Kia Motors America Announces December Sales

Rio, Optima, and Rondo Sales Each Up More Than 9 Percent for 2008

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced December sales of 14,644 units with 2008 sales of 273,397 units. Passenger cars have led the way in 2008, with Rio, Optima and Rondo all posting more than 9-percent increases for the year. December sales were led by Sorento posting an 88.7-percent increase over the same period last year.

2009 Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full size sedan, purposeful Optima mid size sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the all-new and affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The Soul will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.


                MONTH OF DECEMBER             YEAR-TO-DATE
 Model           2008        2007          2008          2007
 Rio            1,785       2,910        36,532         33,370
 Spectra        2,720       6,688        68,465         73,474
 Optima         1,410       3,235        44,904         40,901
 Amanti           194         125         3,614          5,522
 Sportage       2,182       5,109        32,754         49,393
 Sorento        3,087       1,636        29,699         36,300
 Sedona         1,971       2,493        26,915         40,493
 Rondo          1,056       1,872        28,645         26,020
 Borrego          239         n/a         1,869            n/a

 Total         14,644      24,068       273,397        305,473

Source: Kia Motors America  

BMW Group U.S. Division Reports December Sales

In December, BMW Group sales in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) down by 35.9 percent. Company continued to gain market share in 2008.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported December sales of 21,626 vehicles, a decrease of 35.9 percent over the 33,761 vehicles sold in December 2007. The BMW Group also reported a 2008 sales volume of 303,190 vehicles, down 9.7 percent, compared to 335,840 vehicles in 2007.

Commenting on the 2008 result, Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC said:

"Low consumer confidence and tight credit was a double whammy in '08 making it a year we'd all like to forget. One bright spot for us was a December of reasonable sales and gaining share in the premium market for the full year. This is a foundation for our 2009 plan of keeping high value leasing and retail financing and introducing 10 new or significantly refined vehicles in the next 24 months that showcase our classic dynamic values and impressive technology that contributes to our class leading efficiency. This will help manage our way through the immediate turmoil but we'll have an equal focus on doing more of the right things that set us up for the market's return."

BMW Brand Sales

Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 40.2 percent in December for a total of 18,060 compared to 30,199 reported in the same month a year ago. In 2008, BMW brand sales were down 15.2 percent, to 249,113 vehicles compared to 293,795 vehicles sold in 2007.

BMW Automobile Sales

BMW's automobile sales are down 40.2 percent in December to 13,796 versus 23,064 in the same month a year ago. In 2008, sales decreased by 15.4 percent, to 195,085 automobiles compared to 230,535 in 2007.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Sales

Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 40.2 percent in December to 4,264 vehicles over the 7,135 sold last December. In 2008, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles were down 14.6 percent, to 54,028 vehicles compared to the 63,260 sold in 2007.

MINI Brand Sales

MINI USA reported December sales of 3,566 automobiles, up 0.1 percent from the 3,562 cars sold in December 2007. In 2008, the division reported sales of 54,077 automobiles, an increase of 28.6 percent, compared to the 42,045 cars reported in 2007.

"Fuel efficiency and small cars had a big year in 2008 even with low fuel prices slowing down the positive sales development in the past few months," said Jim McDowell, Vice-President of MINI USA. "A balance of rational and emotional reasons are going to be the way of the future to continue small car growth in the U.S. MINI's success in 2008 may be a good indication of this balance."

 Sales BMW of North America, LLC, December 2008

                  Dec. 08   Dec. 07     %   YTD Dec. 08 YTD Dec. 07   %

 1 Series             921         0     N/A     12,018         0     N/A
 3 Series           8,490    12,941   -34.4%   112,464   142,490   -21.1%
 Z4 Roadster and
  Coupe                81     1,029   -92.1%     5,879    10,097   -41.8%
 5 Series           3,699     6,687   -44.7%    45,915    54,142   -15.2%
 6 Series             568       901   -37.0%     6,533     9,033   -27.7%
 7 Series              37     1,506   -97.5%    12,276    14,773   -16.9%
 BMW passenger
  cars             13,796    23,064   -40.2%   195,085   230,535   -15.4%
 --------------    ------    ------   -----    -------   -------   -----
 X3                   960     2,194   -56.2%    17,622    28,058   -37.2%
 X5                 2,872     4,941   -41.9%    31,858    35,202    -9.5%
 X6                   432         0     N/A      4,548         0     N/A
 BMW light trucks
  (SAVs)            4,264     7,135   -40.2%    54,028    63,260   -14.6%
 --------------     -----     -----   -----     ------    ------   -----
 BMW brand         18,060    30,199   -40.2%   249,113   293,795   -15.2%
 ---------         ------    ------   -----    -------   -------   -----
 Cooper /
  S Hardtop         2,518     3,035   -17.0%    36,916    34,247     7.8%
 Cooper /
  S Convertible        78       527   -85.2%     4,880     7,798   -37.4%
 Cooper /
  S Clubman           970         0     N/A     12,281         0     N/A
 MINI brand         3,566     3,562     0.1%    54,077    42,045    28.6%
 ---------         ------    ------   -----    -------   -------   -----
 TOTAL BMW of
  North America,
   LLC             21,626    33,761   -35.9%   303,190   335,840    -9.7%
 ---------         ------    ------   -----    -------   -------   -----


Source: BMW of North America, LLC  

Nissan North America Announces December Sales

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported sales for December of 62,102 units versus 89,555 units a year ago, a decrease of 30.7 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles decreased 30.0 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased by 34.6 percent.

 NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
 -- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 53,829 units in December compared with
    76,900 units sold in December 2007, a 30.0 percent decrease.
 -- Nissan's crossovers experienced a strong December, with sales of the
    Rogue up 10.0 percent from the prior year with 6,916 units, and sales
    of Murano up 53.9 percent, at 6,461 units.
 -- For the 2008 calendar year, Nissan sales totaled 838,361 units, a
    decrease of 10.9 percent from 941,200 in 2007.

 INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
 -- Infiniti sales for December were 8,273 units, down from 12,655 a year
    ago, a decline of 34.6 percent.
 -- For the 2008 calendar year, Infiniti sales totaled 112,989 units, a
    decrease of 11.1 percent from 127,038 in 2007.

 NNA INFORMATION
 -- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 62,102 units, compared with
    last December's sales of 89,555 units, marked a decrease of 30.7
    percent.
 -- For the 2008 calendar year, combined sales of Nissan and Infiniti
    totaled 951,350 units, a 10.9 percent decrease from 2007.
 -- 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 December
    had 26 selling days, as did December 2007.



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.infiniti.com.

 NISSAN DIVISION

                 December  December   Monthly  CYTD     CYTD      CYTD
                   2008      2007     % chg    2008     2007     % chg
 Nissan Division
  Total            53,829    76,900   -30.0  838,361   941,200   -10.9
 Versa              5,138     6,214   -17.3   85,182    79,443     7.2
 Sentra             5,766     6,879   -16.2   99,797   106,522    -6.3
 Altima            17,311    25,151   -31.2  269,668   284,762    -5.3
 Maxima             3,399     4,047   -16.0   47,072    52,574   -10.5
 350Z                 567     1,306   -56.6   10,337    18,957   -45.5
 GT-R                 149         0      NA    1,730         0      NA
 Total Car         32,330    43,597   -25.8  513,786   542,258    -5.3
 Frontier           1,402     4,708   -70.2   44,997    64,397   -30.1
 Titan              2,124     4,785   -55.6   34,053    65,746   -48.2
 Xterra             1,622     3,911   -58.5   33,579    51,355   -34.6
 Pathfinder         1,551     4,813   -67.8   33,555    63,056   -46.8
 Armada               932     2,656   -64.9   15,685    31,632   -50.4
 Rogue              6,916     6,288    10.0   73,053    17,808   310.2
 Murano             6,461     4,199    53.9   71,401    76,358    -6.5
 Quest                491     1,943   -74.7   18,252    28,590   -36.2
 Total Truck       21,499    33,303   -35.4  324,575   398,942   -18.6
 North American
  produced         39,736    65,107   -39.0  681,840   828,077   -17.7
 Car               31,614    42,291   -25.2  501,719   523,301    -4.1
 Truck              8,122    22,816   -64.4  180,121   304,776   -40.9
 Import            14,093    11,793    19.5  156,521   113,123    38.4
 Car                  716     1,306   -45.2   12,067    18,957   -36.3
 Truck             13,377    10,487    27.6  144,454    94,166    53.4

 INFINITI DIVISION

                 December  December  Monthly   CYTD     CYTD     CYTD
                    2008     2007    % chg     2008     2007     % chg

 Infiniti Division
  Total             8,273    12,655   -34.6  112,989   127,038   -11.1
 G Sedan            3,929     4,483   -12.4   44,969    54,015   -16.7
 G Coupe            1,053     2,075   -49.3   19,212    17,794     8.0
 M                  1,194     2,462   -51.5   15,618    21,884   -28.6
 Q45                    0         1  -100.0        0        23  -100.0
 QX56                 372     1,316   -71.7    7,657    12,288   -37.7
 EX                   877       305   187.5   12,873       305  4120.7
 FX                   847     2,013   -57.9   12,660    20,724   -38.9
 Total Car          6,177     9,021   -31.5   79,799    93,718   -14.9
 Total Truck        2,096     3,634   -42.3   33,190    33,320    -0.4

 NISSAN & INFINITI

                    Month    Month   Monthly   CYTD    CYTD      CYTD
                     2008     2007    % chg    2008    2007      % chg

 TOTAL VEHICLE     62,102    89,555   -30.7  951,350 1,068,238   -10.9
 Total Car         38,507    52,618   -26.8  593,585   635,976    -6.7
 Total Truck       23,595    36,937   -36.1  357,765   432,262   -17.2
 Selling days          26        26              308       307

 * All numbers include Hawaii; one Infiniti I35 was sold in December 2008.


Source: Nissan North America, Inc.  

Acura Announces December and 2008 Year-End Sales Results

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Total Acura sales for the month of December reached 10,680 units, a decrease of 39.3 percent versus last December, while year-end Acura sales were 144,504, down 20.0 percent versus 2007, based on the daily selling rate*.

"Despite a challenging marketplace for the last few months of the year, each Acura model posted a month-to-month sales increase over November," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "With outstanding resale value and a strong lineup, Acura will be in an excellent position when the automobile market begins its recovery."

The TL performance luxury sedan finished 2008 as Acura's top-selling model, posting December sales of 3,607 and annual sales of 46,766, down 20.4 percent versus 2007. The TSX sports sedan posted monthly sales of 2,304 and total annual sales of 31,998, down 3.5 percent. The RL luxury sedan finished 2008 with sales of 4,517 units.

The MDX luxury SUV was Acura's best-selling light truck, posting significant sales gains over last month with 3,383 units. Year-end MDX sales reached 45,377 units, down 22.8 percent. The turbocharged RDX crossover SUV posted December sales of 1,141 and year-end sales of 15,845 units, down 32.4 percent.

*Year-to-date sales based on 308 days for 2008 versus 307 days for 2007.

For media information and high-resolution photos of Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com.

       American Honda Vehicle Sales For December 2008
                                       Month-to-Date
                                  December  December  DSR**
                                     2008      2007 % Chg.
                                  -------   -------  -----
 Acura Division Total              10,680    17,582  -39.3%
 --------------------             -------   -------  -----
    RSX                                 0         1
    TL *                            3,607     5,988  -39.8%
    TSX                             2,304     2,838  -18.8%
    RL                                245       586  -58.2%
    MDX *                           3,383     5,906  -42.7%
    RDX *                           1,141     2,263  -49.6%
 ---------                        -------   -------  -----
 Selling Days                          26        26


                                        Year-to-Date
                                  December  December  DSR**
                                     2008      2007 % Chg.
                                  -------   -------  -----
 Acura Division Total             144,504   180,104  -20.0%
 --------------------             -------   -------  -----
    RSX                                 1       296  -99.7%
    TL *                           46,766    58,545  -20.4%
    TSX                            31,998    33,037   -3.5%
    RL                              4,517     6,262  -28.1%
    MDX *                          45,377    58,606  -22.8%
    RDX *                          15,845    23,356  -32.4%
 ---------                        -------   -------  -----
 Selling Days                         308       307

 *  Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and
    global sourced parts.
 ** Daily Selling Rate

Source: American Honda Motor *** Inc.  

American Honda Reports 2008 Annual and December Monthly Sales


TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda Motor *** Inc., today reported 2008 annual vehicle sales of 1,428,765, a decrease of 8.2 percent compared to 2007 results on a daily selling-rate* basis. American Honda's December sales totaled 86,085, a decrease of 34.7 percent.

Honda Division's 2008 annual sales of 1,284,261 decreased 6.7 percent compared to 2007. Honda Division's December monthly sales of 75,405 represent a decrease of 34.0 percent compared to 2007. Annual total car sales of 794,421 for the Honda Division increased 1.0 percent and set a record for the fourth consecutive year. The division's truck sales decreased by 16.9 percent to 489,840.

Accord, the top-selling Honda model for 2008, achieved annual sales of 372,789, down 5.3 percent. December Accord sales decreased 28.5 percent, to 22,348. Civic sales totaled 339,289 for the year, up 2.1 percent. December Civic sales decreased to 17,302, down 36.4 percent. Annual Fit sales of 79,794, up 40.9 percent, set a record for the third consecutive year. December Fit sales decreased 1.5 percent, to 5,039.

"American Honda's sales mirror the industry's current condition," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor *** Inc. "We believe Honda will be in a strong position when the market stabilizes."

The Acura Division's total year-end sales of 144,504 vehicles represented a decline of 20.0 percent. December Acura sales totaled 10,680, down 39.3 percent. The Acura TL led the division with annual sales of 46,766, followed closely by the Acura MDX with sales of 45,377 - the previous best-selling Acura in 2007.

*The annual Daily Selling Rate (DSR) is calculated with 308 days for 2008, versus 307 for 2007. Both December 2007 and 2008 included 26 selling days. All percentages in this release represent DSR.

       American Honda Vehicle Sales For December 2008
                                       Month-to-Date
                                  December  December  DSR**
                                     2008      2007 % Chg.
                                  -------   ------   ------
 American Honda Total              86,085   131,792  -34.7%
 ----------------------
    Total Car Sales                50,918    73,186  -30.4%
    Total Truck Sales              35,167    58,606  -40.0%
       Honda Total Car Sales       44,762    63,773  -29.8%
       Honda Total Truck Sales     30,643    50,437  -39.2%
       Acura Total Car Sales        6,156     9,413  -34.6%
       Acura Total Truck Sales      4,524     8,169  -44.6%
 Domestic Car Sales *              40,642    54,174  -25.0%
 ----------------------
    Honda Division                 37,035    48,186  -23.1%
    Acura Division                  3,607     5,988  -39.8%
 Domestic Truck Sales *            30,629    43,373  -29.4%
 ----------------------
    Honda Division                 26,105    35,204  -25.8%
    Acura Division                  4,524     8,169  -44.6%
 Import Car Sales                  10,276    19,012  -45.9%
 ----------------------
    Honda Division                  7,727    15,587  -50.4%
    Acura Division                  2,549     3,425  -25.6%
 Import Truck Sales                 4,538    15,233  -70.2%
 ----------------------
    Honda Division                  4,538    15,233  -70.2%
 ----------------------           -------   ------- ------
 MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION
 Honda Division Total              75,405   114,210  -34.0%
 ----------------------           -------   ------- ------
     Fit                            5,039     5,118   -1.5%
    Accord *                       22,348    31,255  -28.5%
      Memo:  Accord Hybrid              1       150  -99.3%
    Civic *                        17,302    27,190  -36.4%
      Memo:  Civic Hybrid           1,036     3,223  -67.9%
    S2000                              72       210  -65.7%
    Insight                             0         0
    FCX                                 0         0
    FCX Clarity                         1
 ----------------------           -------   -------  ------
    Odyssey  *                      6,950    14,907  -53.4%
    Pilot *                         6,735    10,403  -35.3%
    CR-V *                         13,933    18,659  -25.3%
    Element *                       1,336     2,875  -53.5%
    Ridgeline                       1,689     3,593  -53.0%
 ----------------------           -------   -------  ------
 Acura Division Total              10,680    17,582  -39.3%
 ----------------------           -------   -------  ------
    RSX                                 0         1
    TL *                            3,607     5,988  -39.8%
    TSX                             2,304     2,838  -18.8%
    RL                                245       586  -58.2%
    MDX *                           3,383     5,906  -42.7%
    RDX  *                          1,141     2,263  -49.6%
 ----------------------           -------   -------  ------
 Selling Days                          26        26



                                        Year-to-Date
                                  December  December  DSR**
                                     2008      2007 % Chg.
                                     ----      ---- ------
 American Honda Total           1,428,765 1,551,542   -8.2%
 ----------------------
    Total Car Sales               877,703   882,215   -0.8%
    Total Truck Sales             551,062   669,327  -17.9%
       Honda Total Car Sales      794,421   784,073    1.0%
       Honda Total Truck Sales    489,840   587,365  -16.9%
       Acura Total Car Sales       83,282    98,142  -15.4%
       Acura Total Truck Sales     61,222    81,962  -25.5%
 Domestic Car Sales *             661,736   706,504   -6.6%
 ----------------------
    Honda Division                614,970   647,959   -5.4%
    Acura Division                 46,766    58,545  -20.4%
 Domestic Truck Sales *           444,263   476,297   -7.0%
 ----------------------
    Honda Division                383,041   394,335   -3.2%
    Acura Division                 61,222    81,962  -25.5%
 Import Car Sales                 215,967   175,711   22.5%
 ----------------------
    Honda Division                179,451   136,114   31.4%
    Acura Division                 36,516    39,597   -8.1%
 Import Truck Sales               106,799   193,030  -44.9%
 ----------------------
    Honda Division                106,799   193,030  -44.9%
 --------------------             -------   -------  ------
 MODEL BREAKOUTS BY DIVISION
 Honda Division Total           1,284,261 1,371,438   -6.7%
 ----------------------           --------- ---------   ----
     Fit                           79,794    56,432   40.9%
    Accord *                      372,789   392,231   -5.3%
      Memo:  Accord Hybrid            198     3,405  -94.2%
    Civic *                       339,289   331,095    2.1%
      Memo:  Civic Hybrid          31,297    32,575   -4.2%
    S2000                           2,538     4,302  -41.2%
    Insight                             0         3
    FCX                                 6        10  -40.2%
    FCX Clarity                         5
 ----------------------           -------   -------  ------
    Odyssey  *                    135,493   173,046  -22.0%
    Pilot *                        96,746   117,146  -17.7%
    CR-V *                        197,279   219,160  -10.3%
    Element *                      26,447    35,218  -25.1%
    Ridgeline                      33,875    42,795  -21.1%
 ----------------------           -------   -------  ------
 Acura Division Total             144,504   180,104  -20.0%
 ----------------------           -------   -------  ------
    RSX                                 1       296  -99.7%
    TL *                           46,766    58,545  -20.4%
    TSX                            31,998    33,037   -3.5%
    RL                              4,517     6,262  -28.1%
    MDX *                          45,377    58,606  -22.8%
    RDX  *                         15,845    23,356  -32.4%
 ----------------------           -------   -------  ------
 Selling Days                         308       307
    * Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and
     global sourced parts.
  ** Daily Selling Rate



              Month-to-Date               Year-to-Date
         December  December  DSR**  December  December  DSR**
           2008     2007   % Chg.     2008     2007   % Chg.
           ----     ----   ------     ----     ----   ------

 Hybrid   1,037    3,373   -69.3%    31,495   35,983   -12.8%

Source: American Honda Motor *** Inc.  

Toyota Reports 2008 and December Sales

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported year-end sales of 2,217,662 vehicles, a decrease of 15.7 percent from the same period in 2007, on a daily selling rate basis.

Toyota Division recorded year-end sales of 1,957,575 vehicles, down 14.9 percent from the prior year. Lexus reported sales of 260,087 units in 2008, down 21.2 percent from 2007. Scion Division reported sales of 113,904 units for the year.

TMS reported December sales results of 141,949, a decrease of 36.7 percent from the same period last year.

"Our New Year's resolution is to shift the focus back to where it belongs, to the consumer," said TMS President Jim Lentz. "The sooner stimulus efforts find their way to where they'll do the most good - into the hands of consumers - the sooner we'll see a turnaround in confidence levels and a return of buyers to the marketplace."

Toyota Division

Toyota Division reported December sales of 118,587 units, down 37.5 percent from December 2007. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded December sales of 67,717 units, with year-end sales of 1,207,006 units, down 8.4 percent from last year. For the year, passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted annual sales of 436,617. Corolla posted year-end sales of 351,007. The Yaris subcompact reported best-ever year-end sales totaling 102,328, up 20.3 percent over 2007. Prius recorded sales of 158,884 units for the year.

Toyota Division light trucks reported December sales of 50,870 units, with year-end sales of 750,569, down 23.5 percent from 2007. Light truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup, with year-end sales of 144,655 units. Tundra reported sales of 137,249 units in 2008. RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle reported year-end sales of 137,020 units for the year. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 104,661 units for the year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 19,391 units in 2008. Sequoia reported year-end sales of 30,693 units, up 31.5 percent over the prior year.

Scion reported December sales of 4,127 units. The Scion xB urban utility vehicle recorded December sales of 1,794 units, with year-end sales totaling 45,220. The tC sports coupe reported December sales of 1,348 units, with year-end sales reaching 40,980 units. The xD posted sales of 985 units in December and year-end sales of 27,665 units.

Lexus Division

Lexus reported December sales of 23,362 units, down 32.4 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus passenger cars reported December sales of 11,542 units, with year-end sales of 151,567 units in 2008. Lexus passenger car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with December sales of 5,236 units and year-end sales of 64,135. The IS entry luxury sport sedan recorded combined December sales of 3,539 units and combined year-end sales of 49,432 units. The LS flagship sedan reported combined December sales of 1,451 units and year-end sales of 20,255 units. The GS luxury sport sedan posted combined December sales of 1,200 units, with year-end sales totaling 15,759 units.

Lexus Division light trucks reported December sales of 11,820 units and year-end sales of 108,520 units. The RX luxury utility posted combined December sales of 9,932 units and year-end sales of 84,181 units. The RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported sales of 15,200 units for the year. The LX posted yearly sales of 7,915 units, up 219.7 percent over 2007.



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

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

 YARIS               4,417    5,477   -19.4   102,328     84,799   20.3
 COROLLA            22,129   28,582   -22.6   351,007    371,390   -5.8
 CAMRY              25,275   38,831   -34.9   436,617    473,108   -8.0
 VENZA               1,474        0     N/A     1,474          0    N/A
 AVALON              2,436    5,694   -57.2    42,790     72,945  -41.5
 PRIUS               7,859   14,212   -44.7   158,884    181,221  -12.6
 SCION xA                0       14  -100.0        39      9,547  -99.6
 SCION xB            1,794    3,785   -52.6    45,220     45,834   -1.7
 SCION tC            1,348    3,507   -61.6    40,980     63,852  -36.0
 SCION xD              985    1,638   -39.9    27,665     10,948  151.9
 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.
  PASS. CAR         67,717  101,741   -33.4 1,207,006  1,313,651   -8.4
 -----------------  ------  -------   ----- ---------  ---------   ----
 ES                  5,236    8,005   -34.6    64,135     82,867  -22.9
 LS                  1,451    3,257   -55.4    20,255     35,226  -42.7
 SC                    116      348   -66.7     1,986      3,927  -49.6
 GS                  1,200    2,579   -53.5    15,759     23,381  -32.8
 IS                  3,539    5,651   -37.4    49,432     54,933  -10.3
 TOTAL LEXUS PASS.
  CAR               11,542   19,840   -41.8   151,567    200,334  -24.6
 -----------------  ------   ------   -----   -------    -------  -----
 TOTAL TOYOTA
  PASS. CAR         79,259  121,581   -34.8 1,358,573  1,513,985  -10.6
 ------------       ------  -------   ----- ---------  ---------  -----
 SIENNA              6,901   12,350   -44.1   115,944    138,162  -16.4
 RAV4                8,795   13,816   -36.3   137,020    172,752  -20.9
 FJ CRUISER          3,168    4,079   -22.3    28,668     55,170  -48.2
 4RUNNER             3,707    7,421   -50.0    47,878     87,718  -45.6
 HIGHLANDER          7,791   14,714   -47.1   104,661    127,878  -18.4
 LAND CRUISER          227      648   -65.0     3,801      3,251   16.5
 SEQUOIA             2,399    2,567    -6.5    30,693     23,273   31.5
 TOTAL SUV          26,087   43,245   -39.7   352,721    470,042  -25.2
 ---------          ------   ------   -----   -------    -------  -----
 4X2 TACOMA          4,287    7,858   -45.4    79,773    102,696  -22.6
 4X4 TACOMA          4,404    5,431   -18.9    64,882     70,542   -8.3
 TOTAL TACOMA        8,691   13,289   -34.6   144,655    173,238  -16.8
 TUNDRA              9,191   19,219   -52.2   137,249    196,555  -30.4
 TOTAL PICKUP       17,882   32,508   -45.0   281,904    369,793  -24.0
 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV.
  LT TRUCK          50,870   88,103   -42.3   750,569    977,997  -23.5
 LX                    508      132   284.8     7,915      2,468  219.7
 GX                  1,380    2,748   -49.8    16,424     23,035  -28.9
 RX                  9,932   11,835   -16.1    84,181    103,340  -18.8
 TOTAL LEXUS
  LIGHT TRUCK       11,820   14,715   -19.7   108,520    128,843  -16.0
 ------------       ------   ------   -----   -------    -------  -----
 TOTAL TOYOTA
  LIGHT TRUCK       62,690  102,818   -39.0   859,089  1,106,840  -22.6
 ------------       ------  -------   -----   -------  ---------  -----
 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 118,587  189,844   -37.5 1,957,575  2,291,648  -14.9
 TOTAL LEXUS        23,362   34,555   -32.4   260,087    329,177  -21.2
 -----------        ------   ------   -----   -------    -------  -----
 TOTAL TOYOTA      141,949  224,399   -36.7 2,217,662  2,620,825  -15.7
 MEMO:
 DOM. COROLLA       17,192   28,571   -39.8   252,877    348,016  -27.6
 DOM. CAMRY         24,790   37,757   -34.3   428,841    418,757    2.1
 DOM. RAV4             210        0     N/A       247          0    N/A
 DOM. PICKUP        17,882   32,508   -45.0   281,902    369,793  -24.0
 DOM. RX             8,221    8,414    -2.3    63,610     74,351  -14.7

 SELLING DAYS           26       26               308        307
 ------------           --       --               ---        ---



 TOYOTA DIV.
  IMPORT CAR        21,825   29,719   -26.6   481,024    473,933    1.2
 LEXUS IMPORT CAR   11,542   19,840   -41.8   151,567    200,334  -24.6
 TOYOTA DIV NA
  BUILT CARS        45,892   72,022   -36.3   725,982    839,718  -13.8
 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS  79,259  121,581   -34.8 1,358,573  1,513,985  -10.6

 TOYOTA DIV.
  IMPORT LT
  TRUCK             23,478   40,678   -42.3   321,781    446,769  -28.2
 LEXUS IMPORT LT
  TRUCK              3,599    6,301   -42.9    44,910     54,492  -17.9
 TOYOTA DIV NA
  BUILT LT TRUCK    27,392   47,425   -42.2   428,788    531,228  -19.5
 LEXUS NA BUILT
  LT TRUCK           8,221    8,414    -2.3    63,610     74,351  -14.7
 TOTAL TOYOTA LT
  TRUCK             62,690  102,818   -39.0   859,089  1,106,840  -22.6
 ---------------    ------  -------   -----   -------  ---------  -----

 SPORT UTILITY
  VEHICLES          34,739   53,881   -35.5   432,573    543,715  -20.7
    Memo: Lexus
     Sport Utility  11,820   14,715   -19.7   108,520    128,843  -16.0

 SMALL VANS          6,901   12,350   -44.1   115,944    138,162  -16.4
 PICKUPS            17,882   32,508   -45.0   281,904    369,793  -24.0

 ----------------
 * NORTH AMERICAN
  BUILT VEHICLES
 COROLLA            17,192   28,571   -39.8   252,877    348,016  -27.6
 CAMRY              24,790   37,757   -34.3   428,841    418,757    2.1
 VENZA               1,474        0     N/A     1,474          0    N/A
 AVALON              2,436    5,694   -57.2    42,790     72,945  -41.5
 SIENNA              6,901   12,350   -44.1   115,944    138,162  -16.4
 RAV4                  210        0     N/A       247          0    N/A
 PICKUP             17,882   32,508   -45.0   281,902    369,793  -24.0
 SEQUOIA             2,399    2,567    -6.5    30,693     23,273   31.5
 RX                  8,221    8,414    -2.3    63,610     74,351  -14.7
 TOTAL              81,505  127,861   -36.3 1,218,378  1,445,297  -16.0
 N.A. VEHICLES %
  OF TOTAL            57.4%    57.0%             54.9%      55.1%

 SELLING DAYS           26       26               308        307
 DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE



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

Mercedes-Benz Posts Sales of 225,128 for 2008

Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Sets Record Sales

MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported December sales of 18,507 vehicles, bringing the company's total 2008 volume to 225,128, an 11.2 percent decrease over the annual sales record set last year.

The C-Class was the volume leader for the year with sales of 72,471 vehicles, a 13.8 percent increase over last year. The company's M-Class SUV continued to be a popular choice with buyers in 2008, with a 1.3 percent increase in sales (34,320 vs. 33,879 units).

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,589 vehicles in December 2008. This boosted the MBCPO year-end total to 64,654 units, a 26.9 percent increase over last year's MBCPO sales.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

                               MERCEDES-BENZ USA
                             Sales - December 2008

 Model       Dec '08 Dec '07 Monthly %  YTD 2008 YTD 2007 Yearly %
 -----       ------- ------- ---------  -------- -------- --------

 -------       -----   -----     -----    ------   ------     ----
 C-CLASS       6,090   6,899     -11.7%   72,471   63,701     13.8%
 -------       -----   -----     -----    ------   ------     ----

 -------       -----   -----     -----    ------   ------    -----
 E-CLASS       3,464   6,126     -43.5%   38,576   48,950    -21.2%
 -------       -----   -----     -----    ------   ------    -----

 -------       -----   -----     -----    ------   ------    -----
 S-CLASS       1,075   2,374     -54.7%   17,787   26,081    -31.8%
 -------       -----   -----     -----    ------   ------    -----

 --------        ---     ---     -----     -----    -----    -----
 CL-CLASS        147     353     -58.4%    2,733    3,672    -25.6%
 --------        ---     ---     -----     -----    -----    -----

 --------        ---     ---     -----     -----    -----    -----
 SL-CLASS        263     532     -50.6%    5,464    6,126    -10.8%
 --------        ---     ---     -----     -----    -----    -----

 ---------     -----   -----     -----    ------   ------    -----
 CLK-CLASS     1,047   1,232     -15.0%   10,844   15,009    -27.8%
 ---------     -----   -----     -----    ------   ------    -----

 ---------       ---     ---     -----     -----    -----    -----
 SLK-CLASS       285     528     -46.0%    4,941    7,270    -32.0%
 ---------       ---     ---     -----     -----    -----    -----

 ---------       ---     ---     -----     -----    -----    -----
 CLS-CLASS       569     759     -25.0%    5,775    7,906    -27.0%
 ---------       ---     ---     -----     -----    -----    -----

 -------         ---   -----     -----     -----   ------    -----
 R-CLASS         539   1,340     -59.8%    7,733   13,031    -40.7%
 -------         ---   -----     -----     -----   ------    -----

 -------       -----   -----     -----    ------   ------      ---
 M-CLASS       2,761   3,962     -30.3%   34,320   33,879      1.3%
 -------       -----   -----     -----    ------   ------      ---

 --------        ---     ---      ----       ---    -----    -----
 G-CLASS         128     138      -7.2%      931    1,152    -19.2%
 --------        ---     ---      ----       ---    -----    -----

 --------      -----   -----     -----    ------   ------    -----
 GL-CLASS      2,139   3,026     -29.3%   23,328   26,396    -11.6%
 --------      -----   -----     -----    ------   ------    -----

 ---                                         ---      ---      ---
 SLR                                         106      104      1.9%
 ---                                         ---      ---      ---

 -------                                     ---      ---    -----
 Maybach                                     119      156    -23.7%
 -------                                     ---      ---    -----

 -----------  ------  ------     -----   -------  -------    -----
 GRAND TOTAL  18,507  27,269     -32.1%  225,128  253,433    -11.2%
 -----------  ------  ------     -----   -------  -------    -----


Source: Mercedes-Benz USA  

Audi Increases Market Share for December and 2008

- Audi's market share increases in both December and total year sales - Audi A4 named "Car of the Year" by Detroit Free Press - Audi A5 and A6 finish year strong with increases over December 2007 - Audi R8 and TT total year sales surpass 2007

HERNDON, Va., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi today announced sales for the month of December totaling 7,712 units. Despite a challenging marketplace, Audi appears to have outpaced most brands and will record market share increases for December and all of 2008.

Audi's December sales were led by strong totals from both the Audi A5 and A6. The Audi A5 posted a 383.1% increase over last December with 657 units sold. The Audi A6 had a solid month with over 1,218 units sold, an increase of 1.2% over December 2007.

"Our goal this past year was to grow our market share and grow awareness of the brand," said Audi of America President, Johan de Nysschen. "We accomplished this with an aggressive product offensive that continues into 2009 and beyond."

De Nysschen noted that 2009 Audi launches will include two diesel offerings, several fuel-efficient powertrain combinations, performance vehicles, the all-new crossover Audi Q5, and the all-new A5 and S5 cabriolet models.

Even in the difficult market created during 2008, both the Audi R8 and TT surpassed their previous total year sales. The Audi R8 sold 900 units in 2008 compared to 240 in 2007. The Audi TT sales increased by 3% in sales from 2007, with 4,486 units sold in 2008.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales set a new record during 2008. Audi recorded 32,108 CPO sales, an increase of 18.6% over the previous year.

Also this week, the Detroit Free Press selected the Audi A4 as the Car of the Year, proclaiming that the A4 "stands head and shoulders above other new cars introduced this year and above any Audi sedan that preceded it." In honoring the Audi A4, the Detroit Free Press highlights the A4's "excellent fuel economy and performance" and notes that the "comfortable interior is designed with an architect's sensibility for appearance and touch."


 AUDI US SNAPSHOT                                -----YEAR TO DATE--------


                     Dec-08   Dec-07    Yr/Yr%  Dec-08   Dec-07   Yr/Yr%
 Model Line          Actual   Actual    change    YTD     YTD     change
                                                actual   actual

 A3                    361      486    -25.7 %    4759    6353   -25.1 %
 A4                   3854     4198     -8.2 %   43343   45411    -4.6 %
 A5                    657      136    383.1 %    6282     625   905.1 %
 A6                   1218     1204      1.2 %   11956   12001   -0.04 %
 A8                    120      351    -65.8 %    2825    3826   -26.2 %
 TT                    180      484    -62.8 %    4486    4355     3.0 %
 R8                    115       70     64.3 %     900     240   275.0 %
 Audi Q7              1207     1575    -23.4 %   13209   20695   -36.2 %
 Total Audi Sales     7712     8504     -9.3 %   87760   93506    -6.1 %


 NOTES:
 -- A4 includes Audi A4 sedan, Avant, and RS models.
 -- A5 includes Audi A5 coupe' and S5 coupe' models.
 -- A6 includes Audi A6 sedan, S6 sedan and A6 Avant models.
 -- A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan, and S8 sedan models.
 -- TT includes Audi TT coupe' and TT roadster models.

Source: Audi of America  

F-Series Drives Ford to Higher Market Share for Third Consecutive Month

- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury market share climbs again in December, marking third consecutive month of higher share

- Market share increases driven by F-Series truck; new F-150 piles up more sales and accolades

- Ford Flex caps 2008 with best sales month so far

- Ford Focus posts best sales year since 2004

- Ford Fusion ushers in next generation with near record sales in 2008

- Lincoln outperforms its luxury competitors, grows market share as 2008 concludes

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New vehicles, including the all-new F-150 truck, and fuel-efficient powertrains are winning over customers for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, which realized market share increases for a third consecutive month in December. Ford estimates its market share was 14.6 percent in December, up 0.7 of a point versus a year ago. This marks the first time since 1997 Ford has achieved a market share increase three months in a row.

"This is a strong ending to end a very challenging year," said Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "In addition to finishing the year with increased market share, we received several accolades from third parties concerning our world-class quality and safety, and we turned some heads on the fuel economy front with our 41 mpg Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan in America."

The F-Series truck played a key role in Ford's fourth quarter market share gains. The all-new F-150 accounted for 8,600 of total F-Series sales in December, an increase of 84 percent compared with November 2008. For the year, F-Series sales totaled 515,513.

"Our thanks go out to our customers, our dealers and, of course, the Ford employees and supplier partners who design, engineer and manufacture quality, fuel-efficient trucks delivering unmatched capability," Farley said. "The all-new F-150 affirms what Ford has known for years -- that listening to customers provides the best rewards."

The all-new F-150 recently was named 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year(TM), a finalist for the North American Truck of the Year and the Texas Auto Writers Association's "Truck of Texas."

Ford Flex, the company's newest crossover utility, finished 2008 with its best sales month of the year, netting 2,685 sales. Flex has the highest conquest rate of any Ford vehicle and is a finalist for the North American Car of the Year.

In other car news, Ford Focus posted full-year sales of 195,823, the small car's highest sales year since 2004 and up 13 percent versus full-year 2007. Focus parlayed SYNC technology and 35 mpg highway fuel economy, which is 5 mpg better than Toyota's Corolla and 2 mpg better than the smaller Honda Fit, to achieve a market share increase in the competitive small car segment -- its first share increase since Focus was introduced during the 2000 model year.

Meanwhile, Ford Fusion posted near-record sales of 147,569 units in 2008. Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are redesigned for the 2010 model year and will arrive in dealer showrooms this spring. The first-ever Fusion Hybrid will be America's most fuel-efficient mid-size car with 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on highway -- besting the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on highway.

In premium news, Lincoln outpaced the competition as 2008 drew to a close.

Helped by the all-new Lincoln MKS sedan, Lincoln sales totaled 9,053 in December, down 10 percent compared with a year ago. In the fourth quarter, however, Lincoln increased its share in the luxury market as its 16-percent sales decline was less than half of the average decline of all other luxury brands.



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

                          December       %           Year-To-Date      %
                          --------                   ------------
                       2008     2007  Change       2008       2007  Change
                       ----     ----  ------       ----       ----  ------
 Sales By Brand
   Ford             116,188  173,648   -33.1  1,687,731  2,101,244   -19.7
   Lincoln            9,053   10,065   -10.1    107,295    131,487   -18.4
   Mercury            8,873   12,631   -29.8    120,248    168,422   -28.6
                      -----   ------            -------    -------
     Total Ford,
      Lincoln and
      Mercury       134,114  196,344   -31.7  1,915,274  2,401,153   -20.2
   Volvo              4,953    9,341   -47.0     73,102    106,213   -31.2
                      -----    -----             ------    -------
     Total Ford
      Motor
      Company       139,067  205,685   -32.4  1,988,376  2,507,366   -20.7

 Ford, Lincoln and
  Mercury Sales By
  Type
   Cars              43,087   58,580   -26.4    671,965    756,832   -11.2
   Crossover
    Utility
    Vehicles         25,822   37,880   -31.8    366,293    410,627   -10.8
   Sport Utility
    Vehicles         10,910   22,615   -51.8    158,994    276,004   -42.4
   Trucks and Vans   54,295   77,269   -29.7    718,022    957,690   -25.0
                     ------   ------            -------    -------
     Total Trucks    91,027  137,764   -33.9  1,243,309  1,644,321   -24.4
                     ------  -------          ---------  ---------
       Total
        Vehicles    134,114  196,344   -31.7  1,915,274  2,401,153   -20.2



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

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

 Crown Victoria       3,007    4,445   -32.4     48,557     60,901   -20.3
 Taurus               3,460    6,408   -46.0     52,667     68,178   -22.8
 Fusion              10,274   13,545   -24.1    147,569    149,552    -1.3
 Focus               11,671   14,023   -16.8    195,823    173,213    13.1
 Mustang              4,027    8,315   -51.6     91,251    134,626   -32.2
 GT                       0        0      NA          0        231  -100.0
                          -        -                  -        ---
   Ford Cars         32,439   46,736   -30.6    535,867    586,701    -8.7

 Flex                 2,685        0      NA     14,457          0      NA
 Edge                 5,937   13,722   -56.7    110,798    130,125   -14.9
 Escape              10,967   13,302   -17.6    156,544    165,596    -5.5
 Taurus X               971    4,767   -79.6     23,112     42,110   -45.1
                        ---    -----             ------     ------
   Ford Crossover
    Utility Vehicles 20,560   31,791   -35.3    304,911    337,831    -9.7


 Expedition           3,833    7,516   -49.0     55,123     90,287   -38.9
 Explorer             5,346   10,887   -50.9     78,439    137,817   -43.1
                      -----   ------             ------    -------
   Ford Sport Utility
    Vehicles          9,179   18,403   -50.1    133,562    228,104   -41.4


 F-Series            41,580   55,069   -24.5    515,513    690,589   -25.4
 Ranger               3,855    5,564   -30.7     65,872     72,711    -9.4
 Econoline/Club Wagon 7,833   14,846   -47.2    124,596    168,722   -26.2
 Freestar                 0        0      NA          0      2,390  -100.0
 Low Cab Forward        133      341   -61.0        942      2,914   -67.7
 Heavy Trucks           609      898   -32.2      6,468     11,282   -42.7
                        ---      ---              -----     ------
   Ford Trucks and
    Vans             54,010   76,718   -29.6    713,391    948,608   -24.8
                     ------   ------            -------    -------

   Ford Brand       116,188  173,648   -33.1  1,687,731  2,101,244   -19.7



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

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

 MKS                  2,100        0      NA     12,982          0      NA
 MKZ                  2,089    3,173   -34.2     30,117     34,363   -12.4
 Town Car             1,368      194   605.2     15,653     26,739   -41.5
 MKX                  2,114    3,856   -45.2     29,076     37,953   -23.4
 Navigator            1,097    2,291   -52.1     14,836     24,050   -38.3
 Mark LT                285      551   -48.3      4,631      8,382   -44.8
                        ---      ---              -----      -----

   Lincoln Brand      9,053   10,065   -10.1    107,295    131,487   -18.4



                 MERCURY BRAND DECEMBER 2008 U.S. SALES
                 --------------------------------------

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

 Grand Marquis        2,271    4,087   -44.4     29,766     50,664   -41.2
 Sable                  601    1,458   -58.8     16,187     21,121   -23.4
 Milan                2,219    2,932   -24.3     31,393     37,244   -15.7
 Mariner              3,148    2,233    41.0     32,306     34,843    -7.3
 Mountaineer            634    1,921   -67.0     10,596     23,850   -55.6
 Monterey                 0        0      NA          0        700  -100.0
                          -        -                  -        ---

   Mercury Brand      8,873   12,631   -29.8    120,248    168,422   -28.6



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

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

 S40                    427    1,144   -62.7      9,687     18,141   -46.6
 V50                    133      185   -28.1      1,856      2,850   -34.9
 S60                    266    1,468   -81.9      8,966     18,511   -51.6
 S80                    959      733    30.8     11,038     12,347   -10.6
 V70                    221      341   -35.2      3,224      3,769   -14.5
 XC70                   781    1,449   -46.1      9,489     12,628   -24.9
 XC90                 1,642    3,343   -50.9     18,980     31,336   -39.4
 C70                    205      321   -36.1      5,563      4,541    22.5
 C30                    319      357   -10.6      4,299      2,090   105.7
                        ---      ---              -----      -----

   Volvo Brand        4,953    9,341   -47.0     73,102    106,213   -31.2

Source: Ford Motor Company  

Daimler AG Reports a 23.5 Percent Decrease for the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. for December 2008

- Total 20,848 of Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S.

- Mercedes-Benz USA Records December Sales of 18,507

- smart USA Records 2,341 Sales in December

NEW YORK, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviaton DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 20,848 units in the U.S. for December 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported December sales of 18,507 vehicles, bringing the company's total 2008 volume to 225,128, an 11.2 percent decrease over last year's annual sales record. Sales of the C-Class model line rose 13.8 percent for the year, and sales of the M-Class SUV line-up increased by 1.3 percent.

smart USA recorded 2,341 sales in December 2008. Year-to-date sales for 2008 are an incredible 24,622 units. smart USA achieved this impressive sales volume in its first year of business in the U.S. market. American response indicates the micro-car segment is a viable transportation option and the smart fortwo is the right car at the right time in the U.S. The smart fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety features, environmental friendliness and excellent value. The smart fortwo BRABUS will go on sale in the United States this January. There are currently 74 smart centers open in 35 states.

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

                   Mercedes-Benz Cars Division in the U.S. Sales Summary
                                   Through December 2008

                        Month Sales        %        Sales CYTD         %
                      Curr Yr   Pr Yr   Change    Curr Yr   Pr Yr   Change
                      -------   -----   ------    -------   -----   ------
 Mercedes-Benz USA     18,507  27,269   -32.1%  225,128   253,433   -11.2%

 smart USA              2,341   n/a*     n/a*    24,622     n/a*     n/a*

 Mercedes-Benz USA/
  smart USA combined   20,848  27,269*  -23.5%* 249,750   253,433*   -1.5%*

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



Source: Daimler AG  

Subaru of America Announces Year-On-Year Sales Increase for 2008

- Record Sales for Impreza, Legacy and Forester lines -

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America today announced a 0.3% sales increase for full-year 2008 sales over 2007. Driven by record results for its Impreza, Legacy and Forester model lines, Subaru was the only full-line brand with positive sales through November 2008. (Full-year results for other makers are not known at time of posting).

The year-over-year sales increase adds to the good news the company enjoyed in 2008: the Subaru Forester was named 2009 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year and the company was awarded the title Automotive Marketer of the Year by Mediapost.com and the brand has performed well in Kelley Blue Book and ALG ratings.

               December                   December YTD
            2008     2007    %chg       2008       2007    %chg
 Legacy     1824     2066   -11.7%     22596      21094     7.1%
 Outback*   4067     5831   -30.3%     44280      57334   -22.8%
 Impreza    4192     5376   -22.0%     49098      46333     6.0%
 Forester   6499     3992    62.8%     60748      44530    36.4%
 Tribeca     705     1471   -52.1%     10975      16790   -34.6%
 Baja          0        3  -100.0%         2       1127   -99.8%
 Total    17,287   18,739    -7.7%   187,699    187,208     0.3%

 * Includes Legacy Wagon



Subaru has also announced it will show a Concept Legacy Sedan at the upcoming North American International Auto Show (Jan. 11, 2009) to showcase a potential direction for the model that celebrates 20 years of U.S. sales and production in 2009.

Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales for Subaru of America said, "To post increased sales for the year the Industry has just experienced reflects the strength of our products, our dealers and the Subaru brand. In a difficult market we were able to establish new sales records for Forester, Impreza and Legacy sedan and also record our highest market share ever."

Tom Doll, executive vice president for Subaru of America said, "Our 2008 sales results are tribute not only to our product offerings, but also to the commitment, perseverance and dedication of our retail sales network. Our strategy was to concentrate on building our brand image and also to leverage the value, performance and utility of our products rather than focus on "selling the deal", and that strategy has allowed us to significantly outperform the market."

Source: Subaru of America  

Mitsubishi Motors Reports December Sales

CYPRESS, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced December 2008 sales of 4,570.

 Highlights include:

 --  Galant was the volume leader in December, at 1,214, up 20 percent for
     the month compared to December 2007.  Galant sales finished the year
     up 1.7 percent compared to calendar year 2007.
 --  Eclipse Spyder convertible sales were up 31 percent in December,
     compared to the same month a year ago.
 --  Lancer Evolution sales finished 2008 with a 50.9% increase for the
     year.


Overall Mitsubishi December sales were down 22.6 percent compared to December 2007.

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 more than 440 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors  

Chrysler LLC Reports December 2008 U.S. Sales

- All Jeep(R) brand vehicles achieved sales growth over November 2008

- Chrysler Town and Country sales increased nine percent and Dodge Grand Caravan sales grew 14 percent compared to November 2008

- Dodge Ram light duty pickup sales rose ten percent versus November 2008

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC today reported total December 2008 U.S. sales of 89,813 units, up five percent versus November 2008 (85,260 units), and down 53 percent from the same month in 2007. For the year, Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge U.S. sales decreased 30 percent (1,453,122 units) compared to total 2007 sales (2,076,650 units). Total sales were significantly affected by the industry's largest reductions in fleet sales, 63 percent for December and 31 percent for the year.

"Last year Chrysler and all of our stakeholders persevered through extraordinarily difficult economic conditions, made the necessary adjustments and always kept our focus on serving our customers," said Jim Press, President and Vice Chairman, Chrysler LLC. "As a result, our Company and our dealer network start this year stronger and better positioned to succeed in today's marketplace."

"From a customer perspective, we see consumers selecting vehicles based on their long-term transportation needs and committing to keeping vehicles for longer periods. As a result, characteristics such as utility, flexibility, efficiency and quality will grow in importance. In terms of product focus, Chrysler will continue to invest in quality and fuel efficiency improvements on its current lineup, while developing all-new vehicles for the next generation. From an organizational viewpoint, we will work with all of our stakeholders to continue the restructuring our Company. We have a special bond with the American people now and pledge to continue our efforts to provide the best quality and best value in the marketplace. We are committed to help drive America forward."

December Sales Highlights

-- All Jeep brand vehicles achieved sales growth over November 2008 sales. Jeep Wrangler, the brand's top-selling model, marked sales growth of 15 percent (7,048 units) over November.

-- Sales of the Jeep Patriot were up six percent in December (2,597 units) compared to November 2008. Year-to-date, Patriot sales grew 38 percent to reach 55,654 units.

-- Minivan sales gained momentum over November. Chrysler Town and Country sales in December grew nine percent (8,152 units) and Dodge Grand Caravan sales increased 14 percent (6,927 units).

-- Dodge Ram light duty pickup sales were up 10 percent (10,601 units) compared to November 2008, fueled by the availability of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram.

-- The Company finished the month with 397,569 units of inventory, or a 115-day supply. Inventory is down nine percent compared with December 2007, when it totaled 438,390 units.

January Incentives

Chrysler continues to offer customers highly competitive discount and financing programs to kick off 2009. In addition to offering discounts of up to $6,000 on 2008 MY vehicles and up to $3,000 on 2009 MY vehicles to all customers, the Company is also working with Chrysler Financial and additional financing companies around the country to create packages that offer customers a wide range of options for lease and purchase financing. On select 2008 models, 0% financing is available for 72 months, and rates as low as 1.9% APR are available on select 2009 models.

For the new year, Chrysler has entered into a partnership with Credit Unions across the nation to offer an additional $500 to $1,000 discount when any of the 90 million members of Credit Unions purchase or lease a new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. This program was successfully piloted in December in 12 states.

           Chrysler LLC U.S. Sales Summary Thru December 2008

                                               Month Sales           Vol %
                 Model                    Curr Yr       Pr Yr      Change
 Sebring                                    3,572        9,274       -61%
 300                                        3,707        9,950       -63%
 Crossfire                                    110          180       -39%
 PT Cruiser                                 1,823        9,738       -81%
 Aspen                                      1,515        3,022       -50%
 Pacifica                                     574        2,009       -71%
 Town & Country                             8,152       14,211       -43%
     CHRYSLER BRAND                        19,453       48,384       -60%
 Compass                                    1,225        3,295       -63%
 Patriot                                    2,597        4,987       -48%
 Wrangler                                   7,048        9,007       -22%
 Liberty                                    4,529        9,941       -54%
 Grand Cherokee                             5,504       11,753       -53%
 Commander                                  2,188        5,821       -62%
     JEEP BRAND                            23,091       44,804       -48%
 Caliber                                    2,896        8,851       -67%
 Avenger                                    2,050        8,146       -75%
 Charger                                    5,414       11,115       -51%
 Challenger                                 2,602            0         0%
 Viper                                        152           46       230%
 Magnum                                        31        2,278       -99%
 Dakota                                     1,701        2,873       -41%
 Ram P/U                                   16,618       32,118       -48%
 Journey                                    4,275          109      3822%
 Caravan                                    6,927       21,217       -67%
 Durango                                    1,435        2,480       -42%
 Nitro                                      2,036        7,350       -72%
 Sprinter                                   1,132        1,652       -31%
     DODGE BRAND                           47,269       98,235       -52%

     TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC                    89,813      191,423       -53%

           TOTAL CAR                       20,535       50,273       -59%
           TOTAL TRUCK                     69,278      141,150       -51%
 Selling Days                                  26           26



                                               Sales CYTD            Vol %
                 Model                     Curr Yr       Pr Yr     Change
 Sebring                                    71,663       93,130      -23%
 300                                        62,352      120,636      -48%
 Crossfire                                   2,021        8,774      -77%
 PT Cruiser                                 50,910       99,585      -49%
 Aspen                                      22,254       28,788      -23%
 Pacifica                                    7,345       53,947      -86%
 Town & Country                            118,563      138,151      -14%
     CHRYSLER BRAND                        335,108      543,011      -38%
 Compass                                    25,349       39,491      -36%
 Patriot                                    55,654       40,434       38%
 Wrangler                                   84,615      119,243      -29%
 Liberty                                    66,911       92,105      -27%
 Grand Cherokee                             73,678      120,937      -39%
 Commander                                  27,694       63,027      -56%
     JEEP BRAND                            333,901      475,237      -30%
 Caliber                                    84,158      101,079      -17%
 Avenger                                    61,963       83,804      -26%
 Charger                                    97,367      119,289      -18%
 Challenger                                 17,423            0        0%
 Viper                                       1,172          435      169%
 Magnum                                      6,912       30,256      -77%
 Dakota                                     26,044       50,702      -49%
 Ram P/U                                   245,840      358,295      -31%
 Journey                                    47,097          109    43108%
 Caravan                                   123,749      176,041      -30%
 Durango                                    21,420       45,503      -53%
 Nitro                                      36,368       74,825      -51%
 Sprinter                                   14,600       16,586      -12%
     DODGE BRAND                           784,113    1,058,402      -26%

     TOTAL CHRYSLER LLC                  1,453,122    2,076,650      -30%

           TOTAL CAR                       406,125      569,859      -29%
           TOTAL TRUCK                   1,046,997    1,506,791      -31%
 Selling Days                                  308          307

Source: Chrysler LLC  

Hi,
Thanks for this useful information.  I'm a new one in this forum.  I must appreciate the tools provided by you.  Please keep updating me in this regard.
CSK
New Cars