After a year of big gains, a new forecast shows North American production flattening in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, August sales numbers, due this week, are expected to be lackluster.

So is the rebound in the auto industry fizzling?

It's true that retail sales of new vehicles have not snapped back nearly as much as in four previous recessions dating back to 1969. Sales and production remain on an upward track -- but just barely. Growth is slowing, and analysts say a double-dip recession looks increasingly possible.

"The retail business has been improving, but at a much slower pace than we'd like to see," said Toyota Division head Bob Carter.

Making year-on-year comparisons these days is dicey. Cash for clunkers inflated August 2009 sales, and fourth-quarter 2009 production was swelled by a rush to rebuild inventories. August's seasonally adjusted annual sales rate -- projected at 11.8 million by IHS Automotive and Edmunds.com -- would be the second-highest this year, topped only by May's 11.9 million.

Should be better

But things were supposed to have been better than this.

"Normally, the stronger the downturn, the sharper the rebound the next year," said Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of Edmunds.com.

"This time things aren't going to repeat themselves."

Forecasters, never particularly optimistic about this year after 2009's 10.4 million sales, are adjusting downward. This month both IHS Automotive and Power lowered 2010 forecasts a notch to 11.5 million.

Jeff Schuster, J.D. Power's head of forecasting, reduced his August SAAR prediction to 11.7 million last week, from 11.8 million, because of "unexpected softness" in retail sales.

"Dealer sales normally build toward the end of the month, but not this August," he said. "They stayed flat."

IHS Automotive forecasts a modest climb in production of 3 percent in the fourth quarter after rising 25 percent in the third quarter and 74 percent in the second quarter.

Obviously, the first two quarters of dramatic production improvement were increases from depressed levels a year ago. And the third quarter last year included cash for clunkers, which depleted the low stocks, so production increased.

But retail demand hasn't perked up. Consumers won't buy until companies hire, and companies won't hire until sales improve, said Kim Korth, CEO of consultants IRN Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.

"If people think things are still negative, they are likely to remain extremely cautious in their spending and hiring practices, significantly slowing what should be a much stronger recovery," she wrote in a blog posted Thursday, Aug. 26, on the IHS Web site.

Anwyl sees little to drive demand higher this fall, with no government stimulus and manufacturers backing off on incentives.

Edmunds.com calculates that August incentives dropped $84 a vehicle from July. Power, which tracks incentives by a different method, puts the August spiff decline at $150 or 6 percent.

'We're headed up'

Still, forecasters see slow but continued improvement in both sales and output this year and next. George Magliano, head of North American sales forecasting for IHS Automotive, sees U.S. auto volume trending upward to 11.5 million units this year and 13.2 million in 2011.

"We're headed up," he said. "It's a slow pull upward."

North American output will rise 37 percent to 11.8 million this year, assisted by a surge in exports to markets outside North America, said Mike Jackson, IHS Automotive's head of production forecasting.

"There's no softness on the production side," he said.

Magliano sees U.S. fleet sales fading in the second half but expects retail demand to pick up slightly in the fall.

"The economic factors look crappy in the third quarter, but they'll pick up in the fourth quarter," he said.

Automakers, which have slashed overhead to operate profitably at lower volume, are maintaining discipline, said Schuster.


'A good test'

"August was a good test," he said. "The year-over-year sales comparison is ugly. That nobody boosted incentives in August to offset unflattering numbers suggests we probably won't see it this year."

Last week, Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields downplayed prospects that the economy could slip back into recession.

"At this point, we don't see a double-dip recession," he told reporters near Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.

Others see more risk. Schuster doesn't expect a double dip but added that recent events have increased the risk to 30 percent.

"A double dip recession is still unlikely," said Korth, writing on IRN's Web site. "But the next few quarters of auto sales are likely to remain relatively flat and relatively lumpy."

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...#ixzz0y6p6UL4o

Lacrosse- 5,339
Maxima- 5,226
Taurus-5,122
300- 2,991
Genesis- 2,889 (sedan and coupe)
CC- 2,602
Avalon- 2,512
TSX- 2,419
Regal- 1,704
1-series- 1,394
A3- 564
C30-
S40- [

Entry Level Luxury
3 series- 8,339
C class-6,100
G37 both- 5,426
A4+A5=4,284
CTS- 4,155
ES- 4,151
G37- 3,926
IS- 3,005
Lucerne- 2,656
TL- 2,882
A4- 2,860
MKZ- 1,558
HS- 594 (stop sale???))
S60-0

Mid Luxury
E Class- 5,882 (includes coupes)
5 series- 3,047
M37/56- 1,251
MKS- 1,111
S80-
A6- 725
GS- 629
XF-570
STS- 324
RL- 193

Large Luxury
7 series-1,224 (now included 6 cylinder 740)
LS- 939
S Class- 832
XJ- 700
Panamera- 627
A8- 95

Classic American Luxury
DTS- 1,896
Town Car-825

Cute-Ute
Q5- 2,675
GLK-1,426
RDX- 1,226
XC60-
X3- 892
EX- 718

Mid Ute
RX- 8,506
Enclave- 4,595
MDX- 4,386
SRX- 4,325
X5- 2,786
M class-2,473
MKX-1,715
GX- 1,227
Cayenne- 775
XC90-
RR Sport -
FX- 784
X6- 440
ZDX- 428
LR4 -
Toureg- 242

Large Ute
Escalade- 1,988 (All Versions)
GL-1,349
QX-1,249
Range Rover-
Navigator-610
MKT-609
Q7- 560
LX- 379
G- 60

Coupes
G37- 1,500
A5- 1,424
Z4- 1,201
Corvette-1,135
370Z- 823
911- 375
Cayman/Boxster- 255
C70-
SL-233
6 series- 217
TT- 165
XK-143
R8- 114
CL-83
RX-8- 94
GT-R- 90
SLK-57
SLS-56
Viper- 54
SC- 35
XLR- 01

Muscle Cars

Camaro- 6,321
Mustang- 5,570
Challenger- 3,283

the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said. Retail deliveries of passenger cars, multipurpose and sport-utility vehicles in China jumped 59 percent to 977,300, the China Automotive Technology & Research Center said.

Japanese consumers rushed to take advantage of government subsidies expiring this month, while dealer discounts in China lured buyers in the world’s largest auto market. South Korean auto sales rose 21 percent, and Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., the biggest carmaker in India, reported domestic sales surged 33 percent after economic growth accelerated last quarter.

“In China, underlying demand still seems to be very strong,” said?Ashvin Chotai, London-based managing director of Intelligence Automotive Asia Ltd., an industry consultant. In Japan, “the market has been artificially propped up by subsidies. We can expect a post-stimulus hangover.”

Higher auto sales in Asia in August compare favorably with slumping sales in the U.S. and Europe. In the U.S., auto sales last month probably were the slowest in 28 years as model-year closeout deals failed to entice consumers concerned the economy s worsening and they may lose their jobs.

U.S., Europe

Industrywide deliveries, to be announced tomorrow, may have reached an annualized rate of 11.6 million vehicles last month, according to the average of eight analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg. That would be the slowest August since 1982, according to researcher Ward’s AutoInfoBank.

In Germany, incentives totaling 5 billion euros ($6.4 billion) for buyers of new vehicles who turned in old ones boosted sales 23 percent last year, according to the VDA auto industry association. Without further subsidies, new car registrations in the country slumped 29 percent in the first seven months of 2010, according to the association.

China car purchases are expected to continue to grow in September to the end of the year, An Conghui, Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.’s executive vice president, said at a conference in Ningbo on Aug. 19, forecasting industrywide vehicle sales in China to reach 16 million this year.

September, October

Dongfeng Motor Group Co., based in Wuhan, also expects China’s auto sales growth to continue to pick up in September, President Zhu Fushou said in Hong Kong this week.

“September and October are a traditionally strong season for car sales,” Zhu told reporters.

China car sales may also gain as dealers lower prices to reduce inventories. The average auto stockpile period fell to 57 days in August from 58 days in July, according to the China Automotive center said today. .

Sales in the nation have “brightened the sales outlook for the rest of this year,” said Yim Eun Young, a Seoul-based analyst at Dongbu Securities Co.

Car buying in Asia may also have been boosted by economic growth in China and India. Sales rose in China even as the nation took steps to slow its economy. The economy grew 10.3 percent from a year earlier in second quarter, lower than the 11.9 percent in January to March. The moderation followed government measures to temper credit expansion and property speculation.

India, Japan

India’s gross domestic product rose 8.8 percent in the three months through June from a year earlier, after an 8.6 percent increase in the previous quarter, the Central Statistical Organisation said in a statement this week.

In Japan, where auto sales grew at the fastest monthly rate since December 1972, retail sales rose for a seventh month as a hotter-than-usual summer spurred shopping and signs of an easing job slump emerged. Sales advanced 3.9 percent in July from a year earlier, the Trade Ministry said yesterday

The nation’s unemployment rate, at 5.2 percent in June, was lower than the U.S. rate of 9.5 percent in July and Europe’s 10 percent rate, a 12-year high.

Even so, an end to government incentives of up to 250,000 yen ($2,970) for fuel-efficient vehicles in Japan on Sept. 30 are expected to signal falling demand.

Last month’s surge ‘is definitely due to buyers rushing in” before the subsidy program expires, said Michiro Saito, in charge of general affairs and statistics at the nations’ auto association. “We will have to see to what extent carmakers’ incentives will be able to make up for the subsidies.”

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp., South Korea’s two largest carmakers, led a 14th straight increase in monthly sales by the nation’s auto manufacturers as new models helped boost domestic and overseas sales.

Hyundai, the maker of Sonata sedans and Elantra compact cars, sold 288,313 vehicles last month, 17 percent more than a year earlier, the Seoul-based company said in a statement to the Korea Exchange. Deliveries at home increased for the first time since April, rising 5.4 percent while sales outside South Korea jumped 19.7 percent. Hyundai’s affiliate Kia lifted August sales 55 percent to 150,541 units.

* Combined Buick, GMC and Cadillac sales counter trend, increase 37 percent
* Calendar-year-to-date sales for GM’s four brands are up 23 percent
* Buick remains the fastest-growing major auto brand in the U.S.
* Cadillac is the fastest-growing luxury brand in the U.S.

DETROIT – August sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac decreased by a combined 11 percent to 184,921 units, compared to last August, a month in which the automotive industry experienced the highest level of sales in 2009 due to the Cash for Clunkers stimulus program. Compared to July 2010, sales for GM’s brands were down 7 percent.

Through August, Buick remained the industry’s fastest-growing brand with sales up 61 percent year to date. Cadillac leads the luxury vehicle industry in sales growth this year, with sales 50 percent higher through August.

“Last year’s Cash for Clunkers program spiked industry sales in 2009, so results this August were, not surprisingly, a bit mixed,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “Importantly, three of our four divisions showed solid gains. This is further evidence that our performance is the result of balanced contributions across our brands.”

Combined sales for Buick, GMC and Cadillac were up 37 percent for the month, compared to a year ago. Buick sales increased 66 percent, propelled by retail sales that more than doubled during the month. Cadillac dealers reported sales that were 83 percent higher than last year, and the brand’s retail sales also rose 83 percent. GMC total sales were up 12 percent during the month, driven by strong retail sales. Chevrolet, which benefited the most from last year’s federal stimulus, had a total sales decline of 22 percent compared to last year, while retail sales were down 31 percent.

Total sales of GM’s full-size pickups rose 4 percent during the month, while its full-size utilities increased 7 percent on strong retail sales growth.

Johnson noted that key product launches for the remainder of this year will continue the company’s momentum.

“With the all-new Chevrolet Cruze hitting showrooms in September, the Chevrolet Volt later this year, the Buick Regal expanding Buick’s footprint in the U.S., and the Cadillac CTS Coupe generating a lot of attention, we have reason to be optimistic,” Johnson said.

Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at about 452,000 units, which is about 28,000 higher compared to July 2010, and about 73,000 higher than August 2009.

August Key Facts and Brand Results:

* Chevrolet: Chevrolet delivered 131,952 total vehicles in August, a 22 percent decline year-over-year. Year-to-date total Chevrolet sales are up 19 percent. Retail sales for Chevrolet full-size trucks (Silverado, Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban) rose 8 percent.

* Buick: Buick reported total sales of 14,294, an increase of 66 percent in August compared to last year. Driven by continuing strong customer demand for the LaCrosse (retail sales up 263 percent) and growing demand for the all-new Regal, Buick retail sales more than doubled for the second month in a row, up 102 percent, compared to last year. August was the eleventh straight month that total and retail sales have increased. With sales up 61 percent for the year, Buick remains the fastest growing major auto brand in the U.S. .

* GMC: GMC reported total sales of 25,986, a 12 percent increase in total sales in the month of August, compared to the same month last year. This includes an 18 percent increase in retail sales, marking 11 consecutive months of year-over-year total and retail sales gains for GMC. Retail sales for GMC full-size trucks (Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL) increased 12 percent during the month and retail sales for the Terrain rose to 3,667 units. For the year, GMC total sales are up 26 percent.

* Cadillac: Total sales of 12,689 for August were 83 percent higher than last August, with retail sales increasing 83 percent. This strong retail performance was driven by continuing strong consumer demand for the SRX and the CTS, with retail sales up 410 percent and 77 percent, respectively. August was the seventh month in a row that Cadillac total and retail sales have increased. With total sales up 50 percent for the year, the brand is the fastest growing luxury auto brand in the industry.

* Fleet sales for GM’s four brands were 51,951 for the month.

FORD MARKET SHARE GAINS CONTINUE IN AUGUST AS BUYERS TURN TO LINEUP OF HIGH-QUALITY, FUEL-EFFICIENT PRODUCTS

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury August sales totaled 157,503 – lower than strong year-ago levels
Ford’s year-to-date sales up 18 percent versus year ago – double the growth of the overall industry
Market share continues to grow; August marked the 22nd time in the last 23 months Ford’s retail share increased as buyers continue turning to Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles
Ford announces fourth quarter production plan
Download Full Sales Release (With Tables)

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 1, 2010 – Consumer demand for Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles helped the company continue to grow its retail market share in August for the 22nd time in the last 23 months.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 157,503 new vehicles in August, down 11 percent versus a year ago, when Ford outpaced the industry during the “Cash for Clunkers” sales program.

Year-to-date, Ford sales totaled 1.28 million, up 18 percent – double the growth of the overall industry.

“Ford continues to outperform the overall industry,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “In this market, consumers are looking for vehicles that offer industry-leading quality, fuel economy, safety and technologies, and growing numbers of them are turning to Ford.”

Last August, the Ford Focus and Escape were among the industry’s best sellers during the “Cash for Clunkers” program. Even though both products had strong sales results this August, they had large declines against last year’s record sales.

Products with higher sales than a year ago include:

Ford’s popular F-Series truck, which posted one of its highest sales months in the last two years. August sales totaled 47,652, up 5 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, F-Series sales totaled 338,446, making it the only U.S. vehicle to eclipse the 300,000 milestone in 2010.
Sales for Ford’s E-Series van totaled 10,251, up 92 percent versus a year ago. The E-Series van has been America’s best-selling commercial van for 31 straight years; year-to-date sales totaled 74,608.
Taurus sales were 5,122 in August, up 51 percent. The all-new Taurus debuted a year ago and has posted strong year-to-year increases every month since introduction. Taurus year-to-date sales are more than double last year’s sales.
Although total sales were down slightly from last August, Mustang retail sales are up 15 percent.
Sales Outlook and North American Production
In the fourth quarter of 2010, Ford plans to produce 570,000 vehicles. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the company Ford produced 574,000.

“The Ford plan is to match capacity with the real demand, and we continue to monitor the key economic indicators as we make adjustments,” Czubay said.

In the third quarter, Ford plans to produce 570,000 vehicles, unchanged from the previously announced level.

# # #

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ --
August marks the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases
Fourteen Chrysler Group vehicle lines improve year-over-year sales
Jeep®, Dodge and Ram brands post year-over-year sales increases
All-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee sales ramp-up continues as dealers begin achieving adequate inventory levels
Chrysler Group sold its 13 millionth minivan worldwide in August

Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 99,611, a 7 percent increase compared with sales in August 2009 (93,222 units).
August represents the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. August sales also were up 7 percent over sales in July. Chrysler Group is the only major auto manufacturer to post a year-over-year sales increase in August.
“Chrysler Group is proud that we have beaten or matched the average industry sales increase for the fifth consecutive month this year and for the calendar year to date,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer – Ram Truck Brand and Lead Executive for U.S. Sales. “This is proof positive that we are accomplishing our goals – steady, sustainable growth. We will continue to build on this momentum as we begin production on a stream of new product through the end of this year.”
Chrysler Group in August began building the new Wrangler in Toledo, and released the first photos of the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango SUV. Both Wrangler and Durango are part of the 16 all new or significantly refreshed vehicles that Chrysler Group is launching this year, representing 75 percent of its vehicle lineup.
Chrysler Group finished the month with a 50-day supply of inventory (197,987 units). U.S. industry sales figures for August are projected at an estimated 11.5 SAAR.
August 2010 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand
Jeep Brand
The Jeep Brand posted a 17 percent year-over-year increase in August. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee contributed to the increase as its August sales more than doubled sales in July. The iconic Jeep Wrangler, the brand’s volume leader, increased year-over-year sales 37 percent. Building on that momentum, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features. In addition, Sahara models now feature an all-new body-color hard top for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance. Production of the 2011 Wranglers began in mid August at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio and will arrive in dealerships in greater volume this month. Jeep Liberty, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot had a strong August as each model had double-digit percentage sales increases.
Ram Truck Brand
Ram Truck Brand posted a 5 percent sales increase in August, compared with the same month in 2009. Ram pickup truck sales increased 8 percent in August, with Quad Cab and Crew Cab the most popular choices. Ram Heavy Duty – Motor Trend’s 2010 Truck of the Year – continues to appeal to consumers and business customers. Ram Heavy Duty sales were up 48 percent in August, with the Crew Cab and Quad Cab models leading sales. Dodge Dakota sales were up 55 percent in August. The Ram Truck Brand introduced in August the Ram Outdoorsman, a new feature package designed for North American outdoor enthusiasts. Ram Outdoorsman takes all of the features most useful to hunters, fishermen, campers and boaters, and packages them into one model. The Outdoorsman combines convenience, off-road capability and trailer towing hardware in one package with a name that will resonate among its intended users.
Dodge Brand
Dodge Brand posted a 8 percent sales increase in August, compared with the same month in 2009. Six of eight Dodge models posted sales increases in August. Dodge Challenger sales were up 190 percent, compared with the same month in 2009. Challenger got a boost from its first win Aug. 14 in NASCAR Nationwide Series racing at Michigan International Speedway. Dodge Challenger returned to NASCAR competition in July after more than a 30-year absence. The Dodge Caliber and Dodge Avenger each posted double-digit percentage sales increases in August. Dodge Nitro’s three new lifestyle models – Detonator, Heat and Shock – continued to resonate with customers as Nitro sales increased 66 percent in August. Dodge in August revealed teaser images that highlight design characteristics of its forthcoming 2011 Dodge Durango SUV. Look for more of this all-new, three-row performance SUV in the coming weeks. Dodge also introduced its all-new 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit high-performance police vehicle, which can be ordered this month through Chrysler Group’s fleet operations.
Chrysler Brand
Chrysler Town & Country posted a sales increase of 26 percent in August. The brand’s volume leader, Town & Country has posted year-over-year sales increases in each month this year. Chrysler Group hit a significant milestone during August. The company that invented the minivan 27 years ago sold its 13 millionth minivan worldwide. The very first minivan rolled off the line at Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, on Nov. 2, 1983. The current platform is the fifth generation, and is sold in more than 80 countries worldwide. Combined, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan remain the leaders in the segment. Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible sales were up a combined 79 percent, versus the same month last year.
August U.S. Sales Highlights
Jeep Brand sales (25,706 units) increased 17 percent versus the same month last year (22,041 units)
New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee sales more than doubled compared with July sales
Jeep Wrangler sales (7,666 units) improved 37 percent versus August 2009 (5,613 units)
Jeep Liberty sales (5,247 units) increased 56 percent compared with August last year (3,359 units)
Jeep Compass sales (1,909 units) improved 34 percent versus August 2009 (1,426 units)
Jeep Patriot sales (4,143 units) increased 57 percent compared with August 2009 (2,637 units)
Dodge Brand sales (35,364 units) increased 8 percent versus the same month last year (32,878 units).
Dodge Challenger sales (3,283 units) improved 190 percent compared with August 2009 (1,132 units), setting a new monthly record
Dodge Caliber sales (5,347 units) increased 32 percent versus August 2009 (4,039 units)
Dodge Avenger sales (4,582 units) improved 11 percent compared with the same month last year (4,118 units)
Dodge Nitro sales (2,505 units) improved 66 percent versus August 2009 (1,510 units)
Chrysler Sebring (sedan and convertible) sales (4,498 units) were up 79 percent versus August 2009 (2,514 units)
Chrysler Town & Country minivan sales (9,472 units) improved 26 percent compared with August 2009 (7,530 units)
Ram Truck Brand sales (20,604 units) increased 5 percent versus the same month last year (19,684 units)
Ram pickup truck sales (18,995 units) increased 8 percent in August, compared with August 2009 (17,514 units)
Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck sales increased 48 percent versus August 2009
Dodge Dakota sales (1,583 units) were up 55 percent compared with the same month last year (1,022 units)

Toyota Reports August Sales
Click here for August 2010 Sales Chart

TORRANCE, Calif. (September 1, 2010) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported August sales of 148,388 units. In comparison to last August when Toyota sales were at their peak under Cash for Clunkers, sales were down 31.4 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 25 selling days in August 2010, compared to 26 selling days in August 2009, TMS sales were down 34 percent compared to the same period last year.

“While August results trailed year ago levels when the CARS program generated significant incremental sales for the brand, we’re pleased with how the month shaped up,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Customer loyalty rates have returned to traditional levels as Toyota continues to lead the industry as the number one retail brand year-to-date.”

Toyota Division recorded sales of 128,923 vehicles, a decrease of 33.7 percent from the year-ago month, on a DSR basis. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were down 36.2 percent compared to last August. Lexus reported sales of 19,465 units in August, down 11.6 percent from August 2009, on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were down 14.9 percent compared to the year-ago month.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded sales of 75,911 units, a decrease of 44.6 percent from last August. Toyota sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid which posted combined monthly sales of 30,746 units. Corolla recorded sales of 20,280 units. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid reported sales of 11,799 units. The Avalon sedan posted sales of 2,512 units, up 17.3 percent over the year-ago month.

Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 53,012 units in August, down 7.6 percent from the same period last year. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV, which recorded monthly sales of 14,727 units. 4Runner posted sales of 3,833 units, up 297 percent over August 2009. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 7,207 units. The Sienna minivan reported sales of 8,729, up 15.7 percent over the year-ago month.

Scion posted August sales of 4,012 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with sales of 1,965 units. The tC sports coupe posted August sales of 1,092 units. The xD reported sales of 955 units for the month.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 9,353 units, down 22.9 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus passenger car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan which posted sales of 4,161 units. The IS line-up reported combined sales of 3,005 units.

Lexus light trucks recorded sales of 10,112 units, up 2.3 percent from last August. Lexus Division sales were led by the RX 350 and RX 450h, which reported combined August sales 8,506 units. With August sales of 1,227 units, GX luxury SUV posted a gain of 78.2 percent over the same period last year.

TMS Hybrids
TMS posted sales of 15,444 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division recorded sales of 13,450 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported sales of 1,994 hybrids in August.

Mercedes-Benz Reports August Sales of 19,674


Sales up 15% for the Month and 22% Year-to-Date

MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported August sales of 19,674 vehicles, an increase of 15% for the month, with a 22.2% increase on a year-to-date basis.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/NY58315LOGO)
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/...01/NY58315LOGO)
Impressive gains continued in both the Mercedes-Benz passenger car and light-truck categories. The strongest performer for the month was the popular and sporty C-Class, with sales of 6,100 (up 43.4%). The 9th generation E-Class followed suit with sales of 5,882 for the month (up 25.9%) – bringing the year-to-date total to 39,122 (up 70.6%). The versatile M-Class SUV rounded out the top three volume performers with sales of 2,473 for the month.
Also showing strong gains in August is the spacious R-Class crossover (up 389.7%) and the commanding G-Class SUV (up 62.2%). The company also sold 56 of its newly launched supercar, the SLS AMG, bringing its year-to-date sales to 321.
On a year-to-date basis, the company sold 144,689 new vehicles, an increase of 22.2 % over last year.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,488 vehicles in August, up 2.7% compared to August 2009 sales of 6,315 vehicles. Year-to-date sales for the MBCPO program were 54,720 – a 6 % increase over 2009 year-to-date sales (51,410 vehicles) during the same timeframe.

BMW Group U.S. Reports August 2010 Sales

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 23,965 vehicles, a decrease of 1.6 percent from the 24,343 vehicles sold last year. Year-to-date, the BMW Group also reported a sales volume of 168,940 vehicles, up 5.6 percent from the 160,044 units sold last year.
"As predicted, we are seeing a slowdown in the market and do not expect the second half of the year to be as strong as the first half," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "Despite this, building momentum throughout the year and narrowing the gap with our competitors is still our plan. The new 5 Series is now part of our model lineup complementing the segment leading 7 Series, Z4 Roadster and 3 Series. We are also seeing continual growth in the SAV segment with the X5 and X6, as intended."
BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 1.6 percent for a total of 19,540 vehicles from the 19,232 units sold last year. Year-to-date, BMW sales were up 7.8 percent to 139,236 vehicles from the 129,176 units sold last year.
In August, the best performing vehicles included the 1 Series, up 52.5 percent to 1,394 units and the 7 Series, up 42 percent to 1,224 units. The X5 and X6 continue to perform very well with an increase of 21.4 percent and 34.4 percent, respectively.
BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles
Sales of BMW's used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 3.2 percent to 14,266 vehicles from the 13,830 units sold last year. Year-to-date, used vehicle sales were up 5.5 percent to 113,061 vehicles from the 107,137 units sold last year.
MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported sales of 4,425 automobiles, a decrease of 13.4 percent from the 5,111 cars sold last year. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 29,704 automobiles, a decrease of 3.8 percent from the 30,868 units sold last year. The drop in sales was again affected by the Cash for Clunkers program that took place in July and August of 2009 and boosted sales volume.
MINI sales will gain momentum as the year progresses due the updated 2011 model year vehicles arriving at dealerships in two weeks. Additionally, the brand is seeing significant customer interest in the Countryman as MINI dealers have just begun taking orders for the new model coming out in January 2011.