January 2012

BMW captures luxury sales crown in U.S.

(January 5, 2012) BMW has apparently held off Mercedes for the title as the best selling luxury brand in the U.S. in 2011. According to a report in Automotive News today, BMW ended with annual sales of 247,907. Mercedes said its sales totaled 245,192.

It marks the first time BMW has won the luxury sales crown in the U.S. and officially ends Lexus' 11-year reign atop the luxury rankings. Lexus lost considerable sales because of the March earthquake in Japan. Mercedes has won the title once, in 1999.

Subaru defies the odds to set new U.S. sales record

(January 5, 2011) A record sales month in December has pushed Subaru's yearly sales total past the record year of 2010 in the United States. Subaru sold 266,989 vehicles in 2011 compared to 263,820 in 2010.

This feat is remarkable considering the company had to contend with significant production delays caused by the tsunami and earthquake in Japan in March.

2011 U.S. auto sales end on a strong note

(January 5, 2011) Led by big gains at Chrysler, Kia and Volkswagen, auto sales finished the year on a strong note. December light vehicle volume rose about 9 percent to 1.2 million.

"It's the end of a decent growth year and sets the industry up for a nice trajectory to growth in 2012," said Jesse Toprak, vice president of TrueCar.com, who forecasts 13.8 million sales this year.

Volvo to show XC60 gas plug-in hybrid concept in Detroit

(January 4, 2012) A Volvo XC60 gasoline plug-in hybrid concept will be displayed at the Detroit Auto Show next week featuring technology that eventually will go on vehicles destined for the U.S. and Chinese markets. At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the gas engine and the electric motor is to be utilized.

Ford sales up 17 percent for 2011

(January 4, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford brand 2011 U.S. sales increased 17 percent, totaling 2,062,915 vehicles, sealing the brand’s first three-point market share gain over three consecutive years since 1970. Total Ford Motor sales for the year increased to 2,148,806 vehicles, up 11 percent for the year.

Subaru has record December and record year in U.S.

(January 4, 2013) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru of America has reported record sales for December 2012 and also for full year 2012.  The company sold 36,653 vehicles in December — the best sales month in Subaru history. 

Chrysler reports 2011 sales up 26 percent over 2010

(January 4, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Chrysler Group today reported U.S. sales were 1.37 million in 2011, up 26 percent from 2010. Chrysler also reported that December sales of 138,019 units represented an increase of 37 percent compared to December 2010. It was the group's best monthly sales since May 2008.

The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram Truck brands each posted solid sales gains during 2011 compared with sales in 2010.

Hyundai unveils details of new U.S. headquarters building

(January 4, 2012) COSTA MESA, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America has released a rendering of its proposed new U.S. headquarters building in Fountain Valley, Calif., its U.S. base of operations for the past two decades. The new building will represent more than a $150 million investment, the largest amount ever committed to an office building in the U.S. by Hyundai.

Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine for India debuts in new Ford EcoSport

(January 4, 2012) NEW DELHI, India — Ford is bringing its global EcoBoost powertrain technology to India for the first time in the form of its newest and smallest-ever EcoBoost engine. With only three cylinders and 1.0 liter of displacement, the latest EcoBoost engine will provide fuel-efficient power for the all-new Ford EcoSport.

The EcoSport and the EcoBoost engine made their global debut at the Auto Expo this week in New Delhi.

Led by Cayenne, Porsche reports 15 percent sales increase for 2011

(January 3, 2012) ATLANTA — Porsche Cars North America today announced December sales of 1,834 vehicles and year-to-date sales of 29,023 vehicles.  The year-to-date sales compare to 25,320 vehicles sold last year — a 15 percent increase.

"2011 represents a very positive step forward for Porsche and demonstrates the brand's continued strength in the United States market," said Detlev von Platen, PCNA's President and CEO.