Ford Focus Continues to Surprise, Outpace Segment

- Ford Focus sales were up 16 percent in July and 26 percent year-to-date.
- Total car sales up 8 percent.
- Consistent with industry trends, crossover sales in July were down 8 percent, sport utilities were down 54 percent, and trucks and vans were down 18 percent.
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 156,406 in July, down 13 percent.

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford's (NYSE:F) redesigned Focus continues to surprise auto industry watchers and customers alike with strong sales, revenue growth, fuel economy and industry-first technology.

While Ford and industry sales experienced a double-digit sales decline in July, Ford Focus sales climbed 16 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Focus sales were up 26 percent, compared with industry-wide small car growth of approximately 9 percent.

Focus has surprised in areas other than sales:

-- Transaction prices - Year-to-date, Focus transaction prices have increased $750 per unit compared with a segment-average increase of $100. Customers are purchasing more equipment, including Ford SYNC, and higher series levels.
-- Fuel Economy - In an independent test conducted by Edmunds.com called the Gas-Sipper Smackdown, Focus achieved 37.5 mpg on the highway. Focus has EPA highway fuel economy of 35 mpg -- better than the smaller 2008 Honda Fit and 2009 Nissan Versa ***
-- Cool Technology - Focus was named one of Kelley Blue Book's 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 based on its safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, fun-to-drive and the "decidedly subjective coolness factor."

"Focus continues to surprise and delight customers throughout the country, but the bombshell is in Texas, where Focus retail sales have almost doubled," said Jim Farley, Ford, group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "If we can increase small car sales in Texas, we can increase them anywhere." Year-to-date, Focus retail sales were up 91 percent in Texas and 46 percent nationwide.

Total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury car sales were up 8 percent compared with a year ago. Consistent with industry trends, crossover vehicles -- which include Ford Escape, Edge and Flex -- were down 8 percent. Sport utility vehicles -- such as Ford Explorer and Expedition -- were down 54 percent, and trucks and vans -- including Ford F-Series and Econoline -- were down 18 percent.

Overall, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle sales totaled 156,406 in July, down 13 percent versus a year ago; year-to-date sales totaled 1.265 million, also down 14 percent. Ford estimates industry-wide sales were down 11 percent year-to-date.

"We expect the second half of 2008 will be more challenging than the first half as economic and credit conditions weaken," said Farley.

Ford's full-year industry sales forecast is a range from 14.0 - 14.5 million vehicles (including medium and heavy trucks). The first half sales rate was approximately 15 million.

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 JULY 2008 U.S. SALES
---------------------------------------

                 July         %           Year-To-Date       %
                 ----                     ------------
                 2008     2007  Change       2008       2007  Change
                 ----     ----  ------       ----       ----  ------
Sales By Brand
Ford             138,175  160,590   -14.0  1,117,746  1,285,606   -13.1
Lincoln          8,819    8,929    -1.2     65,713     82,262   -20.1
Mercury          9,412   10,852   -13.3     82,007    106,044   -22.7
                      -----   ------             ------    -------
Total Ford,
Lincoln and
Mercury       156,406  180,371   -13.3  1,265,466  1,473,912   -14.1
Volvo           5,124    9,549   -46.3     51,305     63,357   -19.0
              -----    -----             ------     ------
Total Ford Motor Company 161,530  189,920   -14.9  1,316,771  1,537,269   -14.3

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Sales By  Type
Cars              57,177   53,062     7.8    457,622    479,977    -4.7
Crossover Utility
Vehicles         27,336   29,645    -7.8    240,393    236,943     1.5
Sport Utility
Vehicles         10,213   22,393   -54.4    108,921    172,957   -37.0
Trucks and Vans   61,680   75,271   -18.1    458,530    584,035   -21.5
               ------   ------            -------    -------
Total Trucks    99,229  127,309   -22.1    807,844    993,935   -18.7
                     ------  -------            -------    -------
Total Vehicles    156,406  180,371   -13.3  1,265,466  1,473,912   -14.1



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

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

 Crown Victoria       4,325    3,117    38.8     31,765     39,328   -19.2
 Taurus               4,100    6,163   -33.5     36,016     42,433   -15.1
 Fusion              10,607    9,347    13.5     98,530     88,042    11.9
 Focus               15,200   13,144    15.6    138,649    109,876    26.2
 Mustang             10,711   10,684     0.3     65,764     88,025   -25.3
 GT                       0        0      NA          0        231  -100.0
                          -        -                  -        ---
   Ford Cars         44,943   42,455     5.9    370,724    367,935     0.8

 Flex                 2,204        0      NA      3,583          0      NA
 Edge                 8,508    9,096    -6.5     77,235     67,879    13.8
 Escape              10,421   12,440   -16.2    102,486    104,645    -2.1
 Taurus X             2,034    2,705   -24.8     16,803     22,483   -25.3
                      -----    -----             ------     ------
   Ford Crossover
    Utility Vehicles 23,167   24,241    -4.4    200,107    195,007     2.6

 Expedition           3,469    8,169   -57.5     35,760     58,503   -38.9
 Explorer             5,404   11,212   -51.8     55,339     85,916   -35.6
                      -----   ------             ------     ------
   Ford Sport Utility
    Vehicles          8,873   19,381   -54.2     91,099    144,419   -36.9

 F-Series            44,829   56,488   -20.6    319,542    411,926   -22.4
 Ranger               4,677    5,662   -17.4     45,980     48,632    -5.5
 Econoline/Club
  Wagon              11,146   11,210    -0.6     85,721    106,045   -19.2
 Freestar                 0        0      NA          0      2,390  -100.0
 Low Cab Forward         81      221   -63.3        635      1,848   -65.6
 Heavy Trucks           459      932   -50.8      3,938      7,404   -46.8
                        ---      ---              -----      -----
   Ford Trucks and
    Vans             61,192   74,513   -17.9    455,816    578,245   -21.2
                     ------   ------            -------    -------

   Ford Brand       138,175  160,590   -14.0  1,117,746  1,285,606   -13.1



                   LINCOLN BRAND JULY 2008 U.S. SALES
                   ----------------------------------

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

 MKS                  2,279        0      NA      2,664          0      NA
 MKZ                  2,331    2,679   -13.0     20,978     19,732     6.3
 Town Car               943    1,079   -12.6      9,982     24,114   -58.6
 MKX                  2,010    2,870   -30.0     19,573     19,724    -0.8
 Navigator              768    1,543   -50.2      9,802     13,602   -27.9
 Mark LT                488      758   -35.6      2,714      5,090   -46.7
                        ---      ---              -----      -----

   Lincoln Brand      8,819    8,929    -1.2     65,713     82,262   -20.1



Source: Ford Motor Company  

Hyundai Motor America Reports July Sales

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 40,703 for the month of July, a 6.5 percent decrease over the same period last year.

"Although Accent and Elantra sales continued their upward trend with increases of 96 percent and 31 percent respectively over the same period last year, we experienced an overall slow down for the month of July," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of national sales. "We are encouraged going forward, however, due to the fact we have recently opened a new four-cylinder engine plant in Montgomery, Alabama, allowing us to shift our engine mix for future product. We also expect greater availability of our more-fuel efficient vehicles in the months to come and the demand for our new rear-wheel drive Genesis to continue to rise."

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.

 CARLINE        JULY/2008      JULY/2007       CY2008         CY2007

 ACCENT           6,740          3,435         34,924         22,361
 SONATA          11,409         14,802         77,336         82,460
 ELANTRA         10,454          7,982         72,432         57,914
 TIBURON          1,102          1,573          6,069          8,968
 SANTA FE         6,868          7,567         44,278         51,939
 AZERA              808          1,407         12,251         13,946
 TUCSON           1,521          3,452         13,268         23,802
 ENTOURAGE          482          1,544          3,514         13,490
 VERACRUZ           700          1,749          7,048          5,226
 GENESIS            619              0            649              0
 TOTAL           40,703         43,511        271,769        280,106

Source: Hyundai Motor America  

Kia Motors America Announces Record July Sales

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best July ever with record sales of 28,021 units, an increase of 5.0 percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 185,640 units, an increase of 2.5 percent over the same period last year.

Sportage had its best month of the year with 4,035 units, a 6.2 percent increase over the same period last year, while Spectra had strong sales of 5,910 units. Rio and Optima both had increases of 22.1 percent and 49.1 percent respectively over the same period last year with 3,707 and 6,258 units sold.

"For the fourth month in a row Kia has achieved record sales, something rare for the auto industry in 2008," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "During this difficult economic time, consumers are looking for quality vehicles that are fuel efficient and offer great value -- for this they are heading to Kia dealerships."

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site -- http://www.kia.com/. For media information, including photography, visit http://www.kiamedia.com/.

                    MONTH OF JULY                YEAR-TO-DATE
 Model            2008        2007             2008         2007
 Rio             3,707       3,035           24,668       19,275
 Spectra         5,910       5,773           48,867       42,927
 Optima          6,258       4,196           35,066       24,977
 Amanti            339         248            2,429        4,588
 Sportage        4,035       3,801           23,287       27,958
 Sorento         3,175       4,342           14,432       22,881
 Sedona          2,004       3,073           18,324       26,258
 Rondo           2,556       2,222           18,530       12,218
 Borrego            37         n/a               37          n/a

 Total          28,021      26,690          185,640      181,082

Source: Kia Motors America  

Acura Announces July Sales Results

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third consecutive month, the all-new TSX remains Acura's best-selling vehicle. In July, TSX sales were 3,474 units, up 15.9 percent over July 2007 sales based on daily selling rate*.

Total July sales for Acura were 12,828 units, down 17.7 percent versus 2007 sales.

"In a time when fuel economy is paramount, the all-new TSX delivers," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "The 2009 TSX offers plenty of performance, customer relevant technology and luxury features, while also providing excellent fuel mileage."

Further evidence that four-cylinder power and smart packaging are in high demand, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV set a new July sales record of 1,384 units. The TL performance luxury sedan posted sales of 3,961 vehicles making it the top selling Acura for July while RL luxury performance sedan sales tallied 532 units. Acura light truck sales for July were led by the MDX luxury SUV with 3,477 units. Acura year-to-date** sales are 90,742 units, down 14.8 percent versus 2007 sales.

For media information and high-resolution photos of Acura vehicles, please visit http://www.acuranews.com/. For consumer information, please visit http://www.acura.com/.

 *  The daily selling rate is calculated with 26 selling days for July 2008

    and 24 selling days for July 2007.
 ** Year-to-date sales based on 179 days for 2008 versus 178 days for 2007.



                             Month-to-Date              Year-to-Date
                         July      July   DSR**    July     July    DSR**
                         2008      2007   % Chg.   2008     2007    % Chg.
 Acura Division Total    12,828   14,381  -17.7%   90,742  105,921  -14.8%
    RSX                       0        2                1      293  -99.7%
    TL *                  3,961    4,721  -22.6%   27,642   35,756  -23.1%
    TSX                   3,474    2,767   15.9%   21,157   20,188    4.2%
    RL                      532      558  -12.0%    3,191    4,040  -21.5%
    MDX *                 3,477    4,949  -35.1%   28,039   31,976  -12.8%
    RDX *                 1,384    1,383   -7.6%   10,712   13,666  -22.1%
 Selling Days                26       24              179      178
    * Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced
      parts.
   ** Daily Selling Rate

Source: Acura  

American Honda Reports July Sales

Fit sets another all-time sales record; Honda car sales rise 6.7% for July record

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda Motor *** Inc. posted July total vehicle sales of 138,744, a daily-selling-rate basis* decline of 9.2 percent compared to July 2007 results.

Honda Division posted July sales of 125,916, a decline of 8.2 percent versus July 2007. The Fit sold an all-time record of 12,266, up 78.5 percent. Civic Hybrid broke its previous July record, set in 2006, with sales up 27.4 percent to 3,440, while the Accord increased 2.8 percent to 41,382.

"The uncertainties in the market have been quite profound in the past few weeks," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "We are adjusting our production to meet the rapidly changing needs of buyers and are confident these changes will provide the needed inventory as we move forward."

Honda total car sales of 82,976 increased by 6.7 percent to achieve a new July record. Honda light truck sales saw a decrease of 27.8 percent to 42,940.

The Acura Division posted sales of 12,828, a decrease of 17.7 percent* compared to July 2007. The division's all-new TSX continues to perform well with July sales up 15.9 percent to 3,474.

*The daily selling rate is calculated with 26 days for July 2008 and 24 days for 2007. All percentages reflect the daily selling rate.

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

                 American Honda Vehicle Sales For July 2008
                             Month-to-Date              Year-to-Date
                         July      July   DSR**    July     July    DSR**
                         2008      2007   % Chg.   2008     2007    % Chg.
 American Honda Total   138,744  141,049   -9.2%  937,102  907,978    2.6%
    Total Car Sales      90,943   79,804    5.2%  587,302  514,364   13.5%
    Total Truck Sales    47,801   61,245  -28.0%  349,800  393,614  -11.6%
       Honda Total Car
        Sales            82,976   71,755    6.7%  535,311  454,085   17.2%
       Honda Total
        Truck Sales      42,940   54,913  -27.8%  311,049  347,972  -11.1%
       Acura Total Car
        Sales             7,967    8,049   -8.6%   51,991   60,279  -14.2%
       Acura Total
        Truck Sales       4,861    6,332  -29.1%   38,751   45,642  -15.6%
 Domestic Car Sales *    63,115   66,365  -12.2%  432,371  416,660    3.2%
    Honda Division       59,154   61,644  -11.4%  404,729  380,904    5.7%
    Acura Division        3,961    4,721  -22.6%   27,642   35,756  -23.1%
 Domestic Truck Sales *  39,036   43,906  -17.9%  272,906  278,525   -2.6%
    Honda Division       34,175   37,574  -16.0%  234,155  232,883    0.0%
    Acura Division        4,861    6,332  -29.1%   38,751   45,642  -15.6%
 Import Car Sales        27,828   13,439   91.1%  154,931   97,704   57.7%
    Honda Division       23,822   10,111  117.5%  130,582   73,181   77.4%
    Acura Division        4,006    3,328   11.1%   24,349   24,523   -1.3%
 Import Truck Sales       8,765   17,339  -53.3%   76,894  115,089  -33.6%
    Honda Division        8,765   17,339  -53.3%   76,894  115,089  -33.6%
 MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION
 Honda Division Total   125,916  126,668   -8.2%  846,360  802,057    4.9%
    Fit                  12,266    6,343   78.5%   52,053   30,112   71.9%
    Accord *             41,382   37,142    2.8%  247,244  219,488   12.0%
      Memo: Accord
       Hybrid                 3      260  -98.9%      194    2,304  -91.6%
    Civic *              29,125   27,852   -3.5%  234,086  201,652   15.4%
      Memo: Civic
       Hybrid             3,440    2,493   27.4%   22,472   19,634   13.8%
    S2000                   201      418  -55.6%    1,920    2,820  -32.3%
    Insight                   0        0                0        3
    FCX                       0        0                6       10  -40.3%
    FCX Clarity               2                         2
    Odyssey *            13,123   14,141  -14.3%   85,712   94,479   -9.8%
    Pilot *               7,486   13,136  -47.4%   62,962   79,768  -21.5%
    CR-V *               17,419   20,083  -19.9%  122,230  124,262   -2.2%
    Element *             2,250    2,912  -28.7%   18,084   22,803  -21.1%
    Ridgeline             2,662    4,641  -47.1%   22,061   26,660  -17.7%
 Acura Division Total    12,828   14,381  -17.7%   90,742  105,921  -14.8%
    RSX                       0        2                1      293  -99.7%
    TL *                  3,961    4,721  -22.6%   27,642   35,756  -23.1%
    TSX                   3,474    2,767   15.9%   21,157   20,188    4.2%
    RL                      532      558  -12.0%    3,191    4,040  -21.5%
    MDX *                 3,477    4,949  -35.1%   28,039   31,976  -12.8%
    RDX *                 1,384    1,383   -7.6%   10,712   13,666  -22.1%
 Selling Days                26       24              179      178
    * Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced
      parts.
   ** Daily Selling Rate

Source: American Honda Motor *** Inc.  

Nissan North America Announces July Sales

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) (NASDAQ:NSANY) today reported sales for July of 95,319 units versus 87,877 units a year ago, an increase of 8.5 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles increased 9.9 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased by 2.9 percent.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

-- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 86,070 units in July compared with July 2007's 78,351 units sold, a 9.9 percent increase.

-- Nissan's Versa subcompact posted strong sales of 8,701 units, up 14.4 percent.

-- Nissan's Sentra posted a 16.0 percent increase with sales of 10,977 units.

-- Sales of Nissan cars combined for 49,863 units, an increase of 4.8 percent from the prior year, while truck sales increased 17.7 percent to 36,207 units.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

-- Infiniti sales for July declined to 9,249 units from 9,526, a decrease of 2.9 percent.

-- Sales of the G37 Coupe totaled 1,583 units, an increase of 45.0 percent over July 2007.

-- The all-new FX luxury crossover posted an increase of 19.2 percent with 1,729 units.

NNA INFORMATION

-- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 95,319 units, compared with last July's sales of 87,877 units, marking an increase of 8.5 percent.

-- To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This July had 26 selling days in the month, while July 2007 had 24 selling days.

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
                         July    July   Monthly   CYTD     CYTD      CYTD
                         2008    2007  % Change   2008     2007    % Change
 Nissan Division Total  86,070  78,351    9.9   546,522  549,935     -0.6
 Versa                   8,701   7,609   14.4    54,326   45,411     19.6
 Sentra                 10,977   9,461   16.0    70,081   66,540      5.3
 Altima                 24,429  24,464   -0.1   182,435  164,717     10.8
 Maxima                  4,814   4,503    6.9    26,134   30,010    -12.9
 350Z                      795   1,556  -48.9     7,372    12,536   -41.2
 GTR                       147      NA     NA       147        NA      NA
 Total Car              49,863  47,593    4.8   340,495  319,214      6.7
 Frontier                6,627   5,331   24.3    30,199   39,379    -23.3
 Titan                   3,972   5,708  -30.4    21,157   38,781    -45.4
 Xterra                  4,898   4,170   17.5    20,137   29,957    -32.8
 Pathfinder              4,711   4,931   -4.5    21,777   35,178    -38.1
 Armada                  1,699   2,218  -23.4    10,328   18,298    -43.6
 Rogue                   6,525      NA     NA    43,359       NA       NA
 Murano                  4,765   5,793  -17.7    46,539   50,868     -8.5
 Quest                   3,010   2,607   15.5    12,531   18,260    -31.4
 Total Truck            36,207  30,758   17.7   206,027  230,721    -10.7
 North American
  Produced              73,838  71,002    4.0   449,105  486,531     -7.7
 Car                    48,921  46,037    6.3   332,976  306,678      8.6
 Truck                  24,917  24,965   -0.2   116,129  179,853    -35.4
 Import                 12,232   7,349   66.4    97,417   63,404     53.6
 Car                       942   1,556  -39.5     7,519   12,536    -40.0
 Truck                  11,290   5,793   94.9    89,898   50,868     76.7


 INFINITI DIVISION SALES
                          July   July   Monthly   CYTD    CYTD     CYTD
                          2008   2007  % Change   2008    2007   % Change
 Infiniti Division Total  9,249  9,526   -2.9    71,118  73,322    -3.0
 G Sedan                  3,304  4,046   -18.3   28,208  33,291   -15.3
 G Coupe                  1,583  1,092    45.0   13,239   7,666    72.7
 M                          970  1,674   -42.1    9,747  13,376   -27.1
 Q45                         NA     NA      NA        0      20      NA
 QX56                       551  1,263   -56.4    5,146   6,457   -20.3
 EX                       1,112     NA      NA    7,365      NA      NA
 FX                       1,729  1,450    19.2    7,414  12,510   -40.7
 Total Car                5,857  6,813   -14.0   51,193  54,354    -5.8
 Total Truck              3,392  2,713    25.0   19,925  18,968     5.0


 COMBINED NISSAN AND INFINITI SALES
                       July    July   Monthly    CYTD      CYTD     CYTD
                       2008    2007  % Change    2008      2007   % Change
 TOTAL VEHICLE        95,319  87,877    8.5     617,640  623,257   -0.9
 Total Car            55,720  54,406    2.4     391,688  373,568    4.9
 Total Truck          39,599  33,471   18.3     225,952  249,689   -9.5
 Selling Days             26      24                179      178


 *All numbers include Hawaii.


Source: Nissan North America, Inc.  

Volvo Cars July Sales Report for North America


IRVINE, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2008) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, reports sales of 5,124 units in the United States for July, representing a 46.2 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.*


Overall in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Volvo has sold 56,887 units year-to-date, which is 20.1 percent off compared to the same period of 2007.* For the month in Canada, Volvo sales were off 50 percent, with 424 units sold, while Volvo sales in Mexico were off 5 percent, selling 207 units.


Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, 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 and Mexico.


* 2007 U.S. totals include Puerto Rico

Source: Volvo  

Mazda Reports July 2008 Sales, Small Cars Lead the Way

MAZDA3 Continues Its Hot Streak, Reports Best July Ever

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported July 2008 sales of 22,418 vehicles, a 13.3 percent decrease over last year. Year-to-date, Mazda reports 175,559 vehicles sold, down a slight 1.7 percent.

"As fuel prices continue to rise and consumer confidence continues to slip, new-car buyers are honing their choices, deciding on the smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles that a company like Mazda has always made," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. "We're in the enviable position of having trouble stocking enough MAZDA3s, MAZDA5s and MAZDA6s to meet this demand and this month's sales numbers reflect that."

The fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive MAZDA3 continues as Mazda's sales leader, with sales up 1.9 percent totaling 11,782, its best July ever. The MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 39.7 percent increase versus last July, with 1,336 units sold. Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 43.7 percent, proof-positive of consumers' changing tastes.

The all-new 2009 MAZDA6 is expected to arrive in showrooms this week. With a larger body than the outgoing car, as well as more powerful -- and more fuel efficient -- engine choices, the 2009 MAZDA6 is sure to be a hit.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever July and third-best month in its history with sales of 1,796 vehicles, up 48 percent versus last year. MAZDA3 5-door posted its best sales month ever. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reports 11,757 total sales, accounting for a 36 percent increase versus last year.

Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) reported sales of 7,996 units, up slightly (.08 percent).

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.

               Month-To-Date                     Year-To-Date
         July   July          %   % MTD    July    July         %   % YTD
         2008   2007     Change    DSR     2008    2007    Change    DSR

 Mazda3 11,782 11,567      1.9%   (6.0)%  73,257  74,196   (1.3)%   (1.8)%
 Mazda5  1,336    956     39.7%    22.7%  13,313   9,265    43.7%    30.0%
 Mazda6  2,470  3,672   (32.7)%  (60.6)%  35,533  36,356   (2.3)%   (2.9)%
 MX-5
  Miata  1,182  1,187    (0.4)%   (8.5)%   8,331  10,790  (22.8)%  (30.2)%
 RX-8      355    654   (45.7)%  (99.0)%   2,236   3,954  (43.4)%  (77.8)%
 CX-7    2,356  3,868   (39.1)%  (77.3)%  18,330  24,323  (24.6)%  (33.4)%
 CX-9    1,965  2,158    (8.9)%  (18.6)%  15,188  11,476    32.3%    24.0%
 Tribute   879  1,575   (44.2)%  (93.5)%   8,455   6,221    35.9%    26.0%
 B-Series
  Truck     93    219   (57.5)% (154.3)%     916   1,837  (50.1)% (101.7)%
 MPV       -       (3) (100.0)%      N/A    -        119 (100.0)%      N/A

 Total
  Vehicles

 CARS   17,125 18,036    (5.1)%  (13.7)% 132,670 134,561   (1.4)%   (2.0)%
 TRUCKS  5,293  7,817   (32.3)%  (59.5)%  42,889  43,976   (2.5)%   (3.1)%

 TOTAL  22,418 25,853   (13.3)%  (24.5)% 175,559 178,537   (1.7)%   (2.3)%


 MEMO:

 IMPORT
  CAR   14,655 14,364      2.0%           97,137  98,205   (1.1)%
 IMPORT
  TRUCK  4,321  6,023   (28.3)%           33,518  35,918   (6.7)%

 IMPORT
  TOTAL 18,976 20,387    (6.9)%          130,655 134,123   (2.6)%

 DOMESTIC
  CAR    2,470  3,672   (32.7)%           35,533  36,356   (2.3)%
 DOMESTIC
  TRUCK    972  1,794   (45.8)%            9,371   8,058    16.3%
 DOMESTIC
  TOTALS 3,442  5,466   (37.0)%           44,904  44,414     1.1%
 Selling
  Days      27     25                        181     180


 Note:  MPV is a discontinued vehicle.

Source: Mazda North American Operations  

Subaru July 2008 Sales Up

Impreza posts best July ever. Forester up 51%.

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported July sales of 16,271 total units -- a 5% increase over the same month in 2007. The company posted total Year-to-Date sales of 110,366 units, a 5% gain over YTD July 2007 (105,592 units).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO )

The Subaru Impreza posted its best July on record, and for the third straight month the 2009 Subaru Forester continued its strong sales launch, up an impressive 51 percent over the same period last year.

 Model                                 2008 July       % v 2007

 Total Impreza                           4,430           +19%

 Total Legacy                            1,748            -9%

 Total Outback                           3,746           -15%
 (incl. Legacy Wagon)

 Total Forester                          5,559           +51%

 Total Tribeca                             788           -53%

 Total                                  16,271            +5%



"Subaru is positioned well for the current automotive climate," said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales for Subaru of America. "Our products give a great combination of economy and capability that has allowed us to grow our market share every month this year, and we now have our highest market share ever. Demand is high for Forester as consumers look for a capable, more efficient alternative to bigger SUVs, and the Impreza line continues to set records."

"Subaru products represent the best all-around package in the auto industry and provide smart alternatives to traditional truck based SUVs," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president for Subaru of America. "In addition, the Subaru Outback, Forester and Tribeca models offer the customer all of the utility of an SUV, but with the fuel economy of a passenger car. Under the current market situation, Subaru products are in demand because of their AWD capability, utility, outstanding fuel economy, top safety pick designations by the IIHS, high resale values, significantly lower cost of ownership, and the fact that all Subaru products are built in environmentally friendly zero-landfill production plants in the U.S. and Japan," Doll added.

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.  

Mercedes-Benz Reports 11.6 Percent Increase for July Sales

MBUSA Records Best Year-to-Date Sales on Record

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles for July 2008, an 11.6 percent increase over last July. This brings the year-to-date total to 140,012 units, marking a 2.3 percent increase over the same period last year and setting the new record for MBUSA year-to-date sales.

Both the volume-leading C-Class and highly acclaimed E-Class model lines posted gains of 45.4 percent and 53 percent increases respectively. Other highlights for July sales include an 8.9 percent sales increase in CLK-Class coupes and cabriolets, and an impressive 28.1 percent increase for the full-sized GL-Class SUV. As a group, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars rose 17.8 percent for the month (15,239 vs. 12,936 units).

Compared to the first seven months of 2007, the popularity of the C-Class was demonstrated through a 37.9 percent sales increase with 43,603 units sold. Overall as a group, year-to-date sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars rose by 3.5 percent (100,398 vs. 97,022 units). Year-to-date increases were also recorded in the Mercedes-Benz SUV segment with a 0.7 percent gain in full-sized GL-Class sales and an 11.9 percent gain in M-Class sales.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA marked a 17.2 percent increase for July sales with 5,175 vehicles sold, bringing year-to-date sales to a total of 36,533 units, an increase of 19.9 percent over the same period in 2007.

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.

                           MERCEDES-BENZ USA
                           Sales -- July 2008

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

 C-CLASS         6,241     4,291      45.4%    43,603    31,619     37.9%

 E-CLASS         4,938     3,227      53.0%    25,101    25,473     -1.5%

 S-CLASS         1,577     2,521     -37.4%    11,216    15,070    -25.6%

 CL-CLASS          220       344     -36.0%     1,723     2,043    -15.7%

 SL-CLASS          501       551      -9.1%     3,902     3,918     -0.4%

 CLK-CLASS         872       801       8.9%     7,165     9,009    -20.5%

 SLK-CLASS         439       531     -17.3%     3,508     5,145    -31.8%

 CLS-CLASS         451       670     -32.7%     4,180     4,745    -11.9%

 R-CLASS           750     1,031     -27.3%     5,534     7,866    -29.6%

 M-CLASS         2,691     3,015     -10.7%    20,087    17,950     11.9%

 GL-CLASS        1,989     1,553      28.1%    13,439    13,342      0.7%

 G-CLASS            64        51      25.5%       554       646    -14.2%

 GRAND TOTAL    20,733    18,586      11.6%   140,012   136,826      2.3%

Source: Mercedes-Benz USA  

Audi of America Reports July Sales

- Audi expects to increase market share despite a decrease in month-to-month sales

- CPO sales are up again

- Audi A3, A6, A8 sales up

HERNDON, Va., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi of America, Inc. announced today auto sales for the month of July totaling 6,804, a decrease of 4.5% from last year's figures, yet the brand expects to gain market share based on better overall performance versus the luxury segment average. Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales continued to grow with another record-setting month; compared with last year's July figures, CPO sales rose to 2,669 units, an increase of 21.2%.

"Despite the negative pace of sales across the industry, Audi continues to outperform the market," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "There's been positive consumer reaction to our products, and there is a growing enthusiasm for the forthcoming launch of the all-new A4. In addition to the beautiful vehicles and the excellent technology, I think consumers are finding that Audi offers a portfolio of German-engineered vehicles that deliver strong fuel economy performance."

Nationwide, Audi sales of three models were up, demonstrating continued excitement around the brand, which has seen consistent movement throughout 2008: sales of the A3 jumped by 30.5%, and the A6 and A8 grew 14% and 2%, respectively.

Audi continues to impress industry analysts and other third-party industry watchers. J.D. Power and Associates', the respected industry organization that measures, among other things, quality within the auto industry, recently noted that Audi posted the greatest ranking improvement in initial quality during the 2008 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey.

To date, Audi has sold 51,827 vehicles in 2008, a 1.9% decrease over the previous year; CPO sales for 2008 total 20,940, an increase of 38.7% over 2007.

ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA

Audi of America, Inc. offers a line of luxury vehicles that include the Audi A3 sport compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models, the high-revving RS 4 sport sedan and Cabriolet; the all new A5 Coupe with FSI direct injection technology; the S5 Coupe with 354 hp; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the V-10 powered high performance S6 sedan; the Audi Q7 performance SUV; the new all-aluminum Audi A8 and A8L; the new S8 with V10 power; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models; and the all-new, all-aluminum R8, one of the most exclusive mid-engine sports cars in the world. Upcoming Audi vehicle launches in the USA include the updated A3 with quattro all-wheel drive (Sept. 2008), all-new A4 sedan/Avant (Sept. 2008), TTS coupe and Roadster (end 2008), Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Q1 2009), and Audi Q5 (Q1 2009). For more information, please visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com.

 AUDI US SNAPSHOT                                -----YEAR TO DATE-----
                    July-08   July-07  Yr/Yr %  July-08   July-07   Yr/Yr %
                    actual    actual   change    YTD       YTD     change
                                                actual    actual
 A3                   646      495     30.5 %   3,015     3,941    -23.5 %
 A4/S4/RS 4         3,479    3,497     -0.5 %  26,770    25,205      6.2 %
 A5/S5                394      n/a      n/a     2,754       n/a      n/a
 A6/S6                929      815     14.0 %   6,653     6,829     -2.6 %
 A8/S8                205      201      2.0 %   1,633     2,119    -22.9 %
 TT                   300      458    -34.5 %   2,825     2,110     33.9 %
 R8                    50      n/a      n/a       365       n/a      n/a
 Audi Q7              801    1,661    -51.8 %   7,812    12,634    -38.2 %
 Total Audi Sales   6,804    7,127     -4.5 %  51,827    52,838     -1.9 %

Source: Audi of America, Inc.  

Toyota Reports July Sales

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported July sales of 197,424 vehicles, a decrease of 18.7 percent from last July, on a daily selling rate basis.

The Toyota Division posted July sales of 175,242 units, a decrease of 17.9 percent from last July. The Lexus Division reported July sales of 22,182 units, a decrease of 24.6 percent from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded July sales of 114,880 units, down 5.4 percent from the same period last year. Passenger-car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid, which posted combined sales of 42,131 units. Camry Hybrid reported July sales of 2,645 units. Corolla recorded sales of 34,438 units for the month, up seven percent over July 2007. With limited availability, the Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted July sales of 14,785 units. Yaris reported July sales of 8,620 units.

"Having the industry's most fuel-efficient lineup is of value to us so long as we have the right product mix in our showrooms," said TMS President Jim Lentz. "That's why we're accelerating production of 4-cylinder models and quickly responding to market conditions with repurposed U.S. plants and plans for a U.S.-built Prius."

Toyota Division light trucks recorded July sales of 60,362 units, down 34.3 percent from July 2007. Light truck sales were led by the Tundra full- size pickup with July sales of 13,413 units. The Tacoma mid-size pickup reported sales of 11,662 units for the month. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 6,763 units in July. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported July sales of 1,371 units, up five percent over last July. Sequoia posted sales of 2,823 units for the month, up 50.4 percent over the same period last year.

Scion posted July sales of 11,906 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with July sales of 5,081 units. The tC sports coupe posted July sales of 4,787 units. The xD reported sales of 2,038 units for the month.

Lexus Division

Lexus passenger cars reported July sales of 13,219 units, a decrease of 27.2 percent from July 2007. Passenger-car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with July sales of 5,563 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported combined sales of 4,750 units. The LS flagship luxury sedan reported combined sales of 1,466 units. The GS luxury sport sedan reported combined July sales of 1,297 units.

Lexus Division light trucks recorded July sales of 8,963 units, down 20.3 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined July sales of 7,101 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported July sales of 1,439 units. The LX 570 reported sales of 843 units, an increase of 277.7 percent versus the same period last year.

TMS Hybrids

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 165,522 units. TMS posted July sales of 20,363 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division recorded sales of 18,801 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported July sales of 1,562 hybrids.

There were 26 selling days this month, as compared to 24 selling days last July.

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

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

 YARIS                  8,620    8,126    -2.1     73,300     54,648   33.4
 COROLLA               34,438   29,719     7.0    228,926    231,940   -1.9
 CAMRY                 42,131   41,514    -6.3    282,012    282,044   -0.6
 AVALON                 3,000    5,092   -45.6     27,438     42,614  -36.0
 PRIUS                 14,785   16,062   -15.0    106,225    110,565   -4.5
 SCION xA                   0      338  -100.0         39      9,204  -99.6
 SCION xB               5,081    5,073    -7.5     31,007     23,661   30.3
 SCION tC               4,787    6,229   -29.1     28,517     39,779  -28.7
 SCION xD               2,038        0       -     18,217          0      -
 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.
  PASS. CAR           114,880  112,153    -5.4    795,682    794,459   -0.4

 ES                     5,563    6,909   -25.7     38,719     47,307  -18.6
 LS                     1,466    2,696   -49.8     13,020     20,268  -36.1
 SC                       143      304   -56.6      1,373      2,400  -43.1
 GS                     1,297    1,954   -38.7     10,356     13,122  -21.5
 IS                     4,750    4,892   -10.4     31,010     32,568   -5.3
 TOTAL LEXUS
  PASS. CAR            13,219   16,755   -27.2     94,478    115,665  -18.8

 TOTAL TOYOTA
  PASS. CAR           128,099  128,908    -8.3    890,160    910,124   -2.7

 SIENNA                 8,726   11,599   -30.6     74,996     84,948  -12.2
 RAV4                  12,006   14,494   -23.5     83,522    101,618  -18.3
 FJ CRUISER             1,577    4,128   -64.7     18,239     33,882  -46.5
 4RUNNER                3,107    6,676   -57.0     30,228     50,870  -40.9
 HIGHLANDER             6,763    8,858   -29.5     68,152     73,607   -7.9
 LAND CRUISER             285      163    61.4      2,772      1,408   95.8
 SEQUOIA                2,823    1,733    50.4     19,367     14,582   32.1
 TOTAL SUV             26,561   36,052   -32.0    222,280    275,967  -19.9

 4X2 TACOMA             6,438    8,279   -28.2     54,359     63,059  -14.3
 4X4 TACOMA             5,224    5,684   -15.2     41,371     43,366   -5.1
 TOTAL TACOMA          11,662   13,963   -22.9     95,730    106,425  -10.6
 TUNDRA                13,413   23,150   -46.5     89,929    105,990  -15.6
 TOTAL PICKUP          25,075   37,113   -37.6    185,659    212,415  -13.1
 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.
  LT TRUCK             60,362   84,764   -34.3    482,935    573,330  -16.2
 LX                       843      206   277.7      5,021      1,751  185.1
 GX                     1,019    1,767   -46.8      9,783     12,273  -20.7
 RX                     7,101    8,413   -22.1     49,611     57,654  -14.4
 TOTAL LEXUS
  LIGHT TRUCK           8,963   10,386   -20.3     64,415     71,678  -10.6

 TOTAL TOYOTA
  LIGHT TRUCK          69,325   95,150   -32.7    547,350    645,008  -15.6

 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.    175,242  196,917   -17.9  1,278,617  1,367,789   -7.0
 TOTAL LEXUS           22,182   27,141   -24.6    158,893    187,343  -15.7

 TOTAL TOYOTA         197,424  224,058   -18.7  1,437,510  1,555,132   -8.1
 MEMO:
 DOM. COROLLA          23,427   27,684   -21.9    188,494    209,346  -10.5
 DOM. CAMRY            41,595   36,880     4.1    276,326    235,424   16.7
 DOM. PICKUP           25,075   37,113   -37.6    185,659    212,415  -13.1
 DOM. RX                5,346    6,100   -19.1     35,202     41,498  -15.6

 SELLING DAYS              26       24                179        178

 TOYOTA DIV.
  IMPORT CAR           46,858   42,497     1.8    303,424    307,075   -1.7
 LEXUS IMPORT CAR      13,219   16,755   -27.2     94,478    115,665  -18.8
 TOYOTA DIV NA
  BUILT CARS           68,022   69,656    -9.9    492,258    487,384    0.4
 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS    128,099  128,908    -8.3    890,160    910,124   -2.7

 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT
  LT TRUCK             23,738   34,319   -36.2    202,913    261,385  -22.8
 LEXUS IMPORT
  LT TRUCK              3,617    4,286   -22.1     29,213     30,180   -3.7
 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT
  LT TRUCK             36,624   50,445   -33.0    280,022    311,945  -10.7
 LEXUS NA BUILT
  LT TRUCK              5,346    6,100   -19.1     35,202     41,498  -15.6
 TOTAL TOYOTA
  LT TRUCK             69,325   95,150   -32.7    547,350    645,008  -15.6

 SPORT UTILITY
  VEHICLES             33,947   42,310   -25.9    268,456    313,763  -14.9
    Memo: Lexus
     Sport Utility      8,963   10,386   -20.3     64,415     71,678  -10.6

 SMALL VANS             8,726   11,599   -30.6     74,996     84,948  -12.2
 PICKUPS               25,075   37,113   -37.6    185,659    212,415  -13.1

 * NORTH AMERICAN
  BUILT VEHICLES
 COROLLA               23,427   27,684   -21.9    188,494    209,346  -10.5
 CAMRY                 41,595   36,880     4.1    276,326    235,424   16.7
 AVALON                 3,000    5,092   -45.6     27,438     42,614  -36.0
 SIENNA                 8,726   11,599   -30.6     74,996     84,948  -12.2
 PICKUP                25,075   37,113   -37.6    185,659    212,415  -13.1
 SEQUOIA                2,823    1,733    50.4     19,367     14,582   32.1
 RX                     5,346    6,100   -19.1     35,202     41,498  -15.6
 TOTAL                109,992  126,201   -19.5    807,482    840,827   -4.5
 N.A. VEHICLES
  % OF TOTAL             55.7%    56.3%              56.2%      54.1%

 SELLING DAYS              26       24                179        178
 DSR = DAILY
  SELLING RATE

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

Daimler AG Reports a 25 Percent Increase for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for July 2008

- Total of 23,292 Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S.

- Mercedes-Benz USA Records 12 Percent Sales Growth for the Month with 20,733 New Vehicles Sold

- smart USA Records 2,559 Sales in July

NEW YORK, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (NYSEAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 23,292 units in the U.S. for July 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080409/NYW017LOGO )

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 20,733 new vehicles for July 2008, a 12 percent increase over last July. This brings the year-to-date sales total for MBUSA to 140,012 units, marking the best year-to-date sales for the period in the company's history. The most significant gains for the month were in the C-Class and E-Class passenger cars (45 percent and 38 percent respectively), while year-to-date growth was achieved in the M-Class and GL-Class line-up of SUVs (12 percent and 1 percent respectively).

Sales for the smart fortwo remain strong with deliveries totaling 2,559 for the month of July. This brings the year-to-date total to an incredible 13,958 units in a little more than six months of being offered in the US market. The vehicle is attracting an overwhelming number of buyers who want a solution to high gas prices, a reduced environmental footprint and increased urban mobility on congested city streets -- all in a package that's fun to drive. The fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety, environmental friendliness and low cost of ownership. There are currently 69 smart centers open in 31 sta