Justin Bimmer

Bea Arthur was in Golden Girls

That must be the event they are talking about on twitter.

DETROIT (AdAge.com) -- Cadillac has narrowed the list of agencies in the hunt for its national creative account, and McCann Erickson has not made the cut. General Motors Co.'s luxury brand said the contenders are: Publicis Groupe-backed Bartle Bogle Hegarty, New York, and Publicis, New York; two Interpublic Group of Cos. agencies, Gotham, New York, and Martin Agency, Richmond, Va.; Omnicom Group's DDB, Chicago; and independent McKinney. The automaker said it will hold meetings with the agencies in Detroit before Thanksgiving, and finalists will pitch in January. Executives familiar with the pitch said GM, in searching for an agency for its Cadillac brand, concentrated only partly on prior car experience; another crucial skill-set was experience with luxury brands. Ark Advisors is managing the search, for which General Motors invited McCann, Birmingham, Mich., a major GM agency globally, that also handles Saab and GM's corporate account in the U.S. Dentsu's McGarryBowen, New York, was also invited, according to executives close to the matter. McCann is also pitching GM's Chevrolet project for the launch of the small Cruze car. There was talk that McCann was a shoo-in for the Cadillac account because of the close relationship between Steve Shannon, exec director of marketing at the brand, and Garry Neel, president-CEO of McCann's Detroit-area office -- a claim Cadillac and GM's Bob Lutz, vice chairman-marketing and communications, vigorously denied. Incumbent Modernista, Boston, opted not to defend the account.

Off the top of my head, some of my favorite all time themes: CHiPs Hill Street Blues Magnum P.I. Law and Order The Sopranos Rockford Files Cheers Monday Night Football NYPD Blue Gee, I guess I like Cop Shows.

I complain about this all the time. It's just one less expense for a show. Also, shows don't have any music period now. No more composing music for the show. CHiPs used to have some of the best composed music. Alan Silvestri did the music on CHiPs. In fact, it launched him into the big time. Also Mike Post did great themes too like Hill Street Blues. Don't even get me started on SCORE productions music for Game Shows. A theme song used to be what you identified a show with. Now you identify the show by who is screwing who or who killed who. The only show I can think of that has a legit theme is Law and Order.

They are going to use the floor mat recall as a guise to check the electronic throttle. This is such a load of crap. I hope the NHTSA investigation is legitimate and they find out what is really wrong.

Calling the vehicle ugly is ok, but really it shouldn't be a main reason why not to buy a car if somebody else likes the styling. Styling is subjective.

BERLIN (AFP) – General Motors said Wednesday it wanted to cut around 10,000 jobs at its European division Opel a day after the US car maker stunned the auto sector by scrapping plans to sell the German-based unit. GM wants to slash costs by 30 percent at Opel, which would mean the elimination of about 10,000 jobs from a workforce of 55,000, GM vice president John Smith told European journalists during a telephone news conference. General Motors said Tuesday it was abandoning a project to sell Opel to Canadian auto parts manufacturer Magna International and state-owned Russian bank Sberbank, saying it would implement its own restructuring at the unit. The decision sparked outrage in Germany, where half of Opel's workforce is employed and where the government had backed the Magna-Sberbank deal in hopes of preserving as many jobs as possible. Related article: GM U-turn sparks anger Reaction was more subdued in Spain, Belgium, Poland, Austria and Britain, where GM also has Opel operations. Smith acknowledged that "the German government had a very strong appetite for the Magna proposal, so I can well imagine and well understand" the German reaction. "I am hopeful they will find merit in our plan." Smith contended that there had been very little difference between the offers put forward by Magna and a rival bidder, the Belgian investment firm RHJI, and what GM has in mind for Opel. "There is very little daylight between what RHJI proposed, what Magna proposed and what GM will propose," Smith said. But he added: "We continue to believe that we can restructure Opel with less money than any other investor." GM's decision to hold on to Opel came against an improving European economic backdrop but left open questions that could decide Opel's ultimate fate, such as whether its ability to build good compact cars is enough in a turbulent, crowded marketplace. Related article: GM, Opel's 80-year union Some German auto analysts said the decision made sense from an industrial viewpoint while others warned GM was making a huge bet as the sector came to a crossroads and as it pinned its hopes on electric cars and strategic alliances. As GM struggled with bankruptcy, it initially agreed to sell a 55-percent stake in Opel and its British sister brand Vauxhall to Magna International and Sberbank. But GM said in a statement Tuesday it would hold on to the European unit owing to "an improving business environment for GM over the past few months, and the importance of Opel/Vauxhall to GM's global strategy." European auto sales have climbed in recent months, with small cars chalking up the most deliveries, but analysts warn the market will slump again next year as government support schemes are wound down. Meanwhile, the global market for fuel-efficient models is expected to be stronger than for GM's classic gas-guzzlers. Bolstered by billions of dollars in state aid, it decided to keep Opel, a critical small-car asset. "The strategic importance of Opel is enormous," Metzler Bank analyst Juergen Pieper told AFP. But analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer said GM "took the biggest risk possible." US rival Chrysler made the same choice when it agreed to a takeover by the Italian group Fiat. But Germany pushed for Opel's sale to Magna and Sberbank, and on Wednesday, Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle slammed GM's turnaround as "totally unacceptable." Britain said it would work with GM to secure the future of British plants, while Polish Economy Minister Waldemar Pawlak quickly welcomed the GM decision, calling it good news for what he said was an efficient site there. Russia and Spain expressed "surprise" at the news, with Moscow saying it would be checking to ensure the decision was legal. Magna said it accepted GM's decision. German Chancellor Angela Merkel returned Wednesday from a high-profile visit to Washington and headed into a cabinet meeting to discuss the news as Bruederle demanded details of how GM would restructure Opel. Germany had spent months haggling with GM, the European Union and Magna over terms for 4.5 billion euros (6.6 dollars) in German state aid for the mooted sale. Merkel's spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm said the chancellor would be in contact with US President Barack Obama in the next few days. But the White House insisted it had nothing to do with GM's decision. Britain called for talks with the US manufacturer. "I have always said that if the right long-term sustainable solution is identified, then the government would be willing to support this," business minister Peter Mandelson said.

I play iracing

He better move to France so they can't extradite him. Also so he can access his fat Swiss bank account that Magna and Russia filled for him.

YJ, I know you like these vintage cars, but may I please suggest you look for something newer than a 4th gen T/A for your daily driver?

This guy is like the JFK anti-Christ.

The side rear reflectors have chevy logos too.

No I wish I had a 360 so I could play.

I think the main benefit is GM will have control of its intellectual property instead of a third-party. I don't really see this as having any huge implications on product in the next few years.

We don't know yet. As soon as I hear something I will put it in this thread.

The Beverly Center is nice.

Opel's future leaves open his future role at carmaker Automotive News Europe November 3, 2009 15:09 CET BERLIN – Opel Chairman Carl-Peter Forster left open questions about his future role at General Motor Co.'s European unit at an industry conference here. Media reports have suggested that Magna International Inc. executive Herbert Demel could become head of Opel if General Motors Co. decides to sell a majority stake in the German-based unit to the Canadian supplier and its Russian partner Sberbank. Forster, who is also president of GM Europe, said he and Magna co-CEO Siegfried Wolf decided to focus on finding a solution for Opel before the carmaker's management roles are decided, adding that he "wants to reserve the right to decide" on his future. Forster said he supports Magna's bid to take over Opel. New Opel under Magna would have better access to strong growth opportunities in Russia while keeping close technical cooperation with GM, Forster told the Automobilwoche Congress Tuesday. Citing Magna sources, WirtschaftsWoche on Sunday said that Magna's Wolf wants Demel, a former CEO of Fiat S.p.A's auto division and Volkswagen AG's Audi premium brand to head Opel. Demel is Magna's chief operating officer in charge of vehicles and powertrain at Graz, near Vienna, Austria GM's board was meeting Tuesday to reconsider it decision to sell a 55 percent stake in Opel to Magna and Russian state lender Sberbank. The deal was agreed in September but was called into question last month after European Union competition authorities expressed concerns about the fairness of the bidding process. Forster said if GM decided to sell Opel to Magna, the likely would not be finalized until Christmas. The deal had been expected to be signed in early October, with the closing planned for the end of November. Opel has liquidity until January, Rainer Einenkel, who chairs the works council at Opel's Bochum plant in Germany, last week told Automobilwoche, Automotive News Europe's sister publication. The German government provided 1.5 billion euros of aid to Opel in June to keep the carmaker afloat when GM went into short-lived bankruptcy. The money was due to run out November 30 but Opel's finances have by improved sales due to Germany's the scrapping bonus and the success of the new Insignia car.

GM Board Decides to Retain Opel More information to follow, but GM is confirming.

GM Board Decides to Retain Opel DETROIT – Given an improving business environment for GM over the past few months, and the importance of Opel//Vauxhall to GM’s global strategy, the GM Board of Directors has decided to retain Opel and will initiate a restructuring of its European operations in earnest. “GM will soon present its restructuring plan to Germany and other governments and hopes for its favorable consideration,” said Fritz Henderson, president and CEO. “We understand the complexity and length of this issue has been draining for all involved. However, from the outset, our goal has been to secure the best long term solution for our customers, employee, suppliers, and dealers, which is reflected in the decision reached today. This was deemed to be the most stable and least costly approach for securing Opel/Vauxhall’s long-term future.” On a preliminary basis, the GM plan entails total restructuring expenses of about € 3 billion, significantly lower than all bids submitted as part of the investor solicitation. GM will work with all European labor unions to develop a plan for meaningful contributions to Opel's restructuring. While Opel continues to outperform against its viability plan assumptions and immediate liquidity is stable, time is of the essence. “While strained, the business environment in Europe has improved.” Henderson said. “At the same time, GM’s overall financial health and stability have improved significantly over the past few months, giving us confidence that the European business can be successfully restructured. We are grateful for the hard work of the German and other EU governments in navigating this difficult economic period. We’re also appreciative of the effort put forward by Magna and its partners in Russia in trying to reach an equitable agreement.” Henderson added that GM also hopes to build on its already significant business in Russia and to resume work directly with GAZ to contribute to both the modernization of its operations and the joint development of the Russian vehicle market on a mutually attractive basis. More details on the next steps in the restructuring will be provided as the plans and developments warrant.

Good luck my friend!

-- The Company Also Had Its Best October Sales for Subaru Forester, Legacy and Outback Models -- Download image CHERRY HILL, N.J., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced record-breaking October sales. The company not only had its best October sales ever, but also had its best October sales for the Subaru Forester, Legacy and Outback models. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO ) The Company sold 18,169 units in October 2009 versus 12,917 units in October 2008, resulting in a 41-percent gain year-over-year. Subaru had a 13-percent gain year-to-date with 176,590 units sold in 2009 versus 156,706 units sold in 2008. Sales for the following models broke all previous October records: the Subaru Forester had a 13-percent sales increase, the Subaru Legacy had a 112-percent sales increase and the Subaru Outback had a 175-percent sales increase. Oct-09 Oct-08 % chg YTD Oct-09 YTD Oct-08 % chg Legacy 3,254 1,538 112% 24,552 19,243 28% Outback 6,451 2,348 175% 40,474 37,527 8% Impreza 3,049 2,891 -22% 40,409 41,033 -2% Forester 5,169 4,558 13% 65,610 49,253 33% Tribeca 246 581 -58% 5,545 9,648 -43% Total** 18,169 12,917 41% 176,590 156,706 13% **2008 total does not include 2 Baja sales in 2008 "The launch of our Legacy and Outback products is gaining momentum and helping to fuel record sales, while the record breaking success of Forester continues," said Tim Colbeck, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "On top of that the 2010 Subaru Outback received the MOTOR TREND Sport/Utility of the Year Award, making us the first brand with back to back winners of this award. Given this powerful momentum we expect our strong sales results to continue." "Subaru products represent the best all-around package in the auto industry today, because of their AWD capability, top safety pick designations by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and significantly lower cost of ownership," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "In addition, the Subaru Outback and Forester models offer customers all of the utility of an SUV, but with the fuel economy of a passenger car. About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of approximately 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel-efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com. Contact: Heather Ward Subaru of America, Inc. 856-488-5093 [email protected] Michael McHale Subaru of America, Inc. 856-488-3326 [email protected] SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.

Hyundai Leads all Automotive Brands in Market Share Growth This Year Download image FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced October sales of 31,005 units, a 49 percent increase compared with October 2008. Calendar year-to-date, Hyundai sales are up 4 percent. This marks the tenth consecutive month of year-over-year gains in retail market share. Hyundai leads all automotive brands in absolute market share growth, up 1.2 percentage points (from 3.1 percent to 4.3 percent) for the first ten months of this year. "We've done a good job of selling down our 2009 model year inventory over the last few months, with about two-thirds of Hyundai car sales in October being fresh, 2010 model year vehicles," said Dave Zuchowski, vice president of sales. "With the recent encouraging economic news of a 3.5 percent GDP growth during the third quarter, the best in two years, we are looking forward to the final two months of the year. We have our all-new Tucson launching at the end of this year and the 2011 Sonata coming early next year, so we are excited about the terrific new products we'll be filling our dealerships with." Genesis continued its strong growth trend with sales of 1,850, a 65 percent increase. The fuel-efficient Accent and Elantra had significant increases of 106 percent and 225 percent respectively versus 2008 while the Santa Fe delivered a solid sales gain of 70 percent leading up to the introduction of the even more fuel-efficient face lifted 2010 model coming early next year. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 dealerships nationwide. CARLINE OCT/2009 OCT/2008 CY/2009 CY/2008 ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ACCENT 4,581 2,222 60,106 46,615 ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ SONATA 7,790 7,943 101,365 105,385 ------ ----- ----- ------- ------- ELANTRA 8,673 2,673 91,379 88,817 ------- ----- ----- ------ ------ TIBURON 0 558 8,579 8,288 ------- - --- ----- ----- SANTA FE 6,448 3,794 64,515 60,423 -------- ----- ----- ------ ------ AZERA 298 361 3,230 13,798 ----- --- --- ----- ------ TUCSON 848 988 13,620 17,235 ------ --- --- ------ ------ ENTOURAGE 1 461 3,424 4,821 --------- - --- ----- ----- VERACRUZ 516 699 9,220 9,126 -------- --- --- ----- ----- GENESIS 1,850 1,121 17,784 3,976 ------- ----- ----- ------ ----- TOTAL 31,005 20,820 373,222 358,484 ----- ------ ------ ------- ------- Journalists are invited to visit our news media website: www.hyundainews.com SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

New Products Drive Ford's October Sales, Share Gains DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- * Ford, Lincoln and Mercury October U.S. sales totaled 132,483, up 3 percent versus a year ago and 21 percent higher than September * October marks the third time in the last four months Ford sales have increased * October retail share was up for the 12th time in 13 months * All-new Taurus accelerates in October; Ford dealers report Taurus retail sales nearly tripled year-ago levels * Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and crossovers post sales increases; overall car sales were up 11 percent versus a year ago, and crossovers were up 23 percent * Ford's new F-150 continues to achieve share gains, followed being named the coveted "Truck of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writer's Association Ford, Lincoln and Mercury October U.S. sales totaled 132,483, up 3 percent versus a year ago and 21 percent higher than September. This marks the third time in the last four months Ford sales have increased. "Consumer demand for our new high-quality, fuel-efficient products is driving Ford's market share gains," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service. "Ford vehicles are among the 'freshest' available by any automaker - with more than 80 percent of our sales in October coming from our new 2010 models." Ford estimates its total market share in October was more than 15 percent - higher than a year ago and higher than its share in the first nine months of 2009. Ford's October retail share was up for the 12th time in 13 months. "The Ford plan is working, led by the strength of our product lineup and customer demand for our new cars, utilities and trucks," said Czubay. "Consumers increasingly are noticing that the Ford difference is our great products, our strong business and our leadership in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart technologies and value." October Sales Highlights * All-new Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,076, up 141 percent versus a year ago. Dealers reported retail sales nearly tripled year-ago levels. * Other new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars posting increases included the Ford Fusion (up 24 percent), Ford Mustang (up 2 percent) and Lincoln MKZ (up 27 percent). * Crossover utilities posted strong sales increases: Ford Escape was up 26 percent; Ford Edge up 38 percent; Ford Flex up 8 percent; Mercury Mariner up 36 percent; Lincoln MKX up 15 percent. In addition, sales of the all-new Lincoln MKT crossover were up 36 percent from September. * Ford's F-Series truck achieved sales of 39,496 and a year-to-year share increase in the full-size pickup category. In addition, the all-new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor captured the coveted "Truck of Texas" award from the Texas Auto Writer's Association. Ford's F-Series has been the No. 1-selling truck in America for 32 years straight. * Ford's new EcoBoost engine technology is winning customers, too. In October, sales of EcoBoost-equipped models were twice as high as September. EcoBoost provides customers up to 20 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 15 percent reduction in emissions versus larger-displacement engines. EcoBoost is standard on the Taurus SHO and available on the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT. Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com. FORD MOTOR COMPANY OCTOBER 2009 U.S. SALES ------------------------------------------ October % Year-To-Date % ------- ------------ 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ Sales By Brand Ford 119,072 114,969 3.6 1,181,440 1,468,488 -19.5 Lincoln 6,735 7,399 -9.0 65,971 90,223 -26.9 Mercury 6,676 6,753 -1.1 75,924 103,631 -26.7 ----- ----- ------ ------- Total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury 132,483 129,121 2.6 1,323,335 1,662,342 -20.4 Volvo 4,437 3,717 19.4 51,166 63,745 -19.7 ----- ----- ------ ------ Total Ford Motor Company 136,920 132,838 3.1 1,374,501 1,726,087 -20.4 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Sales By Type Cars 45,225 40,854 10.7 491,997 591,606 -16.8 Crossover Utility Vehicles 27,771 22,552 23.1 292,340 318,455 -8.2 Sport Utility Vehicles 8,572 9,102 -5.8 74,140 137,498 -46.1 Trucks and Vans 50,915 56,613 -10.1 464,858 614,783 -24.4 ------ ------ ------- ------- Total Trucks 87,258 88,267 -1.1 831,338 1,070,736 -22.4 ------ ------ ------- --------- Total Vehicles 132,483 129,121 2.6 1,323,335 1,662,342 -20.4 FORD BRAND OCTOBER 2009 U.S. SALES ---------------------------------- October % Year-To-Date % ------- ------------ 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ Crown Victoria 3,380 3,299 2.5 28,458 42,616 -33.2 Taurus 6,076 2,517 141.4 33,692 46,167 -27.0 Fusion 13,445 10,836 24.1 148,045 128,381 15.3 Focus 10,119 10,576 -4.3 136,032 175,958 -22.7 Mustang 4,789 4,686 2.2 56,469 83,557 -32.4 ----- ----- ------ ------ Ford Cars 37,809 31,914 18.5 402,696 476,679 -15.5 Flex 2,182 2,017 8.2 32,058 9,569 235.0 Edge 8,185 5,951 37.5 72,624 99,781 -27.2 Escape 12,471 9,886 26.1 138,739 135,558 2.3 Taurus X 37 1,329 -97.2 6,027 20,907 -71.2 --- ----- ----- ------ Ford Crossover Utility Vehicles 22,875 19,183 19.2 249,448 265,815 -6.2 Expedition 2,878 3,647 -21.1 23,445 46,919 -50.0 Explorer 4,596 3,991 15.2 41,138 68,330 -39.8 ----- ----- ------ ------ Ford Sport Utility Vehicles 7,474 7,638 -2.1 64,583 115,249 -44.0 F-Series 39,496 43,324 -8.8 334,922 436,022 -23.2 Ranger 3,910 3,891 0.5 47,826 58,706 -18.5 Econoline/Club Wagon 5,658 8,429 -32.9 72,474 109,848 -34.0 Transit Connect 1,513 0 NA 5,677 0 NA Low Cab Forward 11 30 -63.3 209 775 -73.0 Heavy Trucks 326 560 -41.8 3,605 5,394 -33.2 --- --- ----- ----- Ford Trucks and Vans 50,914 56,234 -9.5 464,713 610,745 -23.9 ------ ------ ------- ------- Ford Brand 119,072 114,969 3.6 1,181,440 1,468,488 -19.5 LINCOLN BRAND OCTOBER 2009 U.S. SALES ------------------------------------- October % Year-To-Date % ------- ------------ 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ MKS 1,609 2,072 -22.3 13,961 8,924 56.4 MKZ 1,661 1,309 26.9 18,158 26,223 -30.8 Town Car 360 1,146 -68.6 9,055 12,831 -29.4 MKX 1,675 1,459 14.8 18,063 25,436 -29.0 MKT 619 0 NA 1,074 0 NA Navigator 810 1,034 -21.7 5,515 12,771 -56.8 Mark LT 1 379 -99.7 145 4,038 -96.4 --- --- --- ----- Lincoln Brand 6,735 7,399 -9.0 65,971 90,223 -26.9 MERCURY BRAND OCTOBER 2009 U.S. SALES ------------------------------------- October % Year-To-Date % ------- ------------ 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ Grand Marquis 2,176 1,967 10.6 19,185 25,058 -23.4 Sable 63 645 -90.2 6,154 14,356 -57.1 Milan 1,547 1,801 -14.1 22,788 27,535 -17.2 Mariner 2,602 1,910 36.2 23,755 27,204 -12.7 Mountaineer 288 430 -33.0 4,042 9,478 -57.4 --- --- ----- ----- Mercury Brand 6,676 6,753 -1.1 75,924 103,631 -26.7 VOLVO BRAND OCTOBER 2009 U.S. SALES ----------------------------------- October % Year-To-Date % ------- ------------ 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------ S40 811 501 61.9 6,711 8,638 -22.3 V50 229 187 22.5 1,858 1,557 19.3 S60 26 612 -95.8 5,835 8,269 -29.4 S80 541 424 27.6 6,999 9,235 -24.2 V70 121 140 -13.6 1,542 2,812 -45.2 XC60 900 0 NA 6,784 0 NA XC70 296 469 -36.9 4,873 8,204 -40.6 XC90 982 901 9.0 8,224 16,193 -49.2 C70 214 244 -12.3 4,625 5,142 -10.1 C30 317 239 32.6 3,715 3,695 0.5 --- --- ----- ----- Volvo Brand 4,437 3,717 19.4 51,166 63,745 -19.7 SOURCE Ford Motor Company

Audi Reports its Third-Best October for U.S. Sales HERNDON, Va., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- * Last month only trailed record set in October 2008 by 1.1% * Consumer demand continues to surge for the Audi Q5 crossover * Strong sales seen with the Audi Q7 TDI® and the all-new A5 Cabriolet Audi today reported October sales in the U.S. of 7,358 luxury performance cars and SUVs, a result that approached the all-time October record set by the brand a year earlier. The latest full-month sales only trailed the 7,443 Audi vehicles sold in October 2008 following the introduction of the all-new Audi A4, and the 7,420 sold in October 2007, when the U.S. luxury car market was nearing its sales peak in the U.S. "There can be no questioning the enthusiasm for the Audi brand that continues as we unveil new products and build on the momentum we've established in prestige and customer satisfaction," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "We believe the long-term value of our products speaks for itself. Clearly, the American consumer is listening." Demand continued to surge in October for the Audi Q5 3.2 quattro®, which has exceeded sales expectations since its introduction in February 2009. Despite restricted supply, Audi reported sales of 1,238 Q5 models for the most recent month, a pace that suggests the Audi crossover remains one of the fastest turning cars on dealer lots in the U.S. Audi had a 15-days supply of unsold Q5 models in its sales pipeline at the end of October. The Audi A5/ S5 coupes also remained extremely popular with October sales increasing 28% and year-to-date sales jumping 45.3% from the first 10 months of 2008. American interest in the exceptional performance and efficiency found in Audi TDI clean diesel technology continued to build in October. TDI clean diesel technology delivers 30% better fuel-economy than a comparable gasoline-powered engine and produces 20% less greenhouse gas. Sales of the Audi Q7 TDI increased to 41% of all Q7 models sold during the month. That far exceeded original expectations that demand for the TDI models would equal 15-18% of Q7 sales. Partly as a result of strong TDI sales, inventories of unsold Q7 models stood at a 24-days supply. Based on preliminary industry sales reports, Audi is confident its year-to-date share of the imported luxury vehicle market in the U.S. will approach the 8.6% level registered by the record October sales of 2008. Audi expects to show it remains the best-performing luxury brand with regard to year-over-year sales performance for year-to-date 2009. Audi sold 5,449 cars and 1,909 SUVs in October. Audi will continue its new-product momentum later this month with the launch of the Audi A3 TDI®. This model will revolutionize fuel efficiency in the luxury segment by achieving 42 mpg in highway driving, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That's a fuel economy rating unmatched by all other luxury models. ABOUT AUDI Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi lineup is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth. AUDI US SNAPSHOT -----YEAR TO DATE----- ---------------- Model Line Oct-09 Oct-08 Yr/Yr % Oct-09 Oct-08 Yr/Yr % ---------- Actual Actual Change YTD YTD Change Actual Actual ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ A3 254 255 -0.4 2,911 3,989 -27.0 ------- --- --- ---- ----- ----- ----- A4 3,016 3,784 -20.3 30,983 36,185 -14.4 ------- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ ----- A5 1,107 865 28.0 7,344 5,056 45.3 ------- ----- --- ---- ----- ----- ---- A6 669 758 -11.7 5,463 10,021 -45.5 ------- --- --- ----- ----- ------ ----- A8 208 415 -49.9 1,254 2,583 -51.5 ------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- Audi Q5 1,238 0 0.0 10,564 0 0.0 ------- ----- --- --- ------ --- --- Audi Q7 671 984 -31.8 6,123 11,091 -44.8 ------- --- --- ----- ----- ------ ----- R8 45 114 -60.5 591 635 -6.9 ------- -- --- ----- --- --- ---- TT 150 268 -44.0 1,643 3,700 -55.6 ------- --- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Audi Sales 7,358 7,443 -1.1 66,876 73,260 -8.7 ---------------- ----- ----- ---- ------ ------ ---- 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 Inc.