and working with the GM leadership team, I was both honored and pleased to accept this role. This is a great company with an even greater future, and I want to be part of it."
“We’ve made significant progress in the past couple of months, so much so that I can confirm with certainty that we will pay back in full the U.S. Treasury and Canadian and Ontario government loans by June,” Whitacre said. “This represents a significant milestone in our journey back to being a profitable and viable company.”
Chevrolet Aveo RS, shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit features the same small-displacement 138 horsepower 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. In the Aveo RS show car, the 1.4L turbo is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Plant retooling is scheduled to begin later this year.
GM says the Aveo RS features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo. This Aveo is longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo and will have the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car. The current Aveo is made in Korea.
Greater Washington D.C., California and Michigan will be the initial retail markets where Chevrolet will sell the Volt electric vehicle with extended range to consumers. Chevrolet will deliver more than 100 Volts to several utilities across the U.S. – including Pepco and Dominion, which serve Washington D.C. and its suburbs – as part of an extended demonstration program. The overall program includes 500 charging stations that will be installed for residential, business and public use. They will be used to learn more about the installation process, vehicle charging and to gauge customer feedback.
The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt's lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator operates to extend the driving range if there is no access to an electrical outlet to recharge the battery.
The Chevrolet Volt has already logged more than a quarter-million test miles on pre-production vehicles, some of which are in service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Volt production begins later this year, and pricing has not been announced.
The 2011 Lincoln MKX midsize luxury crossover introduced in Detroit two weeks ago has a new 305 horsepower 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 engine delivering torque up to 280 ft.-lb.and mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, and comes equipped with MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology. Ford brags that the new MKX will achieve highway fuel economy of 25 mpg on regular fuel.
The MyLincoln Touch experience, powered by Lincoln SYNC®, replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap. Also new on the 2011 Lincoln MKX is iTunes® Tagging which is enabled by the available Voice-Activated Navigation System through SYNC, iTunes Tagging providing customers with the ability to “capture” a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a simple push of a “TAG” button on the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s memory.
The 2011 Lincoln MKX has eight unique features: MyLincoln Touch, Lincoln SYNC, Easy Fuel, SecuriCode™ keyless entry, Blind Spot Mirrors, MyKey, Cross Traffic Alert and AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™). The 2010 Lincoln MKX starts at $38,345 so we'll have to wait to see how the 2011 model is priced.
The all-new 2011 Buick Regal, which will be will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, will start at $26,995 including a $750 destination charge and the Regal’s CXL turbo model will start at $29,495, including a $750 destination charge. Additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The Regal CXL includes a standard 182 horsepower 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine and an optional 220 horsepower 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine coming late this summer. Both engines have six-speed automatic transmission standard with Driver Shift Control (DSC) and an estimated 30 mpg on the highway for the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine.
Regal production for sale in the U.S. and Canada begins late Q1 2010 in Russelsheim, Germany, with vehicles expected to start arriving at dealerships in Q2 2010. North American production will begin at the Oshawa Car Assembly plant beginning in Q1 2011. So initially you'll be getting a German-made General Motors car from Opel, the European car maker that GM decided to keep and not sell, a decision heavily influenced by the future of Buick models.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., is recalling approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota's press release goes on to say that this action is separate from the on-going recall of approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.
Toyota says the condition is rare, but can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position. Toyota is working quickly to prepare the correction remedy. Toyota's accelerator pedal recall is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia.
Toyota owners who have questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
The all-new 2011 Audi A8, Audi's fourth generation flagship sedan with aluminum space frame, MMI user interface, quattro all-wheel-drive and adaptive air suspension, will hit showrooms this Fall. The A8 is powered by a 372 hosepower 4.2 FSI direct injection V8 engine with Valvelift System variable intake valve lift delivering 328 lb-ft torque and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The biggest issue with the new high tech luxury sedans is the navigation, entertainment interface which manufacturers painstakingly research with focus groups to make user-friendly. A difficult to use control system can be a customer's key vehicle dissatisfier so I spent an hour with Dr. Werner Hamberger assigned to making the next-generation MMI 3G+ Multi Media Interface with ‘MMI touch’. MMI touch is essentially like a laptop mousepad that recognizes handwriting for entering letters and numbers for Navigation destinations, and is backlit to allow it to change to a pointer for map functions, a number pad for radio functions (see lower left of photo) and can be used to scroll lists in the MMI.
The A8 NWB (Normal Wheelbase) was shown in Detroit and the LWB (Long Wheelbase) A8 will be revealed in 2010. The A8 competes with the Mercedes-Benz S Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ. The A8 introduced this week in Detroit and coming to market in the Fall is a vehicle of beauty, technology and performance with an intuitively easy-to-use control system. We'll get the price for the new A8 closer to sales date.
They're back! Not quite yet but Fiat is testing the market by putting their cars on display at U.S. venues since they took Chrysler in the bankruptcy process last year. This is the Italian Lancia Delta, badged as a Chrysler, on the floor of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC, told the Automotive News World Congress on Wednesday night: "Many new Chrysler cars will soon be built on Fiat platforms. Fiat engines will appear in many Chrysler vehicles too. In fact, we’ll be making the 1.4 liter FIRE engine not far from here, at the South Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plant in Dundee. Chrysler, meanwhile, is helping to facilitate the reintroduction of Fiat to the U.S. market." (Marchionne pictured with yours truly in Detroit this week) Get ready - here they come again!
Nissan/Infiniti will participate in the New York Auto Show after no announcements in Detroit, except for a media event showing off the two vehicles above which had already been shown. The new M sedan made its World Premiere in Beverly Hills a month ago.
The 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe are now on sale with a 328 horsepower 3.7-liter VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) V6 engine delivering and 270 lb-ft of torque mated to a choice of a 7-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. Also available is the Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (G37x Sedan AWD, G37x Coupe AWD).
The G37 Sedan starts at $33,250 and the Coupe at $36,050 with the G37 Convertible available in early February. The 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe are now on sale with a 328 horsepower 3.7-liter VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) V6 engine delivering and 270 lb-ft of torque mated to a choice of a 7-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. Also available is the Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (G37x Sedan AWD, G37x Coupe AWD). The G37 Sedan starts at $33,250 and the Coupe at $36,050 with the G37 Convertible available in early February.
The all-new 2011 Infiniti M sedan is scheduled to go on sale in late March available in two model designations – the Infiniti M56 with an all-new 420-horsepower 5.6-liter VVEL Direct Injection Gasoline™ V8 and the Infiniti M37 with a 330-horsepower 3.7-liter VVEL V6. The Infiniti M56 and M37 will be offered in a choice of rear-wheel drive or with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.
Lots of news from Nissan and Infiniti but budgets have prevented full blown displays and press conferences in certain markets.
The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept was the best four door concept introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, because it, like the VW NCC, looks ready to hit the streets now and it makes sense. Cadillac needs to replace the aging STS and DTS four door sedans to regain some sizzle needed to survive. Can Cadillac afford to have a concept? GM is a company coming out of bankruptcy under Government scrutiny so you can bet there will be no dice-rolling concepts, just previews. Cadillac is one of the four brands that GM is betting on to succeed - the XTS could make the Cadillac difference.
Cadillac’s top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, is designed to emphasize new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system. The XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac’s 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in technology enables the battery to fully charge from a standard electrical outlet, enabling pure electric propulsion in many driving situations, especially urban commutes in which fuel efficiency may double that of a conventional hybrid.
The XTS is a big car so if my father trades in his STS for the XTS, he'll need a bumper sensor system or maybe the return of the front hood ornament to find the front of the car. Otherwise, nice job Cadillac!
Volkswagen's New Compact Coupe Hybrid introduced at North American International Auto Show was the best concept at the Detroit show. With the success of the Audi A5, the NCC could become a popular reality with the added attraction of being a hybrid. This gorgeous car looks ready to hit the streets now.
The New Compact Coupe is powered by a combination of Volkswagen's 1.4L TSI turbocharged and inter-cooled gasoline engine, making 150 horsepower and a usable 177 lbs.-ft. of torque, and an electric drive motor with 27 horsepower. Both units can work together, with the electric motor providing an added boost of power, or the NCC can run in full electric mode. The NCC is capable of achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 45 mpg. A seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox® transmission keeps power on tap while aiding efficiency, and the electric motor can help to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack during braking. The NCC features all-new Bi-Xenon headlights, LED running lights, and large, inset cooling ducts.
Great looking car for today's market so I would expect this so-called "concept" to hit showrooms sooner rather than later.
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT may have been the most significant low key debut at the North American International Auto Show in the midst of electric, hybrid and fuel efficient debuts for political correctness rather that real historically high consumer appetite for muscle car horsepower.
The new Mustang GT has an all-new 412 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine, delivering 390 ft.-lb. of torque and projected to achieve highway mileage of 25 mpg. The speedometer increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm. Three new colors will be added for 2011 including Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red and Ingot Silver. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT is set to launch this spring.
The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z two-seater sport hybrid coupe coming to the U.S. market late this summer was my second pick for best debut in Detroit, behind the Ford Focus. Critics ask who will buy a two-seater car? I asked myself that same question in 1978 at age 23 and, guess what, I took the plunge and drove a two-seater for 10 years with no issues. I sold it on the day my first child was born. Most of us drive alone most of the time and the empty nest baby boomers may want some fun in an environmentally-friendly sports car.
The 2011 Honda CR-Z is powered by a 122 horsepower 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist hybrid-electric system. Expected MPG is 31/37/33 miles per gallon (City/Highway/Combined). The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.
We'll get price and other details closer to launch late this summer.
