Posts Tagged → BUSINESS News
Toyota Reports September Sales
TORRANCE, Calif. (October 1, 2009) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported September sales of 126,015 vehicles, a decrease of 16.1 percent from last September, on a daily selling rate basis. TMS posted sales of 525,975 units in the third quarter, a 28 percent increase over the second quarter.
“Improving economic conditions and the CARS program led to a significant increase for the industry in the third quarter over the first-half year,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for TMS. “Moving into the fourth quarter, we expect continued momentum will close the year on a bright note.”
The Toyota Division posted September sales of 108,076 units, down 19.1 percent from last September. The Lexus Division reported September sales of 17,939 units, an increase of 7.3 percent from the year-ago month.
Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded September sales of 69,737 units, a decrease of 15.2 percent from last September. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid, which posted combined September sales of 25,745 units. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted September sales of 10,984 units. Corolla recorded sales of 20,741 units. Venza reported sales of 4,738 units for the month.
Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 38,339 units, down 25.3 percent from the year-ago month. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV with September sales of 10,398 units. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 5,216 units for the month. The Tacoma mid-size pickup reported sales of 7,513 units in September. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded September sales of 6,308 units. Sienna recorded sales of 6,442 units for the month.
Scion posted September sales of 3,683 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with September sales of 1,539 units. The tC sports coupe posted September sales of 1,232 units. The xD reported sales of 912 units for the month.
Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars reported September sales of 8,931 units, down 9.1 percent from the year-ago month. Passenger car sales were led by the IS, with combined sales of 3,346 units. The ES 350 luxury sedan posted September sales of 3,046 units.
Lexus Division light trucks reported September sales of 9,008 units, up 30.7 percent over the same period last year. Lexus sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle which posted combined September sales of 8,228 units, up 70.3 percent over the year-ago month. The RX 450h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,168 units for the month, up 50.7 percent from last September.
TMS Hybrids
TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 142,566 units. TMS posted September sales of 14,585 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted sales of 12,125 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division posted September sales of 2,460 hybrids.
There were 25 selling days this month, compared to 24 selling days last September
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Daimler AG Reports a Total of 17,799 Cars Sold for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for September 2009
New York, NY
,
Oct 02, 2009
*Mercedes-Benz USA Records September Sales of 16,985
*New E-Class with an Increase of 28.4 Percent in September
*smart USA Records 814 Sales in September
New York, NY – Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division in the U.S. (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 17,799 units, a decline of 13.4 percent compared to September 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported September sales of 16,985 vehicles. While sales were down 9.6 percent compared to September 2008, the monthly volume was MBUSA’s second highest of the year.
The volume leaders for the month were the C-, E-, and M-Class with sales of 5,002, 3,812, and 2,552 respectively. The all-new 9th generation 2010 E-Class continues to exhibit strong sales performance, topping September 2008 by 28.4 percent.
On a year-to-date basis, MBUSA sold 135,413 new vehicles, a decrease of 23.6 percent over the comparable period last year.
smart USArecorded 814 sales in September 2009. Year-to-date sales now total 12,421 units. Since its introduction in the United States, there are over 37,000 smart fortwos traveling the highways throughout America. The smart fortwo offers the right balance of power, outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety features, environmental friendliness and excellent value. smart center Kansas Cityopened in September, bringing the total to 79 smart centers located in 36 states.
Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.
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NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER SALES
Nissan Maxima, Infiniti QX56 Record Increases
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported September 2009 sales of 55,393 units versus 59,565 units last year, a decrease of 7 percent. Nissan Division sales declined 5.8 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles were 15 percent lower than a year ago.
NNA INFORMATION
* Combined Nissan and Infiniti sales of 55,393 units were 7 percent lower than September sales last year of 59,565 units.
* To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. September had 25 selling days, compared with 24 selling days in September 2008.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
* Nissan vehicles posted sales of 48,783 units in September compared with 51,786 units sold in September 2008, a 5.8 percent decrease.
* Nissan Maxima sales of 5,901 units in September 2009 were up 18.1 percent from a year before.
* Sales of the Nissan 370Z rose 53.1 percent in September from a year ago to 802 units.
* The Nissan Rogue posted the best September on record with sales of 5,089 units this year.
* The Nissan Frontier and Pathfinder each showed year-over-year, double-digit percentage increases in September, rising 41.1 percent and 37.3 percent, respectively.
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
* Infiniti sales for September 2009 were 6,610 units, down 15 percent from the 7,779 units sold in the same month last year.
* The Infiniti G Sedan and G Coupe each showed higher sales in September than a year ago, increasing 5.8 percent and 14.3 percent, respectively.
* The Infiniti QX56 reported sales of 677 units last month, a 52.1 percent increase over the 445 vehicles sold in September 2008.
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com.
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VOLVO RECORDS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH OF YEAR-OVER-YEAR SALES INCREASE OF 16 PERCENT
Volvo’s Safe + Sound Coverage Plan Drives Traffic; Extended Through End of 2009
ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Oct. 1, 2009) – Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) September sales were up 16.3 percent, marking the fourth straight month of a year-over-year increase. VCNA sold a total of 4,716 vehicles in September.
For the month of September, Volvo sales in Canada were down 6.4 percent with a total of 508 vehicles sold. Overall in North America (United States and Canada), Volvo has sold 51,782 units year-to-date, which represents a 20.8 percent decrease for the same period of 2008*.
“Four straight months of sales increases reflects how well Safe + Sound is resonating with U.S. consumers,” said Doug Speck, VCNA president and CEO. “It’s also a morale boost for our retailers and employees to see sales numbers going in the right direction.”
The Safe + Sound Coverage Plan, a complimentary coverage program, wraps a comprehensive list of benefits into one package. Volvo has combined additional time and mileage limits on warranty repairs and roadside assistance coverage, and has increased wear-item and factory scheduled maintenance coverage. Specifically, it provides:
* 5 years/60,000 miles of New Car Warranty
* 5 years/60,000 miles of Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance
* 5 years/60,000 miles of Wear and Tear Coverage
* 5 years/Unlimited miles of Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance.
“Safe + Sound is the best program in the luxury segment,” said Speck. “We’re announcing today that Safe + Sound will be available on all Volvos through the end of 2009, and I expect we’ll see more and more consumers gravitating to Volvo when they learn what this long-term coverage program offers.”
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (www.volvocars.com/us) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada.
*2008 totals include Mexico. 2009 totals do not.
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Chrysler Group LLC Reports September 2009 U.S. Sales
* Chrysler Group increases market share compared with August 2009
* Jeep® Wrangler sales up 7 percent compared with August 2009, continues to lead the segment in sales
* Jeep Grand Cherokee sales increase 23 percent versus September 2008
* Dodge Challenger sales increase 57 percent versus August 2009
* Dodge Charger sales up 16 percent compared with the August 2009
Auburn Hills, Mich., Oct 1, 2009 -
The Jeep® Wrangler continued its strong sales trend in September with 6,002 units sold, a 7 percent increase compared with August 2009. Wrangler continues to be tops in market share in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment.
In addition to Jeep Wrangler’s strong showing in September, Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (5,601 units) increased 23 percent compared with the same time period in 2008.
Dodge Challenger sales (1,778 units) increased 57 percent compared with August 2009, and the Dodge Charger saw increased sales (7,507 units) of 16 percent compared with August 2009.
Mopar U.S. net sales were even compared with August 2009, balancing tough market conditions with the launch of several campaigns that were successfully implemented through the full commitment of the dealer network. Digital owners’ manuals were announced for all 2010 model-year vehicles, a move that will save 930 tons of paper or 20,000 trees annually. Buyers of 2010 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles will receive a digitized owner’s manual on a DVD and a full-color guide, eliminating the bulky paper version. Separately, at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, Mopar showcased a “Moparized” Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and a Jeep Liberty.
Chrysler Group LLC reported total U.S. sales of 62,197 units, a decrease of 42 percent compared with September 2008. The company finished the month with 138,456 units in inventory, representing a 56-day supply. Inventory is down 64 percent versus September 2008 when it totaled 381,365 units. Overall industry sales figures for September are projected to come in at an estimated 9.4 million SAAR.
“While we had some bright spots in September, it was still a challenging sales environment for the industry,” said Peter Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer–Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Low inventories of popular models at the start of the month hampered Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge sales, however, the company responded with increased production. The company finished the month with increased market share compared with August 2009.
“We believe the remainder of 2009 will continue to be a challenge for the U.S. automotive market. Credit markets have thawed slightly, but still remain tight, and consumer confidence, as we saw in September, is tenuous,” Fong added.
Incentives
In October, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers continue to offer competitive lease rates on all 2010 model year vehicles.
“Consumers are responding to Chrysler Group’s return to leasing, appreciating the flexibility this financing option gives them,” said Steven Beahm, Vice President–Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “
Featured vehicles with special lease rates through Nov. 2, 2009 are:
• Chrysler Town & Country
• Dodge Grand Caravan, Nitro and Journey
• Jeep Liberty
2010 Model Year Chrysler Vehicles:
Beginning today, the Chrysler brand offers consumers a variety of financing options that will fit almost every situation. On select 2010 models, consumers can choose 0 percent financing for up to 36 months through GMAC Financial Services plus consumer cash of up to $1,000, or they can choose consumer cash of up to $2,000. Attractive financing rates also are available through GMAC Financial Services on all 2010 model year Chrysler vehicles.
2010 Model Year Dodge Vehicles:
On select 2010 model Dodge vehicles, consumer cash of up to $2,000 or attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services on all 2010 model Dodge vehicles are available effective today.
2010 Model Year Jeep Vehicles:
Beginning today, the Jeep brand is offering consumers a variety of financing options on select 2010 model year Jeep vehicles. Options include 0 percent financing for up to 36 months through GMAC Financial Services plus consumer cash of up to $1,000, or consumer cash of up to $3,000. Attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services also are available on all 2010 model year Jeep vehicles.
Current Jeep vehicle owners also are eligible for $1,000 Owner Loyalty Bonus Cash available to use toward the purchase or lease of select 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles.
2009 Model Year Vehicles:
Chrysler Group is offering 0 percent financing for up to 72 months through GMAC Financial Services or up to $4,500 consumer cash on select 2009 model year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.
The above incentives are valid Oct. 1 through Nov. 2, 2009.
October also marks the start of “National Car Care Month.” Mopar, in association with the Car Care Council, encourages consumers to visit their local Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealer for special promotions on genuine, authorized Mopar parts and service, which will help prepare their vehicle for the upcoming winter months. October is also “Tire Month,” and Mopar is providing exclusive tire offers for consumers.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mopar and Global Electric Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
Sales Chart
Chrysler Group LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru September 2009
---------------------------------------------------------
Month Sales Vol % Sales CYTD Vol %
Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change
----- ------- ----- ------ ------- ----- ------
Sebring 1,451 5,450 -73% 17,431 61,428 -72%
300 3,411 4,287 -20% 29,322 51,807 -43%
Crossfire 127 113 12% 499 1,566 -68%
PT Cruiser 258 2,410 -89% 16,760 42,345 -60%
Aspen 143 1,313 -89% 5,852 17,681 -67%
Pacifica 45 544 -92% 1,955 5,621 -65%
Town & Country 3,611 9,229 -61% 61,715 95,287 -35%
CHRYSLER BRAND 9,046 23,346 -61% 133,534 275,735 -52%
-------------- ----- ------ --- ------- ------- ---
Compass 101 993 -90% 10,025 22,389 -55%
Patriot 1,377 3,190 -57% 25,596 47,344 -46%
Wrangler 6,002 6,130 -2% 65,045 65,135 0%
Liberty 2,715 4,963 -45% 32,653 54,293 -40%
Grand Cherokee 5,601 4,565 23% 39,890 57,333 -30%
Commander 1,491 1,590 -6% 8,843 22,654 -61%
JEEP BRAND 17,287 21,431 -19% 182,052 269,148 -32%
---------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---
Caliber 654 6,129 -89% 29,814 74,069 -60%
Avenger 2,859 4,500 -36% 27,331 53,828 -49%
Charger 7,507 8,118 -8% 46,110 80,220 -43%
Challenger 1,778 2,376 -25% 18,878 8,443 124%
Viper 19 86 -78% 367 872 -58%
Magnum 0 35 -100% 113 6,777 -98%
Dakota 399 622 -36% 8,894 21,626 -59%
Ram P/U 13,452 20,812 -35% 143,205 196,058 -27%
Journey 2,989 4,860 -38% 37,842 35,627 6%
Caravan 4,112 11,056 -63% 64,912 102,398 -37%
Durango 162 616 -74% 3,416 17,339 -80%
Nitro 1,135 2,531 -55% 13,645 30,071 -55%
Sprinter 798 831 -4% 5,403 11,308 -52%
DODGE BRAND 35,864 62,572 -43% 399,930 638,636 -37%
----------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---
TOTAL CHRYSLER
GROUP LLC 62,197 107,349 -42% 715,516 1,183,519 -40%
TOTAL CAR 17,806 31,099 -43% 169,867 340,101 -50%
TOTAL TRUCK 44,391 76,250 -42% 545,649 843,418 -35%
----------- ------ ------ --- ------- ------- ---
Selling Days 25 24 229 230
------------ -- -- --- ---
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Scania becoming main supplier to DHL in Europe
Scania has signed a pan-European delivery agreement with the transport and logistics company DHL, which recommends Scania as a supplier of heavy trucks to the hauliers that act as contractors to DHL. “The agreement opens the way for sales of about 1,000 new trucks per year,” says Urban Erdtman, Executive Vice President and Head of Scania Sales and Services Management.
According to the agreement, transport companies that act under the DHL PartnerStore programme are guaranteed access to trucks that meet DHL’s requirements and needs, for example in terms of the vehicles’ cargo capacity, equipment level and environmental performance.
“With Scania as their supplier, DHL’s transport operators will gain access to a comprehensive, cross-border range of services that will guarantee the best possible transport economy and profitability,” Mr Erdtman says.
The delivery agreement is available to the hauliers that DHL relies on for transport services in Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Italy. In Great Britain, a separate agreement also applies to purchases of trucks for DHL’s own fleet.
The range of standardised specifications includes distribution trucks featuring 9-litre engines and tractor units with 13-litre engines, all meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
DHL is one of the leading companies in international express deliveries, road transport and air freight services, as well as in maritime cargo and logistics solutions.
The agreement with DHL is being made by Scania’s corporate International Fleet Sales unit. This unit focuses on international and cross-border fleet sales, global account management and the coordination of added value service offerings from the Scania distribution network. By combining these resources, Scania can develop consistent and comprehensive solutions for its global customers.
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General Motors Media Statement Attributed To President & CEO Fritz Henderson
Today we learned that Penske Automotive Group (PAG) has decided to terminate discussions with General Motors to acquire Saturn. This is very disappointing news and comes after months of hard work by hundreds of dedicated employees and Saturn retailers who tried to make the new Saturn a reality. PAG’s announcement explained that their decision was not based on interactions with GM or Saturn retailers; rather it was because of the inability to source new products beyond what it had asked GM to build on contract.
As a result of PAG’s decision, we will be winding down the Saturn brand and dealership network, in accordance with the wind-down agreements that Saturn dealers recently signed with GM. Pursuant to the terms of those agreements, the wind down process will be determined and communicated shortly.
Saturn customers and owners will continue to be able to purchase and have their vehicles serviced at Saturn retailers during this process. Once the wind down is complete, Saturn owners will still be able to have their vehicles serviced at other GM dealerships. We will be communicating with our customers very soon to explain the next steps in this process.
Today’s disappointing news comes at a time when we’d hoped for a successful launch of the Saturn brand into a new chapter. We will be working closely with our dealers to ensure Saturn customers are cared for as we transition them to other GM dealers in the months ahead. I’d also like to thank every GM employee and Saturn retailer who worked so hard to try to make this new beginning happen for Saturn.
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TMC to Hire Approximately 1,600 Fixed-term Employees
Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it has decided the number of fixed-term employees it plans to hire starting in October will be approximately 1,600.
The decision to increase the number of contract employees reflects future production plans, against a backdrop of gradually recovering worldwide automobile sales encouraged by tax-incentive and subsidy programs implemented in various countries.
Recruiting is to center on former TMC fixed-term employees, with those recruited expected to take up positions in various plants and other workplaces from the beginning of October to early November.
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Mercedes-Benz Brazil hires 800 new employees for truck and bus production
Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brasilien
,
Sep 30, 2009
*Recruitment is driven by the recovery of the Brazilian market.
*In addition to the 800 new employees, 350 temporary employees and 160 apprentices will become regular contract employees
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil is hiring 800 new employees to work in trucks and buses production, in its plant in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Sao Paulo. Furthermore, the current 350 temporary employees will become regular contract employees during October. Additionally to the mentioned figures the company will take over 160 apprentices as regular employees.
The new hires are in response to the first signs of recovery in the Brazilian domestic market for commercial vehicles, driven by the Brazilian economy, including the recent announcement of GDP growth in the second quarter of this year. According to Gero Herrmann, president of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, “the new contracts demonstrate the confidence of the company in the country’s economic recovery after a period of world crisis.”
The Brazilian market has shown a recovery in sales of trucks and buses by mid of 2009, driven mainly by sectors such as agro business, construction and mining and further renewal of bus fleets.
In August for example, the commercial vehicle market over 6 tonnes achieved the highest monthly level in 2009 with nearly 11,500 units sold. Mercedes-Benz do Brazil sold 2,914 trucks over 6 tonnes in August 2009, getting almost 32% market share. In the bus sector, Mercedes-Benz do Brasil had a market share of 50%, with 1,216 units sold in the same period.
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil is the largest manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz trucks outside Germany. Sao Bernardo do Campo is the only plant of Daimler Trucks to produce trucks, bus chassis and aggregates in the same production site. Since 1956, when it began its activities in Sao Bernardo do Campo, the Company has produced more than 1,200,000 trucks and buses around 540,000.
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GM Creates Diversity Leadership Team
DETROIT – GM has appointed a team of senior leaders within the company to oversee its diversity strategies. The new Diversity Leadership Team will report directly to GM’s Executive Committee, the company’s top decision-making group.
The move is part of GM’s continued commitment to creating an environment that values diversity and inclusion and enables all employees, suppliers and dealers to contribute fully to the company, said GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson.
“To win in the marketplace, we have to respond to an increasingly diverse base of customers around the world. To do that successfully, we need diverse employees, suppliers and dealers who bring together a wide range of ideas, experiences, and perspectives,” Henderson said.
“The new Diversity Leadership team makes diversity and inclusion a focal point for our company’s top executives.”
Henderson appointed Mary Barra, GM vice president of Global Human Resources, to lead the new team. Barra reports directly to Henderson.
The other members of the Diversity Leadership Team are:
* Mark LaNeve, vice president, U.S. Sales
* Grace Lieblein, president and managing director, GM de Mexico
* Mark Reuss, vice president, Global Product Development
* Mike Robinson, vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy
* Bob Socia, vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain
* Kevin Williams, vice president, Service and Parts Operations
The team will direct GM’s diversity and inclusion strategies for employee, dealer and supplier recruitment, retention and development. Each member will also work closely with GM’s employee affinity groups.
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