Scion SEMA Preview in Culver City

Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability: 2011 Models

Out of all the research available to car buyers, this ranks at the top. Even though I've been covering the industry and doing reviews for more than 20 years, when I ask my wife about a car, she always responds: "What does Consumer Reports have to say?"

Green Car of the Year Could Be A Gas Engine Ford Fiesta

Well, it won't be a clean diesel this year as it was the past two years with Audi and VW taking the awards but it could be a non-electric or non-hybrid if the Ford Fiesta, which achieves up to 40 miles per gallon EPA estimated highway fuel economy running on conventional gasoline, is chosen as the winner.

Green Car Journal announced its five finalists for the 2011 Green Car of the Year: 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the 2011 Nissan LEAF.  The selection committee is made up of: Carl Pope, chairman of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society and Matt Petersen, president of Global Green USA. Also, "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno and automotive icon Carroll Shelby join Green Car Journal editors as part of the 2011 jury.

For the sixth consecutive year, this award will be announced during a press conference at the LA Auto Show Press Days on Nov. 18.

Buick Verano Entry Level Sedan Part Of GM's Move To Smaller Cars

General Motors Buick division introduces the all-new Verano, "a smaller car than Regal" compact sedan to be built at GM's at the Orion Assembly Center 35 miles north of downtown Detroit which last built GM midsize sedans. The Buick Verano will be built along side the next-generation Chevrolet small car as GM is investing $145 million to retool the Orion facility. GM North American President Mark Reuss said the plant will retain 1,550 hourly and salaried jobs along with 120 jobs at Pontiac Metal Center. The total investment for that program is approximately $600 million, which includes the Verano. Over its more than 27-year history, the Orion plant team members have built more than 4 million cars for GM.

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Arrives With Remote Online Test Drive

An actual all-new 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is being rigged as a remote control vehicle for the public to drive from the home computers like a video game. Using a combination of remote control software and hardware and a system interface, participants will be able to take the Outlander Sport for a virtual spin on a closed course from their PC. The opportunity for U.S. residents who are 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license to take the World's First Online Test Drive runs from November 1st through November 10th. The sign-up starts on October 15 at the car’s microsite, www.outlandersport.com where you obtain a code that can be used to line up for the live test drive on November 1st.

The online test drive is part of an integrated marketing effort that kicks off October 15th through January and includes television, print, digital and direct mail for the all-new 5-passenger compact crossover 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport which starts at $18,495.

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe Arrives Dec. 10 For $47,950

The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe is the first production vehicle in the new Infiniti Performance Line (IPL), which builds on the foundation of the Infiniti G37 Coupe Journey rear-wheel drive model and adds extensive modifications.  The IPL G Coupe's 348 horsepower VQ37HR 3.7-liter V6 engine produces 18 more horsepower than the G37 Coupe.  In addition, the suspension, steering and exhaust systems have been specially tuned. The IPL G Coupe comes in Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black exterior colors and sits on 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires.

Standard IPL G Coupe interior features include Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose® premium audio system, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive, Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation, memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar and moonroof.

The IPL G Coupe with the  6-speed manual transmission has an MSRP of $47,950 and the 7-speed automatic goes for $49,850. The new 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe is set to go on sale December 10th at Infiniti retailers nationwide.

All-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Turbo Starts at $24,865

The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Turbo starts at $24,145 MSRP for the Sonata SE 2.0T and $27,045 for the Sonata Limited 2.0T plus a destination charge of $720. The 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1750-4500 rpm with regular fuel, while delivering 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The 2.0T engine will be available on the SE and Limited trim level, with the 2.0T SE adding an upgraded fully automatic temperature control system, and the Limited adding the SE's 18-inch hyper silver alloy wheels, dual exhaust, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon At $62,990 Later This Year

The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon will be available later this year starting at $62,990, including destination. Like the CTS-V sedan and CTS-V Coupe, the rear-wheel drive CTS-V Wagon has a supercharged 6.2 liter V-8 engine delivering 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft of torque (747 Nm) mated to either a standard six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds. Standard features include Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

The CTS-V Wagon can accommodate up to 58 cubic-feet of cargo and features: heated leather-appointed seats, in-dash navigation system with 40-gigabyte hard drive, Xenon HID headlamps with adaptive forward lighting, Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio system and the Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance Service for four years / 50,000 miles. Available options include: $3,400 Recaro heated and ventilated, high-performance driver and front-passenger seats, $800 19-inch, polished aluminum wheels, $600 midnight Sapele Wood trim package and a $300 Suede steering wheel and shifter.

The CTS-V Wagon is now available for ordering from Cadillac retailers in limited quantities for 2011. 

September 2010 U.S. Auto Sales Up Versus 2009

General Motors September combined total sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac to 172,969,  a 22 percent rise, driven by a combined 39 percent rebound in retail sales compared with last September. Year-to-date through September, GM's four brands have sold 1,626,899 vehicles, up 23.3 percent.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales in September totaled 160,873, up 46 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date sales totaled 1.44 million, up 21 percent. Ford is on track to gain market share for the second year in a row – a result not achieved since 1993. 

Toyota Motor Sales reported September sales of 147,162, up 16.8 percent over the year-ago month. Year-to-date Toyota has sold 1,311,316 vehicles, a 1.6 percent increase from the first nine months of 2009.Toyota Division including Scion (3,562) had September sales of 130,214, an increase of 20.5 percent over last September, Lexus reported September sales of 16,9488, down 5.5 percent from the year-ago month.

Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 100,077, a 61 percent increase compared with sales in September 2009. Year-to-date Chrysler has sold 820,220 vehicles, a 15 percent increase over the same nine months a year ago.

American Honda posted September sales of 97,361 vehicles, an increase of 26.1 percent. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 912,436, an increase of 3.7 percent versus last year. Honda Division posted September sales of 86,641, an increase of 23.8 percent versus last year. Acura Division posted September sales of 10,720, an increase of 47.7 percent.

Nissan North America reported September U.S. sales of 74,205, an increase of 34 percent. For all of 2010, NNA sales are 673,701, up 16.1 percent.

Hyundai Motor America announced all-time record September sales of 46,556, up 48 percent versus 2009.  For the year, Hyundai has reported total cumulative sales of 410,047, up 20 percent versus the same period in 2009.

Kia Motors America had sales of 30,071 vehicles in September, a 39 percent increase over the same period last year and an all-time sales record for the month of September. KMA's year-to-date sales of 268,024 is up 12.3 percent over 2009.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported September sales of 23,112 vehicles, an increase of 20.5 percent from the 19,175 vehicles sold in September 2009. Year-to-date, the BMW Group also reported a sales volume of 192,052 vehicles, up 7.2 percent from the 179,219 units sold through September 2009.   

Volkswagen of America September sales were 19,943, an increase of 14.9 percent over September 2009.  Year-to-date sales for the entire line of Volkswagen vehicles were 192,690, up 20.6 percent over 2009.
Separately, Audi of America Audi sold 8,151 luxury cars and SUVs in September 2010, topping the previous September record set in 2007 with 8,020 vehicles sold. Year-to-date Audi has sold 73,590, up 23.6 percent from 2009, which is on track to surpass its annual sales record of 93,506 in 2007.

Subaru of America posted its best-ever September sales of 21,432, a 47-percent gain year-over-year.  Year-to-date sales of 193,614 units is a 22-percent gain compared with the same period last year.

Daimler reported U.S. sales of 21,088 Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles, an improvement of 18.5 percent compared to September 2009. Mercedes-Benz USA reported September sales of 20,666 - 19,862 passenger cars, light truck vehicles and 804 Sprinter vans are included in this total. On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 165,355 new vehicles, an increase of 22.1% over last year.

Mazda North American Operations reported September sales of 18,580, an increase of 30.5 percent compared to last September.  Year-to-date sales through September, 2010, stand at 174,770, and are outpacing last year's sales at this time by 9.1 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America had September sales of 4,961, an increase of 5.3 percent compared to September 2009. 

American Suzuki September sales of 1,641 was a 12 percent drop from a year ago, and this year so far Suzuki sales are 16,972, a 49 percent tumble from 2009.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

Volkswagen Shows Renderings Of U.S.-Made New Midsize Sedan

 Volkswagen of America released three new renderings of its new midsize sedan to be produced at its assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee and officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January with its market introduction in the third quarter next year.

2011 North American Car of the Year Awards "Short List"

Here's the 18th year annual 2011 North American Car of the Year Awards "short list" as selected by automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites.

27 new cars were eligible and cut down 14 semi-finalists while there were only 14 trucks eligible so no voting was needed to cut that list. The three car and three truck finalists will be announced on December 16th at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit and the final two winners - car & truck - will be announced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2011 North American Car of the Year Short List:
Audi A8, Buick Regal, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Sonata/2.0T/Hybrid, Infiniti M37/56, Jaguar XJ, Kia Optima, Mazda Mazda2, Nissan Juke, Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen Jetta, Volvo S60.

2011 North American Truck of the Year Short List:
Dodge Durango, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Tucson, Infiniti QX56, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Toyota Sienna, Volkswagen Touareg.

Who would you vote for?

Nissan Hits 20,000 LEAF Orders & Infiniti Has EV & M35h Hybrid Coming

Nissan is ahead of its own schedule to reach its stated target of 20,000 reservations by the first U.S. Nissan LEAF delivery in December.  Nissan kicks off the 23-city "Drive Electric Tour" October 1 in Los Angeles giving reservation holders and those interested in driving a Nissan LEAF a chance to experience all-electric driving firsthand. Nissan says no further reservations will be taken until next year and it's focusing on providing the best level of customer service and premium ownership experience to those who already have enrolled. A subsequent phase of reservations will begin next year, after current reservations and orders have been processed.

Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, released a sketch of its first luxury electric vehicle, which is set to launch in the United States  and other global markets in 2013.

The 2012 Infiniti M35h, which features Infiniti's Direct Response Hybrid technology, makes its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.  The M Hybrid is based on the Infiniti M sedan and promises V8 performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy from a 302-horsepower (est.) 3.5-liter V6 supported by a 50 kW (67 horsepower est.) electric motor.  Dubbed "the driver's hybrid," the M35h will be able to be driven on electric power alone at speeds up to 50 miles per hour.  The compact Lithium-ion battery pack design also allows use of a spacious passenger cabin and ample trunk capacity.  The Infiniti M35h will be available at Infiniti retailers in the United States in spring 2011. 

2011 Kia Optima Coming Soon, Hybrid Arriving Next Year

The all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan, first seen during the 2010 New York International Auto Show, is coming soon with three new powertrains – a 200 horsepower 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 274 horsepower 2.0-liter GDI turbo or a 2.4-liter hybrid engine. This represents Kia’s first application of GDI technology, while a 2.4-liter hybrid Optima will be introduced in 2011. All automatics feature Sportmatic® clutchless shifting. A single six-speed manual transmission is available only with the LX four-cylinder model. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder posts 24/35 mpg (city/highway) when mated to the manual transmission and 24/34 mpg when coupled with the automatic transmission, while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI offers 22/34 mpg, only available with the automatic transmission.

The all-new Optima is longer, wider and lower than the vehicle it replaces with an overall length of 190.7 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous model, an overall width of 72.1 inches and wheelbase of 110 inches, an increase of 2.9 inches, and has a low ground clearance of 5.3 inches. The 2011 Optima is based on an all-new midsize platform available in three trims - LX, EX and SX. The LX includes dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels fitted with 205/65R16 tires. Upgrading to the EX offers standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles along with 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires, while the EX Turbo adds a unique front grille design. The SX adds HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear combination lights, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, black front brake calipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires.

The 2011 Optima offers a Convenience Package (LX A/T only) with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®, while the LX Technology Package (with Convenience Package) adds the navigation system with back-up camera, an eight-speaker Infinity®6 premium audio system and dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear ventilation. EX trim consumers can opt for the Premium Package, which adds the panoramic sunroof with high-gloss B-pillar, four-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with driver’s seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wood interior trim and center console and metal-finished shifter. The EX Technology Package (with Premium Package) adds the navigation system with back-up camera and eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system.

The Kia Optima, like the Hyundai Sonata, is providing real competition to the Japanese and American mid-size market leaders and gets a notch up with the 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty and five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan. The new models will accelerate Kia and Hyundai's sales and market share growth in the U.S.

2012 Ford Focus Will Have New Airbag Design

The all-new 2012 Ford Focus will launch Ford’s next-generation driver-front airbag that uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes.

Ford’s side airbags feature shoulder vents that stay open and reduce pressure for smaller occupants who typically benefit from reduced forces. Taller occupants whose shoulders block the vent could benefit from the higher pressures.

Focus also will be Ford’s first car ever to feature front passenger airbags with adaptive venting technology that diverts some of the gas from the airbag inflators through vents outside of the airbags. The restraints control module – the control center of Ford’s advanced safety systems – adjusts the level of venting based on seat position.

The new passenger airbag is designed to help enhance head and neck protection by better matching deployment force with occupant size. This innovative system uses a small pyrotechnic device to force open the vent and can provide less pressure in the airbag when it’s sufficient to help protect the occupant.

BMW Promotes Creed & Lucas To Marketing & Eastern Region Jobs

BMW North America had to scramble after the untimely, tragic death of my good friend Jack Pitney who was transitioning from head of Marketing to the Eastern Region. Today BMW filled both those positions for an October 1st start date.

Dan Creed (left), currently Vice President, Aftersales, BMW of North America, will become Vice President, Marketing, BMW of North America LLC.  In his new role Dan will be responsible for marketing and product planning and strategy for the BMW brand in the U.S. Dan Creed joined the BMW Group in 1996 as Training Manager for Marketing and Sales at BMW Canada. He was appointed National Marketing Manager for BMW Canada in 1997 and became National Sales Manager, BMW Canada in 1999. In the U.S., Creed was appointed to lead the Southern Region of BMW North America in 2005 responsible for this major sales region and its 123 dealers located in 11 states and Puerto Rico. In his current role as Aftersales Vice President, Creed is responsible for all service, parts, accessories and lifestyle merchandise for the BMW and MINI brands in the United States.

Russ Lucas (right), currently Manager, BMW Pre-Owned Sales, will become Vice President – Eastern Region with overall responsibility for sales, marketing, aftersales and dealer development activities in the 12 state Northeast Region which includes the New York metro area. The Northeast Region is the largest sales area for BMW of North America with 93 BMW and 24 MINI dealers. Russ Lucas joined the BMW Group in 1985 first as District Parts Manager in Atlanta, Georgia and then as Area Sales Manager in BMW’s Southern Region. In 1997, Lucas became Regional Aftersales Manager in the Southern Region where he directed a team of field representatives and instructors in expanding the company’s Aftersales business. Since April 2009, Lucas has held the role of Pre-Owned Sales Manager responsible for a critical and growing part of BMW Group business in the U.S. 

Volkswagen Promotes Jonathan Browning To CEO/Pres VW of America

Jonathan Browning

Volkswagen Group of America announced that Jonathan Browning, 51, has been named President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America effective October 1, 2010. He is currently responsible for the global directing of the Volkswagen Group’s National Sales Companies.

“Volkswagen will play an even stronger role in the important U.S. market going forward, said Christian Klingler, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for Sales. “Jonathan Browning is an acknowledged expert on this market, its customers and its sales structures.”

Jonathan Browning succeeds Stefan Jacoby, who has left the company. Browning has held numerous executive sales and marketing posts worldwide at General Motors (GM) and Ford Motor Company. He was vice president of European sales, service and marketing at the GM Group from 2001 to 2008, and simultaneously chairman of Vauxhall Motors from 2006 to 2008, becoming GM vice president of global sales, service and marketing in 2008. Browning worked for the Ford Group from 1997 to 2001, first as executive director of marketing for Ford Europe and then as the global managing director of Jaguar. He moved to the Volkswagen Group in June 2010.

“The U.S. will always be one of the largest and most important markets for automobiles,” said Klingler, adding that this affords the Volkswagen Group significant growth opportunities. Klingler also reiterated the target to sell 200,000 Audi brand models and 800,000 Volkswagen brand models in 2018. “Volkswagen and Audi will become leading brands in the U.S.”

Volkswagen Group is investing one billion dollars in the new Chattanooga plant, will be launching a unique marketing offensive in the U.S. and recently celebrated the world premier of the Jetta in New York’s Times Square. According to Klingler: “The Group’s board and top management fully support this market and its customers.”

2011 Honda Odyssey To Start At $28,580 On September 30th

 The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan is set to debut at dealers on September 30th with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $27,800 for the Odyssey LX to $43,250 for the Odyssey Touring Elite, plus a destination and handling charge of $780 per model. A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp (+4 hp over 2010) while delivering an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models (18/27/21 mpg on Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models). For enhanced driving refinement on Odyssey Touring models, a six-speed automatic transmission debuts as a standard feature. All other models receive the five-speed automatic transmission.

Significant enhancements to the interior include a new "3-mode" second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). The 2011 Odyssey is equipped with a total of five LATCH attachment points (four in the Odyssey LX. up from three in the previous model). The one-motion, 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat® is positioned for more legroom and is even easier to operate for 2011.

Model	Transmission	MSRP(1)	City/Hwy/Combined(2)
Odyssey LX	5-Speed Automatic	$27,800	18/27/21
Odyssey EX	5-Speed Automatic	$30,950	18/27/21
Odyssey EX-L	5-Speed Automatic	$34,450	18/27/21
Odyssey EX-L with RES	5 Speed Automatic	$36,050	18/27/21
Odyssey EX-L with Navi	5-Speed Automatic	$36,450	18/27/21
Odyssey Touring	6-Speed Automatic	$40,755	19/28/22
Odyssey Touring Elite	6-Speed Automatic	$43,250	19/28/22

(1)  MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $780.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
(2)  Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

2011 Dodge Durango Arrives With 3 Rows In The 4th Quarter

The 2011 Dodge Durango is an all-new a three-row vehicle featuring two engine options: the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and the available 5.7-liter HEMI engine with fuel-saving, Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode. Both engines feature variable-valve timing (VVT) and are available with all-wheel drive and provide towing capability with standard trailer sway control of 7,400 lbs. for the V8 and 6,200 lbs. for the V6. When equipped with the HEMI® V-8, the all-new Durango can tow more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer. With 22 different seating configurations, there’s plenty of room to store and move plenty of people and their gear.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango also offers 45 safety and security features, including standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as all-new standard active head restraints. Electronic Stability Control also is standard. Other available safety and security technologies include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n’ Go.

Built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, the new 2011 Dodge Durango arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.

August 2010 Auto Sales Weak Vs. August 2009 "Cash For Clunkers"

General Motors August sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac was 184,921, down 11 percent compared to last August, a month in which the automotive industry experienced the highest level of sales in 2009 due to the Cash for Clunkers stimulus program. Year-to-date General Motors four core brands have accounted for sales of 1,453,930, a 23.4 percent rise over 2009.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 157,503 new vehicles in August, down 11 percent versus a year ago during the “Cash for Clunkers” sales program. Year-to-date, Ford sales total 1,278,340, up 18.3 percent.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported August sales of 148,388, down 31.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date Toyota has sold1,164,154 vehicles virtually unchanged from last year's total of 1,170,409.

American Honda posted August sales of 108,729 vehicles, a 30 percent decrease from 2009. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 815,075, an increase of 1.5 percent versus last year.

Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 99,611, a 7 percent increase compared with sales in August 2009. Year-to-date Chrysler has sold 720,140, a gain of 10 percent over 2009.

Nissan North America reported August U.S. sales of 76,827, a decrease of 27 percent compared with the "Cash for Clunkers" fuelled sales in August 2009. For all of 2010, NNA sales are up 14.2 percent.

Hyundai Motor America August sales of 53,603 was down 11 percent compared with the all-time sales record set in August 2009, when the successful "Cash for Clunkers" program was in place.  Still, August marked the third best volume month in company history. For the year, Hyundai reported sales of 363,491, up 17 percent versus the same period in 2009, and remains on track to establish an all-time sales record for the full year.

Kia Motors America reported August sales of 32,465, down 19.2 percent from August 2009 with year-to-date sales of 237,953 up 9.7 percent from 2009.  The 2011 Sorento CUV was the brand's best-selling vehicle for the eighth consecutive month.

Volkswagen of America reported that August sales were 22,855, a 7.9 percent drop from August 2009 and year-to-date sales of 172,747, up 21.3 percent. Separately, Audi sold 9,182 luxury cars and SUVs in August 2010, topping the previous August record of 8,057 vehicles sold in August 2009 by 14 percent. Year-to-date Audi sales are 65,439, up 25.1 percent from 2009.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 23,965 vehicles, a decrease of 1.6 percent from last year. Year-to-date, the BMW Group reported a sales volume of 168,940
vehicles, up 5.6 percent from last year.

Subaru of America reported August sales of 22,239, down 22 percent from Subaru's best August ever.  Year-to-date sales total 172,182, a 20 percent increase.

Daimler reported U.S. sales of 20,122 Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles, an improvement of 7.4 percent compared to August 2009. Mercedes-Benz USA reported August sales of 18,826 passenger cars, light truck vehicles and 848 Sprinter vans. MBUSA has sold 139,867 passenger cars and light truck vehicles in 2010, an 18.1 percent increase over 2009.

Mazda North American Operations reported August sales of 19,739, a decrease of 25.6 percent compared to last August. Year-to-date sales through August 2010 stand at 156,190, and are outpacing last year’s sales by 7 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors North America August sales of 4,293, was 37 percent lower compared to last August.

Porsche Cars North America August sales in the U.S. was 2,032, up 33 percent. So far in 2010, Porsche's overall year-to-date sales are 15,719, an increase of 23 percent.

American Suzuki sold 1,830 vehicles in August, a drop of 68 percent from 2009 and year-to-date sales are 15,331, a decline of 52 percent from last year through August.

Sales will be added as manufacturers report.

BMW's Jack Pitney Tragically Killed In Farm Accident

Jack Pitney

We have lost a good friend. Jack Pitney, BMW of North America Vice President of Marketing, 47, was just six days away from becoming the Vice President of the U.S. Eastern Region for BMW in a move that would have groomed him for the top U.S. job. Jack was killed yesterday in a tragic accident while on vacation at his farm. He was apparently trying to remove a tree stump with a tractor which flipped over on him causing injuries that were fatal. 

Jack was one of us in the media/public relations realm before becoming the poster boy for transitioning from an automotive PR guy into an automotive executive with serious responsibilities like the launch of MINI in the U.S. Though he had big assignments, he was always the fun and friendly Jack we used to know, he never changed - always greeting me with a big warm smile at auto shows, in the lobby of the BMW New Jersey headquarters or wherever. I knew Jack for more than 20 years, starting from his PR days on the West Coast. Jack was destined to make it big, really big, before yesterday's tragic accident that took him from us.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.