Friday, July 11, 2008

New Ford Focus RS

  • London Motor Show preview for exciting new Ford Focus RS
  • Genuine RS performance with 300PS
  • Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential and innovative ‘RevoKnuckle’, for assured handling and traction
  • Expressive design exudes high performance intent

The legendary Ford RS performance car brand is returning in the shape of the exciting new Ford Focus RS, which will be previewed on July 22 at the 2008 London International Motor Show.

The new Focus RS will go on sale in early 2009 and is being created by a small team of dedicated engineers, under the direction of Jost Capito, Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles.

For performance road car enthusiasts, the new model will mark a welcome return for the Ford RS badge. This will be the second Focus model to carry the RS mantle and promises another exciting chapter in an exciting 40-year story that began in Germany in the late 1960s and gained momentum across Europe with the launch of the 1970 Escort RS1600.

Capito said: “We want the new Focus RS to be a serious high performance car – as much a car for driving enthusiasts as the one before it and classic Ford RS models of the past. We’re staying true to the core RS principles of an exciting, yet affordable performance road car you can live with every day.”

Authentic RS presence and style

Before it even turns a wheel, the new Focus RS exudes the presence, sporty style and lowered, ‘meaner’ appearance expected of a genuine Ford RS. Overt performance styling details mix with subtle revisions to create a planted, powerful stance and the promise of an exciting drive.

The London show car previews the design intent for a final production vehicle, though as development work continues, some final details may change before volume production begins.

The vehicle is finished in a special bright green paint with inlaid metallic flake, a striking, modern interpretation of the 1970s Le Mans Green of the Escort RS1600 era.

The vibrant exterior colour is contrasted with a number of performance styling details highlighted in gloss ‘piano black’, including the strip at the leading edge of the bonnet, the deep housings for the integrated front fog lamps and door mirrors with integrated side indicators.

Front and rear quarter panels have been revised to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, complemented by revised, deeper side rocker mouldings. In another visual reminder of the car’s performance potential, triangular, RS-badged vents sit behind the front wheel arches. Two classic-style bonnet louvres are both a styling hint at the power beneath and a practical requirement, maintaining correct system temperatures.

The completely new front bumper design for Focus RS incorporates a deep front airdam with a large, mesh lower grille in an extended trapezoid. Stylish and practical, this prominent feature represents the latest Ford 'kinetic design' face and also is finished in piano black. Above, chromed xenon headlamps stand out like cat’s eyes and are framed by matt-black housings with unique additional vents running underneath.

At the rear, a deep new rear bumper incorporates a large venturi tunnel to its lower edge with small vents at each corner of the bumper, emphasizing the car’s width. Two impressive chromed exhaust tailpipes sit each side of the black venturi, creating a purposeful rear view for the car.

Above, a unique, twin-element, black RS rear spoiler sits at the Focus RS’ roofline, echoing both RS models of the past and the World Rally-winning Focus WRC that has been its inspiration.

“We believe it’s vitally important that a Focus RS looks like both a Focus and an RS – it needs to be individual, distinctive and overt in its performance styling, but it also needs to show a clear progression from and relationship to Focus ST”, said Stefan Lamm, Chief Exterior Designer, Ford of Europe.

High performance interior

Inside, this theme continues with a unique and appropriately performance-oriented interior, dominated by bespoke, sculpted Recaro high-performance sports seats, specially designed and trimmed for excellent support, even when driving enthusiastically. Each is colour-matched to the exterior, with ebony leather accents and ‘RS’ and ‘Recaro’ logos stitched into each backrest.

Elsewhere, colour brings new excitement to the Focus interior, building on the sporty interior theme of Focus ST with more use of accents matched to the exterior colour, brushed aluminium highlights and overt performance styling. Even the rear seats feature higher side bolsters and a microfibre finish to echo those up front.

The centre console is finished in a stylish gloss, carbon-look trim and metallic highlights abound, from air vents, door grab handles, switchgear and gearshift surround, to unique RS-branded scuff plates on the door sills. These highlights contrast with a black-trimmed roof lining, emphasising the sporty, cockpit feel.

The driver is reminded this is a special Focus at every touch, with a gear lever finished with a six speed gear shift graphic in RS blue, a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel, finished with ‘Ford’ and ‘RS’ logos and even aluminium foot pedals. The performance driving environment is completed by three additional gauges from the Focus ST, including turbo boost pressure, sitting atop the centre console and angled toward the driver’s eyeline.

Powerful RS heart

At the heart of the all-new Focus RS is a specially developed, turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine. Significantly revised for high performance, this powerplant is targeting an impressive power output of 300PS and over 410Nm of torque, contributing to an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Such significant increases are not simply the result of altering engine management or boost pressure: starting with the Duratec 2.5-litre block, Ford RS engineers developed unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and exhaust manifold system for the car.

Although the car is still in development, prior to its launch in early 2009, early performance testing indicates a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of under six seconds.

A traction ‘Revo’-lution

Throughout Focus RS’ development, Capito and his team have been keeping a sharp focus on creating a car that delivers excellent performance and traction.

Various innovations, developed as a result of customer feedback from previous performance Fords, have allowed engineers to keep the new Focus RS as front-wheel drive, with a limited-slip differential, while still achieving demanding targets for traction, handling and steering.

The new Ford Focus RS is equipped with an innovative front suspension system known as a ‘RevoKnuckle’, which is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer, the impact of torque on steering in front-wheel driven vehicles. Torque steer occurs during hard acceleration, cornering or driving on uneven surfaces, when torque on the driven wheels exceeds grips levels. It is characterised by sudden turning force on the steering wheel and can be exacerbated by vehicles with wide tyres and limited-slip differentials.

In Focus RS, the RevoKnuckle works in conjunction with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential. Ford Team RS engineers have worked closely with Ford's Advanced Research Centre in Aachen, Germany to develop the RevoKnuckle technology specifically for the high performance Focus RS. It allows the simplicity of a traditional McPherson strut arrangement, but with geometry settings that minimize steering disturbances and torque steer, principally a reduction in steering offset.

“The Ford Focus is an excellent base for a high performance car – agile, responsive and stable,” explained Capito. “We studied at length how best to enhance these qualities for a high performance model. Our work has shown clearly that our approach in combining a tuned RevoKnuckle with the Quaife differential is an ideal solution for a high performance front-wheel-drive road car like Focus RS.

“As you would expect, we gave all-wheel-drive careful consideration, but by combining and tuning these elements and learning from Ford’s expertise in industry-leading handling, we have managed to eliminate the weight of AWD from the car and still have been able to target a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance.

“The result is a lightweight set-up, that will deliver the right blend of traction and razor sharp controllability – in a way no one would have expected from front-wheel-drive, and we believe we have made the right choice,” Capito concluded.

Dynamic, agile and responsive

A genuine Focus RS must maintain and enhance the reputation for responsive, precise handling for which Focus is acclaimed and considerable engineering effort has ensured that the new Focus RS will do just that.

Driving quality developments for Focus RS include a 40mm wider track, stronger, longer driveshafts, revised springs and dampers and a thicker, longer rear anti-roll bar. At the same time, the steering system has been retuned to provide an even sharper steering response and very precise feedback.

Brakes also have been uprated, with 336mm ventilated front discs and 300mm rear discs generating vice-like stopping power on road or track. Large calipers peek out from behind unique 19-inch wheels, wrapped in 235/35 low profile Continental tyres.

A special version of Ford’s ESP system has also been developed for Focus RS, designed to allow a very sporty driving style before activating. Intensive work to refine the natural handling abilities of the car has allowed the ESP system to carry a full de-activation option for enthusiast drivers and especially for track use.

“We are refining all the handling characteristics of Focus RS without ESP, to hone its natural responses, rather than use ESP to help its handling. In Focus RS, ESP is a pure safety device”, explained Capito.

Reliable and durable

In creating the new Focus RS, Ford’s Team RS engineers have had to meet the same stringent targets for durability and reliability as those set for the rest of the Focus range.

Despite its many bespoke engineering and styling elements, Focus RS will be built entirely on the main Focus production line in Saarlouis, Germany and offered with a standard Ford of Europe warranty.

A great heritage

The new Focus RS represents a significant moment in the heritage of both the Focus and Ford RS brands.

It is 10 years since the Ford Focus was first revealed to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998, paving the way for a range of Ford vehicles whose exciting design was matched by class-leading driving quality. Since this time, more than 5.3 million Ford Focus models have been built in Europe, including Russia, with the car also built and sold in North America and Asia.

At the same time, the new Focus RS marks the return of the famous but rare Ford RS badge, last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002 and with a distinguished heritage stretching back 38 years including Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models.

“RS is uniquely important to us in terms of our performance heritage and World Rally Championship success, while the Focus has played a major part in establishing Ford’s excellent reputation for driving dynamics," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO. "The all-new Focus RS will embrace and celebrate both of these – it will be a genuine RS and a genuine Focus and I’m confident it won’t disappoint in either area”.

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet announced today that its all-new entry in the compact segment will be called Cruze. The new Chevrolet will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering team and will be built in multiple locations around the world. The Cruze approaches an overall length of 4.6 meters and offers ample interior space and cargo capacity for five passengers, giving it an advantage over competition in the compact segment.

The Cruze features Chevrolet's new global design language that will continue to be a signature element for future vehicles carrying the gold bowtie. Combined with high safety standards and excellent build quality, Chevrolet will again deliver on its promise of offering a very attractive package at an exceptional value.

The new Chevrolet Cruze will be available in European markets in Spring 2009, followed by other global regions.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Nissan to Grow Car Rental Business

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan Financial Services, Co., Ltd. (NFS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nissan, today announced the decision to separate its car rental business division – Nissan Rent-a-Car - currently under NFS and integrate it under Nissan Network Holdings Co., Ltd.,* by December 2008.

In Japan, the car rental business is expected to grow further, due to the diversification of vehicle ownership patterns. As one of its core businesses, Nissan will establish a dedicated car rental subsidiary to facilitate the expansion of the business through the right allocation of resources and focused management.

NFS will continue to focus on its core business of vehicle leasing and financing.

Details related to the new car rental subsidiary will be announced in early-October.

*Nissan Network Holdings Co., Ltd. is a holding company responsible for the asset management of Nissan’s dealerships in Japan.

Daimler Call for Infrastructure for Battery and Fuel-Cell Vehicles

Daimler car
At the fifth Magdeburg environmental forum staged by Daimler and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the two host partners called for the establishment of an infrastructure for electric and fuel-cell vehicles. The call is linked to extending Daimler’s Memorandum of Understanding with UNEP, in existence since 2005, with the aim of reinforcing dialogue and the joint commitment for emission-free mobility among all parties.

At this international conference, 250 high-ranking representatives from the spheres of industry, science, politics and (non-)government organizations discussed solutions for road transportation of the future under the motto of "Sustainable Mobility – The Post-2012 CO2 Agenda.”

“A concerted effort of all parties will make the transition to the age of sustainable mobility as smooth and efficient as possible,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "We have developed the technologies and are now in a position to introduce them on the market", Zetsche continued.

Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said: "Climate change, congestion and the rising cost of fossil fuels demand transformative solutions to national and global mobility challenges. Car makers who seize the opportunities to harness cutting edge technologies and forge partnerships with innovative fuel makers up to city planners can make the transitions society so urgently need - those who do not may go the way of the steam engine and the pack horse."

Daimler's Roadmap to the Age of Sustainable Mobility

On the road to sustainable mobility, Daimler is banking on innovative technologies for the drive systems of the future. The measures range from the optimization of vehicles with modern internal combustion engines, through further increase in efficiency with hybridization, up to locally emission-free mobility with vehicles powered by the fuel-cell or batteries. At the same time, Daimler is also committed to exploring future energy sources such as second-generation biofuels.

Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars: “As automotive manufacturer, we see our responsibility in the development of innovative technologies and components for emission-free mobility such as the lithium-ion battery or the fuel-cell stack in close cooperation with our suppliers. By introducing electric and fuel-cell vehicles on the market already in 2010, we are demonstrating our intention to fulfill this responsibility.” A further important requirement, continued Dr. Weber, is appropriate employee qualification. Along with comprehensive measures within the company, institutes of higher education can also make a valuable contribution in this regard.

Integrated Holistic Approach

An integrated holistic approach which extends over a vehicle's entire life cycle is crucial to this endeavor. An ecologically neutral balance can only be achieved if development, production, operation, and recycling of vehicle components and parts are taken into account. With environmental certification now granted for four model series of the Mercedes-Benz brand, the company is the world’s first manufacturer to be given official recognition of the environmental compatibility of several vehicle models.

Infrastructure as Challenge

However, the greatest challenge at present is to establish the necessary infrastructure. Daimler has announced that it will release the first electric and fuel-cell vehicles as early as 2010 despite some uncertainty as to whether customers will be able to fill or recharge these cars universally by that date.
"The technology is in the starting blocks," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche in describing the planned market introduction. "It is now time for the energy providers and petroleum companies, to show proof of their commitment as well. We have been approaching possible partners and taking the initiative.”

Magdeburg Environmental Conference since 1999

The Magdeburg Environmental Conference was called into being in 1999. Three years ago the partners Daimler and UNEP signed a memorandum of understanding, in which they agreed to promote the use of biofuels with a view to the reduction of emissions in road traffic. At the time, Daimler resolved to create the necessary technical framework for a 10% blend of biofuel, an objective which the company has now fulfilled. The agreement has also given rise to research projects, for example for investigating and evaluating the introduction of possible sustainability standards for biofuels. from : http://www.autonews24h.com/Auto-Industry/DaimlerChrysler/2819.html

Honda Unveils Japan Model of FCX Clarity

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled the Japan model of its FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, which will also be displayed at the Environmental Showcase at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit that begins July 7, 2008. Leasing in Japan is scheduled to begin November 2008.

FCX Clarity (Japan model)


FCX Clarity (Japan model)


Initially, leases are to be limited to government agencies and certain corporate customers. Numerous FCX Clarity events are to be held beginning in 2009 at which the public will have the opportunity to come in contact with the FCX Clarity and gain a greater appreciation of the appeal of fuel cell vehicles.

Designed as a dedicated fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity is powered by the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Thanks to the innovative layout of the fuel cell power plant, the FCX Clarity offers superior design, packaging and driving performance. Emitting no CO2 in operation, the FCX Clarity offers not only the ultimate in environmental responsibility but also real-world performance and appeal.

The new lightweight, compact Honda V Flow fuel cell stack offers significantly enhanced performance, with an output of 100kW (compared to 86kW in the conventional FC Stack), as well as enhanced cold climate performance that enables it to start in temperatures as low as -30°C. The lightweight and compact design of the FC Stack allows it to be arranged in the vehicle's center tunnel for a more spacious interior and an elegant, low-riding sedan form. Cruising range has been extended 30% to 620km.* The Japan model also features climate-controlled seats in the rear as well as in the front.
* In 10-15 mode (Honda Calculations)

The combined sales plan for Japan and U.S. calls for a few dozen units a year and about 200 units within three years. Visit : http://www.autonews24h.com/Auto-Industry/Honda/2818.html

BMW USA Reports June Sales

BMW Group US sales (BMW and MINI combined) down 11 percent in June.
MINI sales continue to thrive.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - July 1, 2008... The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) today reported June vehicle sales of 26,155, a decline of 11 percent from the 29,394 vehicles sold in the same month of 2007. For the first six months of 2008, BMW Group sales are down 3.9 percent to 157,913 vehicles versus the 164,338 sold in the first half of 2007.

BMW Brand Sales
BMW brand sales declined 17 percent, to 20,944 vehicles compared to 25,220 vehicles sold in June 2007. Year-to-date, BMW reported sales of 131,513 vehicles compared to the 144,579 reported in the same period a year ago, a decline of 9 percent.

"Internet leads and consumer traffic in our dealerships remain good, showing a premium brand such as BMW has the ability to better weather these turbulent times," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "Even in this segment however, we see a desire for increased efficiency and that is providing a natural impetus for strong sales of our new 1 Series and the 3 Series 328i models, but also for other vehicles such as the new X6 where consumers see the combination of efficiency, performance and luxury that's right for their unique needs. Within this overall environment, we are determined to remain profitable and help our corporation. We will do this by exercising disciplined volume management matched to demand, and make a small number of vehicles available to other markets where exchange rates are more beneficial for the company."

BMW Automobile Sales
BMW's automobile sales are down 17.5 percent in June to 16,555 versus 20,068 in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales are down 8.7 percent, to 103,522 automobiles compared to 113,396 in the first half of 2007.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles
Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles are down 14.8 percent in June to 4,389 vehicles over the 5,152 sold last June. Year-to-date, sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles decreased by 10.2 percent, to 27,991 vehicles compared to the 31,184 sold in the same period of 2007.

MINI Brand Sales
MINI USA reported sales of 5,211 cars, a 24.8 percent increase compared to 4,174 cars sold in the same period a year ago. Year-to date, MINI USA also reported sales of 26,400 cars, an increase of 33.6 percent over the 19,759 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago.

"The last three months have been the best in our history as the significant structural shift to small cars has brought into our dealerships a diverse range of vehicle owners that currently drive large cars, SUVs and trucks. Our retailers tell us these people recognize the combination of efficiency, great dynamics and premium values MINI provides and it allows them to downsize their vehicle without downsizing their aspirations," said Jim McDowell, Vice-President MINI USA. "With very few cars remaining in inventory, our dealers are focusing on taking orders for custom-built cars that will be delivered to MINI drivers in July through September."

full report : http://www.autonews24h.com/Auto-Industry/BMW/2817.html

Kia Announces Best June and Best Quarter Ever

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced its best June ever with record sales of 28,292 units, an increase of 7.6 percent over the same period last year, and year-to-date sales of 157,619 units, an increase of 2.1 percent over the same period last year. For the just completed quarter, the company reported sales of 89,405 units.

Kia’s June record sales were led by Spectra and Optima, with 7,131 and 6,865 units sold respectively. Small car Rio and family vacation favorite Sedona also had strong sales with 3,337 units and 3,719 units respectively, both increases over the same period last year.

“As the economy continues to fluctuate, consumers are turning to vehicles that are known for value and quality,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “Thanks to a strong marketing plan and the hard work of the Kia dealer network, Kia continues to have success during this difficult economic time.”

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.” full story : http://www.autonews24h.com/Auto-Industry/Kia/2816.html

Ford Reports June, First Half Sales

une
  • Ford, Lincoln and Mercury June sales totaled 167,090, down 28 percent versus year ago.
  • Ford Focus’ sales to individual retail customers were 9 percent higher than a year ago.
  • Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS debut.

First Half

  • Ford, Lincoln and Mercury first half sales totaled 1.1 million, down 14 percent.
  • Cars and crossovers accounted for 59 percent of first half retail sales; retail sales for cars were up 3 percent versus a year ago and crossovers also were up (less than 1 percent).
  • Retail sales fell for SUVs (down 40 percent) and trucks and vans (down 31 percent).

In the first half of 2008, sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and crossovers to retail customers were higher than a year ago. Retail sales for cars increased 3 percent and crossovers also were up (less than 1 percent). Together, cars and crossovers accounted for 59 percent of Ford’s first half retail sales compared with 49 percent in the first half 2007.

“In the first half, Ford outperformed the industry in both the car and crossover segments,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. “This performance is crucial to creating an exciting viable Ford delivering profitable growth for all.”

Ford’s new Focus paced the increase in car sales. In the first half, Focus retail sales increased 53 percent versus a year ago, and Focus was the top-selling domestic car to retail customers. In the recently released J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 APEAL study, the Focus improved 88 index points – the largest improvement in the industry.

Mid-size cars also posted retail sales increases in the first half with Ford Fusion up 7 percent, Mercury Milan up 2 percent and Lincoln MKZ up 10 percent.

The Ford Edge paced crossovers with first half retail sales up 19 percent.

Gasoline prices increased a dollar (from $3 to $4 a gallon) during the first half and this accelerated the decline in SUV and truck sales. In the first half, retail sales for the company’s SUVs declined 40 percent versus a year ago and retail sales for trucks and vans declined 31 percent.

First half fleet sales declined 11 percent (including a 20 percent decline in daily rental sales).

Overall, June sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles totaled 167,090, down 28 percent versus a year ago. First half sales totaled 1.1 million, down 14 percent.

“Consumer fundamentals and consumer confidence deteriorated as the first half unfolded,” said Farley. “The economy enters the second half of the year with a notable absence of momentum and a high degree of uncertainty.”

He added, “Clearly, the rapid rise in gasoline prices, and the resulting shift toward fuel efficient vehicles, has been challenging, but it also provides an opportunity. In addition to adjusting our capacity and production plans to produce more cars and crossovers, we are introducing several new vehicles with class-leading fuel economy.”

In June, Ford introduced a new crossover, the Flex, with best-in-class highway fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon and Lincoln introduced the MKS. In 2009, the MKS will be the first vehicle equipped with Ford’s new EcoBoost engine technology.

The 2009 model Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner started production in June. Equipped with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, the Escape and Mariner deliver best-in-class fuel economy in the small utility segment with 28 highway miles per gallon. The Escape and Mariner Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient utility vehicle on the planet, delivering 34 city mpg and improved highway rating of 31 mpg – up from 30 mpg.

Later this year, production of the redesigned Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ will begin, including new Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid versions.

In addition, Ford has announced plans to bring the European Transit Connect to North America in 2009 – the most fuel-efficient commercial van on the market.

Mazda Reports June 2008 Sales

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June 2008 sales of 23,771 vehicles, a 7.7 percent decrease over last year, but an increase of 3.7 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. There were 24 selling days in June 2008, 27 in June 2007. Despite a tough economic state in the automotive industry, Mazda’s year-to-date sales are up 0.3 percent with 153,141 vehicles sold (up 0.9 percent on a DSR basis).

“Small, stylish, fuel-efficient – those are the buzz-words of the car business these days,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, MNAO. “As always, customers want the right vehicle at the right price, and never has this been so true as today, as MAZDA5 and MAZDA3 sales are proving.”

Leading the way yet again, the MAZDA5multi-activity vehicle posted a 29.2 percent increase versus last June, with 1,416 units sold. Redesigned for 2008, the MAZDA5is a spirited vehicle that targets a very specific driver, with three rows, room for six passengers and up to 28 mpg (highway). Year-to-date, MAZDA5 sales are up 44.1 percent.

MAZDA3 also had a great month, recording its best June sales ever, up 8.9 percent with sales of 12,346.

Additionally, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) celebrated its best-ever June with sales of 1,586 vehicles, up 30 percent versus last year. MAZDA3 5-door and MAZDA6 both had their best sales month ever. On a year-to-date basis, MMdM reported 9,961 total sales, accounting for a 34 percent increase.

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





































CARS

18,844



18,368



2.6%



115,545



116,525



(0.8)%
TRUCKS

4,927



7,393



(33.4)%



37,596



36,159



4.0%
























TOTAL

23,771



25,761



(7.7)%



153,141



152,684



0.3%
















































MEMO:












































IMPORT CAR

15,159



14,554



4.2%



82,482



83,841



(1.6)%
IMPORT TRUCK

3,805



6,059

#

(37.2)%



29,197



29,895



(2.3)%
IMPORT TOTAL

18,964



20,613



(8.0)%



111,679



113,736



(1.8)%























DOMESTIC CAR

3,685



3,814



(3.4)%



33,063



32,684



1.2%
DOMESTIC TRUCK

1,122



1,334



(15.9)%



8,399



6,264



34.1%
DOMESTIC TOTALS
4,807



5,148



(6.6)%



41,462



38,948



6.5%













Note: MPV & Protegé are discontinued vehicles.

Porsche Makes a Fresh Start in North America

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, managed to deliver 2,810 vehicles in North America in June in difficult market conditions; of these, 2,650 units were destined for the USA and 160 for Canada. The drop of 19 percent in total in comparison with the previous year was primarily down to the change of 911 Carrera model. As a result, sales of the whole 911 range in June fell by 40 percent to 753 vehicles due to the vehicle life cycle. After the presentation of the new 911 Carrera models with lower fuel consumption direct fuel injection and the new double-clutch gearbox, Porsche is making a fresh start for the coming financial year: the new models will be ready to take on the North American market from September and October this year.

In the month under review, the Cayenne range sold a total of 1,212 vehicles in the USA and Canada. The slight drop of four percent on the previous year’s figures is down to the fact that the second generation Cayenne was launched in North America a year ago and initial sales were correspondingly high. 845 vehicles were sold in the Boxster range (down ten percent), including 451 Cayman and Cayman S.