Ford's Focus and Edge Buck Turbulent Economy

- Ford Edge retail sales up 35 percent as consumer demand accelerates in California and other coastal regions.

- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 213,074, down 14 percent.

- Total Ford Motor Company sales (including Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo) totaled 227,143, down 14 percent.

DEARBORN, Mich., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sales for Ford's redesigned small car and acclaimed crossover utility continued to buck economic trends during March.

Retail sales for the Ford Focus were the highest for any month since August 2005 -- with retail sales up 36 percent in March and 35 percent in the first quarter compared with the same periods a year ago.

The new Focus has helped Ford increase its share in the growing small car market and is attracting younger buyers. Compared with the previous model, buyers are equipping the Focus with more features, like SYNC, Ford's exclusive, in-car connectivity technology that fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and MP3 players by voice activation.

Edge retail sales were up 35 percent in March and 52 percent in the first quarter, thanks in part to stronger sales on the coasts. The California region accounted for more than 10 percent of Edge sales in the first quarter of 2008, versus 7 percent in the first quarter 2007. First quarter retail sales on the west coast and Northeast more than doubled compared with a year ago.

This signals the growing appeal of the country's best-selling crossover in 2007. During the first quarter of 2007, Edge's introduction quarter, more than one-third of Edge retail sales came from the Great Lakes area. During the same period in 2008, this region drove only one-fourth of Edge sales.

"This reflects how much customers who haven't traditionally even considered our products are starting to warm up to Ford and is just an indication of more to come," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "We're optimistic the new Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS will help increase consumers' consideration for our brands beyond our traditional geographic regions of strength."

In March, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 213,074, down 14 percent compared with a year ago. Sales to individual retail customers were 17 percent lower than a year ago, with essentially the entire decline concentrated among truck and sport utility vehicles. Sales to daily rental companies were down 13 percent versus a year ago, and total fleet sales, including daily rental, were down 9 percent.

"This is a very challenging external environment, reflecting a seismic shift in consumer preferences," said Farley. "These conditions will likely persist in the near future. At Ford, we remain focused on executing our plan, which includes being profitable at lower volume and changed mix.

"It is crucial we continue to employ a disciplined process to gauge demand and plan production on a segment-by-segment and region-by-region basis," said Farley.

Total Ford Motor Company sales, including Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo, totaled 227,143, down 14 percent.

Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.


FORD MOTOR COMPANY MARCH 2008 U.S. SALES                ----------------------------------------

                               March          %      Year-To-Date      %
                               -----                 ------------
                           2008     2007   Change   2008     2007   Change
                           ----     ----   ------   ----     ----   ------
 Sales By Brand
    Ford                  187,828  216,788  -13.4  483,817  522,588   -7.4
    Mercury                14,333   17,426  -17.7   34,435   43,873  -21.5
    Lincoln                10,913   14,770  -26.1   28,471   35,127  -18.9
                           ------   ------          ------   ------
      Total Ford, Lincoln
       and Mercury        213,074  248,984  -14.4  546,723  601,588   -9.1

    Jaguar                  1,752    1,667    5.1    3,479    4,248  -18.1
    Land Rover              3,054    3,663  -16.6    8,732   10,202  -14.4
    Volvo                   9,263   10,661  -13.1   24,804   26,922   -7.9
                            -----   ------          ------   ------
       Total Ford Motor
        Company           227,143  264,975  -14.3  583,738  642,960   -9.2

 Memo: Cars and Trucks
    Cars                   80,915   89,484   -9.6  195,324  216,277   -9.7
    Trucks                146,228  175,491  -16.7  388,414  426,683   -9.0
                          -------  -------         -------  -------
       Total Ford Motor
        Company           227,143  264,975  -14.3  583,738  642,960   -9.2


FORD BRAND MARCH 2008 U.S. SALES
--------------------------------

                            March          %       Year-To-Date      %
                             -----                  ------------
                         2008     2007    Change   2008     2007    Change
                         ----     ----    ------   ----     ----    ------
Escape                  18,517   16,521    12.1   43,900   39,317    11.7
Edge                    13,508   10,915    23.8   36,034   24,478    47.2
Taurus X                 3,109    4,313   -27.9    7,497    9,793   -23.4
Explorer                10,969   12,876   -14.8   27,638   34,723   -20.4
Expedition               6,967   10,505   -33.7   18,226   24,149   -24.5
Freestar                     0      452  -100.0        0    2,026  -100.0
Econoline/Club Wagon    12,213   19,445   -37.2   36,412   46,506   -21.7
Ranger                   8,620    7,989     7.9   21,597   18,491    16.8
F-Series                54,465   71,481   -23.8  148,138  171,651   -13.7
Low Cab Forward             74      248   -70.2      223      663   -66.4
Heavy Trucks               621    1,291   -51.9    1,731    3,205   -46.0
                            ---    -----            -----    -----
   Total Ford Trucks    129,063  156,036   -17.3  341,396  375,002    -9.0
                        -------  -------          -------  -------


LINCOLN AND MERCURY BRAND MARCH 2008 U.S. SALES             -----------------------------------------------

                                March         %      Year-To-Date     %
                                -----                ------------
                             2008    2007   Change   2008    2007   Change
                             ----    ----   ------   ----    ----   ------

 Mariner                     3,784   3,112    21.6   9,168   8,430     8.8
 Mountaineer                 1,443   1,882   -23.3   4,728   5,998   -21.2
 Monterey                        0     158  -100.0       0     477  -100.0
                                 -     ---               -     ---
   Total Mercury Trucks      5,227   5,152     1.5  13,896  14,905    -6.8

 MKX                         3,487   3,054    14.2   9,332   7,063    32.1
 Navigator                   1,614   2,458   -34.3   4,832   6,093   -20.7
 Mark LT                       387     805   -51.9   1,127   2,228   -49.4
                               ---     ---           -----   -----
   Total Lincoln Trucks      5,488   6,317   -13.1  15,291  15,384    -0.6
                             -----   -----          ------  ------

   Total Mercury
   and Lincoln Trucks     10,715  11,469    -6.6  29,187  30,289    -3.6
                            ------  ------          ------  ------

VOLVO BRAND MARCH 2008 U.S. SALES
---------------------------------

                                   March        %     Year-To-Date     %
                                   -----              ------------
                               2008    2007  Change   2008    2007  Change
                               ----    ----  ------   ----    ----  ------
 C30                             378       0      NA  1,062       0      NA
 S40                           1,528   2,201  -30.6   3,977   5,673  -29.9
 V50                             172     304  -43.4     492     722  -31.9
 S60                           1,243   1,702  -27.0   4,266   4,377   -2.5
 V70                             263     371  -29.1     644     849  -24.1
 XC70                          1,014   1,127  -10.0   2,912   3,077   -5.4
 C70                             654     368   77.7   1,500   1,008   48.8
 S80                           1,629   1,392   17.0   3,764   3,103   21.3
 XC90                          2,382   3,196  -25.5   6,187   8,113  -23.7
                               -----   -----          -----   -----
   Total Volvo                 9,263  10,661  -13.1  24,804  26,922   -7.9


LAND ROVER BRAND MARCH 2008 U.S. SALES                   --------------------------------------

                                   March        %    Year-To-Date     %
                                   -----             ------------
                                2008   2007  Change  2008    2007   Change
                                ----   ----  ------  ----    ----   ------
 Range Rover                      778  1,159  -32.9  2,295   2,909   -21.1
 Range Rover Sport              1,192  1,356  -12.1  3,173   3,801   -16.5
 LR3                              482  1,148  -58.0  1,302   3,491   -62.7
 LR2                              602      0     NA  1,962       0      NA
 Freelander                         0      0     NA      0       1  -100.0
                                   --     --            --      --
   Total Land Rover             3,054  3,663  -16.6  8,732  10,202   -14.4

Source: Ford Motor Company  

Mercedes-Benz USA Reports March Sales of 20,808
Highest First Quarter on Record Despite Marginal Decrease for the Month

MONTVALE, N.J., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- While experiencing a marginal 3.7 percent decrease in its sales for the month of March (20,808 vs. 21,612), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a three percent increase for the first quarter of 2008 (57,647 vs. 55,985) bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history.

Highlights for the month include growth in various segments of Mercedes' diverse product portfolio. The volume-leading entry-level C-Class model line demonstrated a significant increase with a 49.6 percent gain (6,713 vs. 4,486 units). On the other end of the portfolio, sales of the high-end luxury CL coupes were slightly above last March with nearly a 1 percent increase (297 vs. 295 units). The popularity of the sleek CLS-Class grew from 803 units last March to 935 units this March, an increase of 16.4 percent. In the SUV segment, M-Class sales jumped 21.8 percent (3,189 vs. 2,619 units).

For the first quarter of 2008, the biggest increases in Mercedes-Benz sales were posted for the C-Class model line with 39.6 percent gains (17,141 vs. 12,282 units) and the M-Class model line which rose 28.5 percent (9,507 vs. 7,401 units).

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA sold 5,110 vehicles in March, bringing first quarter sales to 13,251 units, a 4.3 percent increase over the same period last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ .
                           MERCEDES-BENZ USA
                          Sales -- March 2008

 Model        March '08  March '07  Monthly %  YTD 2008  YTD 2007  Yearly %

 GL-CLASS        1,908     2,221     -14.1%      5,681     5,972     -4.9%

 R-CLASS           874     1,225     -28.7%      2,807     2,938     -4.5%

 M-CLASS         3,189     2,619      21.8%      9,507     7,401     28.5%

 G-CLASS            73       174     -58.0%        277       353    -21.5%

 GRAND TOTAL    20,808    21,612      -3.7%     57,647    55,985      3.0%

Source: Mercedes-Benz USA  

Daimler AG Reports 22,542 Unit Sales for U.S. Passenger Vehicles for March 2008

NEW YORK, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (NYSEAI) today reported total group sales (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 22,542 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for March 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

While experiencing a marginal 3.7 percent decrease in its sales for the month of March (20,808 vs. 21,612), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a three percent increase for the first quarter of 2008 (57,647 vs 55,985) bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company's history. Highlights for the first quarter 2008 include significant increases in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model line (up 39.6 percent) and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class model line (up 28.5 percent).

smart USA continues to deliver vehicles to excited reservation holders across the United States. Currently 67 smart centers are operational and representing smart in the U.S. American consumer response remains strong as the company still has well over 30,000 net reservations and dealership traffic remains strong.

Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.

  Daimler AG U.S. Passenger Vehicles Sales Summary Through March 2008

                       Month Sales      %         Sales CYTD         %
                    Curr Yr   Pr Yr   Change    Curr Yr  Pr Yr    Change

 Mercedes-Benz USA   20,808   21,612   -3.7   57,647    55,985     3.0
 smart USA            1,734    n/a*     n/a*   3,476     n/a*      n/a*

 * smart sales in the U.S. started in mid January 2008

Source: Daimler AG  

American Honda March Sales Boosted by Record Car Sales

TORRANCE, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda Motor *** Inc., posted a March 2008 sales result of 138,734 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 4.2 percent based on the daily selling rate,* the company announced today. March 2007 sales results included two additional selling days and totaled 143,392.

Led by strong sales of the Accord, Civic and Fit, American Honda total car sales posted record monthly results of 83,214, an increase of 11.1 percent. Year-to-date, American Honda total vehicle sales reached 352,642, an increase of 0.9 percent.

"The Honda product portfolio is adapting well to the current direction of the marketplace," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "People are clearly being more strategic with their money as parts of the economy seek balance and other parts adjust to record-high gasoline prices."

The Honda Division posted March sales of 125,446 cars and light-trucks, an increase of 6.9 percent compared to year-ago results. Fit, up 73.8 percent to 6,835, eclipsed the previous all-time record of 6,450 set in August 2007. Civic, up 18.6 percent to 32,740, set a new March record, surpassing the previous mark of 30,037 set in 2000. Civic Hybrid sales leaped 44.3 percent to 3,769 to a new March record, beating the previous March record of 2,896 in 2005. Additional highlights include the Accord, up 6.8 percent to 36,214; the CR-V, up 3.9 percent to 18,974; and the Odyssey, up 3.4 percent to 13,261. Year-to-date, the Honda Division is up 2.8 percent to 315,102.

The Acura Division posted total vehicle sales of 13,288, down 15.8 percent. The MDX luxury SUV was Acura's best-selling model, with March sales of 4,434. Year-to-date, Acura Division total vehicle sales reached 37,540.

*The daily selling rate is calculated with 26 selling days for March 2008, versus 28 for March 2007. The year-to-date selling rate is calculated with 76 days through March 2008, versus 77 for 2007. All percentages contained in this press release represent the daily selling rate.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda and Acura vehicles, please visit http://www.hondanews.com/ or http://www.acuranews.com/. Consumer information is available at http://www.honda.com/ and http://www.acura.com/.

              American Honda Vehicle Sales For March 2008
                             Month-to-Date              Year-to-Date
                         March    March   DSR**    March    March   DSR**
                         2008     2007    % Chg.   2008     2007    % Chg.
American Honda Total   138,734  143,392    4.2%  352,642  354,208    0.9%
 Total Car Sales      83,214   80,633   11.1%  201,399  194,550    4.9%
 Total Truck Sales    55,520   62,759   -4.7%  151,243  159,658   -4.0%
 Truck Sales          49,329   55,550   -4.4%  133,333  140,134   -3.6%
  Acura Truck Sales    6,191    7,209   -7.5%   17,910   19,524   -7.1%
 
Domestic Truck Sales *  42,508   43,734    4.7%  114,980  112,719    3.3%
  Honda Division       36,317   36,525    7.1%   97,070   93,195    5.5%
  Acura Division        6,191    7,209   -7.5%   17,910   19,524   -7.1%
Import Truck Sales      13,012   19,025  -26.3%   36,263   46,939  -21.7%
  Honda Division       13,012   19,025  -26.3%   36,263   46,939  -21.7%
 

MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION
Honda Division Total   125,446  126,406    6.9%  315,102  310,547    2.8%
Odyssey *            13,261   13,805    3.4%   33,697   37,346   -8.6%
Pilot *              10,168   14,339  -23.6%   31,424   34,081   -6.6%
CR-V *               18,974   19,658    3.9%   50,684   47,572    7.9%
Element *             3,207    3,741   -7.7%    8,030   10,126  -19.7%
Ridgeline             3,719    4,007    0.0%    9,498   11,009  -12.6%
 
Acura Division Total    13,288   16,986  -15.8%   37,540   43,661  -12.9%
MDX *                 4,434    4,785   -0.2%   12,961   13,268   -1.0%
RDX *                 1,757    2,424  -21.9%    4,949    6,256  -19.9%

Source: American Honda Motor *** Inc.  

Hyundai Motor America Breaks March Record Set in 2007

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced record sales of 42,796 for the month of March, a two percent increase over the same record-setting period last year.

"We are very encouraged by our March results, especially considering the challenging market we are in," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of national sales. "Our redesigned Sonata posted a solid seven percent increase over a year ago, while Accent, Elantra and Azera all saw double-digit growth compared with March of last year. We are cautiously optimistic and feel our brand is very well positioned to respond to the emerging spring selling season."

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

 CARLINE               MAR/2008     MAR/2007       CY2008       CY2007

 ACCENT                   3,938        3,427       10,214        8,272
 SONATA                  11,306       10,584       24,431       29,997
 ELANTRA                 11,505       10,343       23,870       22,832
 TIBURON                    829        1,247        2,071        2,903
 SANTA FE                 7,972        8,470       17,691       21,239
 AZERA                    2,922        2,395        5,706        5,864
 TUCSON                   2,427        3,982        6,013        9,694
 ENTOURAGE                  627        1,358        1,542        3,226
 VERACRUZ                 1,270          178        3,800          178
 TOTAL                   42,796       41,984       95,338      104,205

Source: Hyundai Motor America  

Mazda Announces March Sales for North America

IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported U.S. sales of 32,929 vehicles, its best month since last year's best-ever March. Including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, total MNAO sales were 43,496 vehicles. Mazda Canada, Inc. and Mazda Motor de Mexico both reported best-ever March sales with increases of 11.7 percent and 12.0 percent respectively.

Signaling the continuation of a shift in consumers' tastes to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, the MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle reported its best-ever month, with sales of 2,758 units accounting for a 66.4 percent increase versus last year. Redesigned for 2008, the six-passenger MAZDA5 boasts more standard features, improved fuel economy and a new five-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda's highly acclaimed CX-9 crossover SUV, which has taken home more than a dozen awards including North American Truck of the Year and Motor Trend's 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year, reported a 9.7 percent increase in sales with 2,679 units sold.

On a calendar-year-to-date basis, Mazda sales in the U.S. were down 1.8 percent with 77,689 vehicles sold; MCI sales were up 10.4 percent with 19,597 vehicles sold; and MMdM sales were up 39.0 percent with 5,029 vehicles sold.

"The weakening economy is causing a ripple effect that's hurting all industries, including automotive," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. "As we close our fiscal year, I can look back and say it was a successful one for Mazda from a sales and product perspective. With the record sales we had last March, we knew this month was going to be tough -- now we need to focus on moving forward, keeping our heads down, and remembering that the car business isn't a sprint, it's a marathon."

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.

Mazda North American Operations - March 2008

                      Month-To-Date                 Year-To-Date

                 March   March          %     March      March          %
                  2008    2007     Change      2008       2007     Change
 CX-7            3,396   4,221    (19.5)%     9,136      9,940     (8.1)%
 CX-9            2,679   2,443       9.7%     6,729      3,694      82.2%
 Tribute         1,568     941      66.6%     4,112      1,703     141.5%
 B-Series Truck    155     233    (33.5)%       366        867    (57.8)%
 MPV               -         1   (100.0)%       -          120   (100.0)%

 TRUCKS          7,798   7,839     (0.5)%    20,343     16,324      24.6%

Source: Mazda North American Operations  

Mitsubishi Motors Reports March Sales

CYPRESS, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced total March 2008 sales of 10,750.

 -- Galant was the volume leader at 2,676, up 26.6% from last March's volume.

 -- Overall Mitsubishi sales were off 14.2% for March compared to March
    2007 sales of 12,536.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 480 dealers.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors  

BMW Group Reports March Sales
BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) sales down by 5.4 percent in March as expected, stronger increase in the second half of the year anticipated.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) today reported March vehicle sales of 27,404, down 5.4 percent from the 28,980 vehicles sold in the same month of 2007. For the first quarter of 2008, BMW Group sales are down 9.2 percent, to 68,529 vehicles versus the 75,433 sold in the first three months of 2007.

The results reflect BMW Group's expectations for the month. As planned and already communicated, BMW of North America expects a stronger increase in sales in the second half of the year. Sales will be driven by new products coming to market this year. Among others, this year sees the introduction of the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible; BMW's X6 Sports Activity Coupe; BMW M3 Coupe, Sedan and Convertible; and the new twin-turbo charged Advanced Diesel engines for the 3 Series and the X5. MINI continues its success story in the U.S. with the launch of its third variant -- the all new MINI Clubman - which hit showrooms just last month.

BMW Brand Sales
BMW brand sales were down 8.7 percent, to 23,115 vehicles compared to 25,325 vehicles sold during March 2007. Year-to-date, BMW reported sales of 58,365 vehicles compared to the 67,360 reported in the same period a year ago, a decrease of 13.4 percent.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles
Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 41 percent for the month, to 3,884 vehicles compared to the 6,579 reported in March 2007. Year-to-date, BMW SAV sales are down 22.4 percent to 12,212 vehicles from 15,744 in 2007.

MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported a 17.3 percent increase in March sales, to 4,289 cars compared to 3,655 cars sold in the same period a year ago. MINI USA also reported sales of 10,164 for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 25.9 percent over the 8,073 sold in the same period a year ago.


Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, March 2008

                     March     March    %       YTD      YTD       %
                  2008      2007             2008     2007
BMW brand          23,115    25,325   -8.7    58,365   67,360    -13.4
 
BMW lighttrucks   3,884     6,579  -41.0    12,212   15,744    -22.4
 
MINI brand        4,289     3,655   17.3    10,164    8,073     25.9

TOTAL Group        27,404    28,980   -5.4    68,529   75,433     -9.2


Sales BMW of North America, LLC, March 2008

                                                     YTD     YTD
                         March 08  March 07      %  March 08 March 07     %
 X3                        1,732     2,872  -39.7%   4,190    6,674  -37.2%
 X5                        2,152     3,707  -41.9%   8,022    9,070  -11.6%
 BMW light trucks (SAVs)   3,884     6,579  -41.0%  12,212   15,744  -22.4%
 BMW brand                23,115    25,325   -8.7%  58,365   67,360  -13.4%
 Cooper Hardtop            2,752     2,940   -6.4%   7,167    6,566    9.2%
 Cooper Convertible          472       715  -34.0%   1,229    1,507  -18.4%
 Cooper Clubman            1,065         0           1,768       0
 MINI brand                4,289     3,655   17.3%  10,164    8,073   25.9%
 TOTAL BMW of North
  America, LLC            27,404    28,980   -5.4%  68,529   75,433   -9.2%

Source: BMW of North America,  

Nissan North America Announces March Sales

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported sales of 106,921 units in March, up 3.6 percent on a daily sales rate basis. NNA posted a sales increase of 3.0 percent for fiscal year 2007, ending March 31, 2008, versus FY06.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
 -- Nissan-brand vehicles saw sales of 93,100 units in March, a 3.1 percent increase on a daily sales rate basis compared with March's 97,242 units sold.
 -- Nissan Division's volume for the 2007 fiscal year was 931,976 units, up 3.0 percent from the prior fiscal year.
 -- The Rogue crossover continued its sales growth, with 6,873 units sold.
 -- Combined sales of Nissan cars posted their best ever month of sales,
    with 56,453 cars sold.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
 -- Infiniti sales rose 7.3 percent on a daily sales rate basis, with 13,821 units sold, compared with last March's 13,877 units.
 -- Infiniti ended the fiscal year with sales totaling 127,026, up 2.7 percent from 124,504 units a year ago.

In North America, NNA's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on NNA and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com.

NISSAN DIVISION SALES Monthly
                March    March      DSR     CYTD      CYTD   CYTD DSR
                 2008     2007    % Change   2008      2007   % Change

Nissan Division
Frontier         4,802    7,254    -28.7    13,527    17,210   -20.4
Titan            3,869    7,563    -44.9    11,355    18,847   -39.0
Xterra           3,141    5,705    -40.7    10,203    15,609    33.8
Pathfinder       4,132    6,323    -29.6    10,830    16,151   -32.1
Armada           1,941    3,682    -43.2     5,469     8,842   -37.3
Rogue            6,873       NA       NA    17,531        NA      NA
Murano           9,710   11,822    -11.5    25,473    26,417    -2.3
Quest            2,179    3,404    -31.1     5,277     8,458   -36.8
Total Truck      36,647   45,753    -13.7    99,665   111,534    -9.5



INFINITI DIVISION SALES   Monthly
            March    March      DSR     CYTD      CYTD   CYTD DSR
            2008     2007    % Change   2008      2007   % Change
Total        13,821   13,877      7.3    32,533    32,545     1.3
Q45               0        2   -100.0         0        15  -100.0
QX56         1,024      936     17.8     2,765     2,499    12.1
EX           1,452       NA       NA     3,061        NA      NA
FX           1,323    2,179    -34.6     3,018     5,453   -43.9
Total Truck  3,799    3,115     31.3     8,844     7,952    12.7

Source: Nissan North America, Inc.  

Chrysler LLC March 2008 Sales Indicate Newest Models Have Strong Customer Appeal

- Total sales record set for fuel-efficient compact vehicle trio of Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot

- New long-wheel base minivan models' individual sales continue to grow

- All-new Dodge Journey off to a great new start

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC today reported total March 2008 sales of 166,386 units which is 19 percent below the same period last year. Total March sales reflect a combination of positive consumer response to new models, a sustained and planned reduction in daily- rental fleet vehicle sales and an industry-wide slowdown in large pickup truck and SUV sales. All sales figures are reported as unadjusted.

"We are in a period where the public hears news about the economy every day and it is clearly having an impact on our industry," said Vice Chairman and President Jim Press. "At the same time, this market environment is driving more customers to our newest value-oriented, fuel-efficient products like Jeep Patriot, Dodge Journey, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring. Chrysler's strategy to right-size our operations, increase fuel efficiency and reduce daily rental fleet sales will help us get through this period as a stronger company with healthier dealers."

Chrysler had solid customer interest for its combined compact vehicle lineup of the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and Patriot. Combined, the three vehicles reached 21,909 compact vehicle buyers in March, an increase of 51 percent from March 2007. All three models had increased sales in March to set a new monthly sales record for the lineup.

New customer sales increased 18 percent for Chrysler's two new long wheel base minivans, the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. Total Dodge Grand Caravan March sales were 14,101, an increase of 8 percent over the same model in 2007. The Chrysler Town & Country long wheel base model had strong March sales of 13,335 units, a year-over-year increase of 32 percent.

Chrysler's new mid-sized cars continue to grab marketshare with total Chrysler Sebring Sedan/Sebring Convertible sales up 23 percent and Dodge Avenger sales up 8 percent, for a 15 percent segment increase in March 2008. Another new vehicle, the Dodge Journey sold 2,640 units in its second month of sales.

The Company finished the month with 423,607 units of inventory, or a 66- day supply. Inventory is down by 15 percent compared with March 2007 when it was at 499,771 units.


Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru March 2008

                 Month Sales      Vol %     Sales CYTD      Vol %
    Model        Curr Yr   Pr Yr   Change  Curr Yr    Pr Yr  Change
PT Cruiser      5,305   8,531   -38%     15,604   25,333   -38%
Aspen           2,668   2,896    -8%      8,117    7,244    12%
Pacifica          866   6,438   -87%      2,693   16,432   -84%
Town & Country*  13,338  13,649    -2%     34,381   36,871    -7%
Compass          4,836   3,802    27%     10,400   11,838   -12%
Patriot          7,564   2,109   259%     17,248    2,928   489%
Wrangler         8,589  13,397   -36%     21,814   31,591   -31%
Liberty          7,366   9,634   -24%     23,047   24,363    -5%
Grand Cherokee   8,172  10,398   -21%     23,163   30,856   -25%
Commander        3,414   5,995   -43%      9,648   16,896   -43%

JEEP BRAND       39,941  45,335   -12%    105,320  118,472   -11%

Caliber          9,509   8,634    10%     31,331   27,206    15%
Magnum           1,150   2,983   -61%      5,354    8,425   -36%
Dakota           4,074   6,411   -36%      8,767   15,399   -43%
Ram P/U          26,318  38,301   -31%     68,862   91,313   -25%
Journey          2,640       0     0%      3,382        0     0%
Caravan*         14,104  17,921   -21%     33,271   52,889   -37%
Durango          2,691   4,362   -38%      9,258   14,590   -37%
Nitro            4,981   7,532   -34%     15,355   19,697   -22%
Sprinter         1,279     876    46%      3,815    2,253    69%

DODGE BRAND            85,906 109,226   -21%    231,931  279,305   -17%

Source: Chrysler LLC  

Subaru Reports Strong March 2008 Retail Sales

-- Impreza sales up 18 percent; Legacy sedan sales up 14 percent --

-- 1% gain in Retail sales --

CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported March sales of 16,685 total units. Retail sales were up 1% over March 2007, while fleet deliveries were lower than at the same time in 2007. Fleet deliveries are expected to be made up later in the year.

Both the Impreza and Legacy model lines recorded gains over the same period last year. The 2009 model year arrived in dealerships the last week of the month and sales were reported as brisk.

 Model                    2008 March      % v 2007
 Total Legacy Sedan         2,205         +14%
 Total Outback              4,378         -12%
 (incl. Legacy Wagon)
 Total Impreza              4,446        +18%
 Total Forester             4,615         -9%
 Total Tribeca              1,041        -17%
 Total                     16,685

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.  

Toyota Reports March Sales

TORRANCE, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March sales of 217,730 vehicles, a decrease of 3.4 percent from last March.

The Toyota Division posted March sales of 192,791, a decrease of 2.9 percent from last March. The Lexus Division reported March sales of 24,939 units, a decrease of 6.9 percent from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded March sales of 114,897 units, up 1.5 percent from last March. Passenger-car sales were led by Camry, which posted best-ever March sales of 40,487, an increase of 3.2 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 6,930 units in March, up 45 percent over March 2007. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted best-ever March sales of 20,635, an increase of 16.0 percent from last March. Yaris reported all-time best-ever sales of 12,953 units, up 83.2 percent over the year-ago month.

Toyota Division light truck sales were down 8.8 percent, with March sales of 77,894 units. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup, reporting March sales of 15,587 units. The Tundra full-size pickup posted best-ever March sales of 14,311, an increase of 16.8 percent over last March. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 10,832 in March. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 2,239 units for the month. Sequoia posted sales of 2,856 units for the month, up 19.8 percent over the same period last year.

Scion posted March sales of 11,131 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with March sales of 4,527 units, an increase of 74.2 percent over last March. The tC sports coupe, in its fourth model year, posted March sales of 4,082 units.

Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars reported March sales of 14,881 units, a decrease of 11.6 percent from March 2007. Passenger-car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with March sales of 6,019 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported combined sales of 4,798 units, an increase of 1.8 percent over last March. Sales of the all-new IS F luxury performance sedan were 323 units. The LS flagship luxury sedan reported combined sales of 2,125 units. The LS 600h L hybrid luxury sedan posted sales of 113 units for the month. Sales of the GS 460 luxury sport sedan reported a greater than ten-fold increase as compared to the GS 430 in March 2006.

Lexus Division light trucks reported March sales totaling 10,058 units, an increase of one percent from the year-ago month. The all-new LX 570 enjoyed sales of 642 units, an increase of 156.1 percent. The RX luxury utility vehicle posted combined March sales of 7,737 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,570 units for the month, up 15.0 percent over the year ago month.

TMS Hybrids
TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 50,204 units. TMS posted March sales of 31,552 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 19 percent from last March. Toyota Division posted sales of 29,804 hybrids while Lexus Division posted sales of 1,748 hybrids.

There were 26 selling days this month, as compared to 28 selling days last March.

TOYOTA  RETAIL  SALES (INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)
March, 2008

                  -- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --
                               DSR %                    DSR %
                2008     2007  CHG       2008     2007  CHG


SCION xB         4,527    2,799   74.2   11,670    8,500   39.1

SIENNA           12,631   13,071    4.1   34,299   34,959   -0.6
RAV4             12,955   17,837  -21.8   34,229   41,405  -16.2
FJ CRUISER       3,284    6,057  -41.6    9,875   16,045  -37.6
4RUNNER          5,075    9,052  -39.6   15,506   23,937  -34.4
HIGHLANDER       10,832   11,693   -0.2   33,668   31,383    8.7
LAND CRUISER     363      222   76.1    1,217      682   80.8
SEQUOIA          2,856    2,568   19.8    7,850    6,938   14.6
TOTAL SUV        35,365   47,429  -19.7  102,345  120,390  -13.9
 
4X2 TACOMA       9,090   10,851   -9.8   23,103   27,027  -13.4
4X4 TACOMA       6,497    7,392   -5.3   16,673   19,301  -12.5
TOTAL TACOMA     15,587   18,243   -8.0   39,776   46,328  -13.0
TUNDRA           14,311   13,196   16.8   40,784   29,186   41.6
TOTAL PICKUP     29,898   31,439    2.4   80,560   75,514    8.1
 
LX                642      270  156.1    1,921      826  135.6
GX                1,679    1,854   -2.5    4,885    5,239   -5.5
RX                7,737    8,603   -3.1   21,448   22,233   -2.3
TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK   10,058   10,727    1.0   28,254   28,298    1.2


Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.