Good Deal #1

What: Buy A 2010 Suzuki SX4 For Under $15,000
Where: Suzuki Dealers
Regular Price: $15,849
Black Friday Price: $14,599
Savings: $500 Holiday cash on top of current deals, for a total savings of $1,300.
Why Its A Good Deal: You won't find a better utilitarian vehicle in this price range. Better yet, it comes with an in-dash navigation system featuring Garmin software.

Good Deal #2

What: GM Dealer Closing Sale: $2,000 Off For Certain Customers
Where: Cadillac, Buick-GMC, Chevrolet Dealers
Regular Price: Already heavily discounted
Savings: $1,000-to-$2,000
Black Friday Price: Between $1,000 and $2,000 cheaper
Why It's A Good Deal: Nearly one-million customers living near a closing dealership will receive a letter in the mail this week offering them an additional $1,000-to-$2,000 to purchase a vehicle at a dealership staying open. Deal ends at the end of the month.

Good Deal #3

What: BMW Diesel Luxury Sedans — More Than 10% Off
Where: BMW Dealers
Regular Price: $43,900
Savings: $4,500
Black Friday Price: $39,400
Why It's A Good Deal: BMW is trying to get U.S. buyers to accept diesel vehicles as luxury vehicles and is putting $4,500 in cash where its mouth is. Powerful and efficient, BMW diesels at a discount is a great deal.

Good Deal #4

What: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V: $5,000 Savings
Where: Cadillac Dealers
Regular Price: $58,575
Black Friday Price: $53,575
Savings: $5,000
Why It's A Good Deal: The CTS-V is a world-beater and the few remaining 2009 vehicles on dealer lots qualify for a $5,000 cash back deal. It's the fastest stocking-stuffer on the block.

Good Deal #5

What: Remaining 2009 Dodge Rams Up To $5,500 Cash Back
Where: Dodge Dealerships
Regular Price: $21,510 - $39,935
Black Friday Price: Up To $5,500 Off
Savings: $5,500
Why It's A Good Deal: Dodge is hoping they'll have a few less 2009 Rams sitting under their tree and are offering up to $5,500 in cash back if you'll help rid them of a nicely-loaded one.

Bad Deal #1

What: Ford's Year-End Sales Event Unremarkable
Where: Ford Dealers
Regular Price: Fairly Cheap
Black Friday Price: $1,000 less plus 0% financing
Why It's A Bad Deal: Ford is not as poorly positioned as other American automakers so they're offering a measly $1,000 cash back and 0% financing. This is a good deal — on Black Friday 2006.

Bad Deal #2

What: Baja MotorSports Phoenix 250cc Street Motorcycle A Bad Deal Free
Where: PepBoys
Regular Price: $1,999.99
Black Friday Price: $1,499.00
Savings: $500.01
Why It's A Bad Deal: Even with a $500 discount you're still buying a cheap-for-a-reason Chinese bike that's going to require riding lessons, a license and possibly being abandoned two weeks later on the side of the road.

Bad Deal #3

What: Get Less Than 3% Off Of A BMW M3
Where: BMW Dealerships
Regular Price: $54,850
Black Friday Price: $53,350
Why It's A Bad Deal: BMW knows it has a great product in the M3 sports sedan and it's throwing its smallest cash back offer on them. For less than 3% off most buyers won't notice it.

Bad Deal #4

What: Get A "Free" Upgrade To An AWD Charger You Didn't Want
Where: Dodge Dealerships
Regular Price: $30,540
Black Friday Price: $25,700
Why It's A Bad Deal: Dodge has a slate of attractive incentives for those wanting to buy a new car from them, but the "free" upgrade to an AWD Charger is selling you an unpopular AWD upgrade instead of more cash off the car you actually wanted.

Bad Deal #5

What: Subaru Donates $250 To Charity For You
Where: Subaru Dealers
Regular Price: Regular Price
Black Friday Price: Still The Regular Price On Many Models
Why It's A Bad Deal: We think Subaru's "Share The Love " event is great for the five charities that get $250 when you buy their car, but it's not a great deal for consumers. Blame it on Subaru building cars people want.

After placing his deposit of $427,935 on the $1.55 million vehicle, he paid in full last December. A few days later he was sent an email by the selling agent in Troy, Michigan he would not be receiving his 2009 Bugatti Veyron in Italian red, ever, they weren't making any more. To add insult to injury, Bugatti offered a 2008 model in place of his ordered 2009. At this point Zekelman decided he'd had enough and demanded his money back, and has gone on demanding for eight months with no satisfaction. He's had to file a lawsuit naming Bugatti, who's kept his cash in their coffers for the entire time, and is seeking a complete refund and all court and lawyer fees. This isn't the kind of thing you ever expect to hear about the buying process of the most exclusive supercar in the world. [Courthourse News (PDF) via TopSpeed]

I hadn't thought about this fine game- a staple in the Martin family during the mid-1970s- for years, until I spotted one at a yard sale not long ago. The goal is to lie your ass off about the value of the clunkers on your lot, while avoiding getting caught in those lies. Definitely worth a buck to the yard-sale seller! While this game didn't get as much play as Touring (some of you may know it better as Mille Bornes), it still made the heavy rotation in our game schedule. You might need to watch Marshal Lucky to get in the right mood for what's to follow…

The lid of the plastic card holder shows the cigar-chomping, Purina-checkerboard-wearing car salesman taking the little old lady for a test drive in the Stingray. Nice burnout!
Of course, that's the "after" picture; here's the "before" shot on the game's box. Note the lot full of big Detroit iron. Technically, this game was published the year before the Malaise Era began, but it fits so well with the general Nixonian grimness of the ensuing decade that I'm granting it honorary Malaise status.
The game's money was your classic 70s deal. How many Parker Bros games got the exact same currency back in the day?
The game featured a deck of 24 cards, each representing a different used car. Each player would get some cars for his or her lot, and each player held a different list of values for each of the cars. The goal was to sell your junkers for top cash, while busting your competition for their lying ways.
Since the game was released in 1972, the most valuable cars tend to be 1971 models.
Here's one of the 8 value listings, which you kept secret from the competition. Great entertainment value to be had in matching them with the cars!
You can also buy insurance for your used car lot, but sometimes you'd get burned. Woe be unto the player who thinks he has fire insurance when a rival has hired thugs torch his lot, only to find out he's got Fly By Night Insurance Co. protection against roving bands of chickens!
Let's look at some of the cars now. Here's one I wouldn't mind owning now!

The Vehicle Launch Index ranks how well new vehicle models — including new entries to the market and all-new and redesigned models — perform during the first eight months after launch. The Genesis blew the rest of the pack of 27 new models out of the water, with a score of 689 on a 1,000-point scale. Following the Hyundai Genesis in the rankings are the 2009 Ford F-150 (673) and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan (663).

It's the third major award for the Hyundai Genesis. Consumer Reports rated it the top new upscale sedan, besting the Lexus ES 350. The Genesis also won the 2009 North American Car & Truck Of The Year award.

On the lower end of JD Power's scale were the 2009 Dodge Journey (513), 2009 Pontiac Vibe (504), 2009 Dodge Ram (459) and the Vibe's platform brother-in-arms, the 2009 Toyota Matrix (439).

Full press release below and the full chart of all 27 newly-launched vehicles are above. Click the graphic to enlarge the list to something more legible.

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Hyundai Genesis Ranks Highest in Inaugural Vehicle Launch Index

Getting New Vehicles Right from the Start is Critical, as Automakers Will Pour $50 Billion Into U.S. Launches During the Next Four Years

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 22 July 2009 - The 2009 Hyundai Genesis ranks highest in launch performance among vehicle models introduced during the first ten months of 2008, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Launch Index SM (VLI) released today.

The inaugural Vehicle Launch Index quantifies how well new vehicle models-including new entries to the market and all-new and redesigned models-perform during the first eight months after launch. The VLI examines various factors that are critical to the financial success of a launch, including turn rate, vehicle revenue, dealer gross profit, incentive spend, credit quality and residual value. In addition, VLI includes the key factors of vehicle quality and design, based on the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study SM (IQS) and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.SM

The Vehicle Launch Index is an independent measure designed to help automakers plan and execute successful vehicle launches in order to maximize revenue and profits, minimize incentive spending and maintain high residual values during a model's lifecycle.

"Launching new vehicles successfully is critical to the financial success of every automaker," said Gary Dilts, senior vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. "Given lower consumer demand, vehicle proliferation and the financial pressures on the auto industry, every manufacturer must get it ‘right' from the start. By carefully analyzing more than 90 vehicle launches that have been executed in the United States, we have determined the key factors for launch success."

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is the leading example of initial launch success and ranks highest among the 27 models examined in the 2009 VLI, with a score of 689 on a 1,000-point scale. Following the Hyundai Genesis in the rankings are the 2009 Ford F-150 (673) and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan (663).

J.D. Power and Associates forecasts that automakers will conduct 205 new-model launches in the U.S. between 2009 and 2012 and will invest approximately $50 billion in the process. Of the 205 new models, 80 will be new entries to the market, 52 will be all-new models, and 73 will be major redesigns.

"With so much at stake, it is more critical than ever for manufacturers to launch new models that meet their financial targets, as well as product quality and consumer appeal benchmarks," said Dilts. "While some domestic manufacturers are facing tight scrutiny from the federal government and taxpayers, every automaker across the globe is being closely monitored both by governments and shareholders. Strong showings by new models are vital to the economic security of the automakers and will be instrumental in rebuilding Americans' confidence in the auto industry."

The VLI has identified the following key elements that drive the success of newly-launched models:

* Optimal vehicle price and volume levels are established prior to launch;
* Manufacturers sustain the proper product mix and incentive support;
* Automakers and dealers effectively manage inventory levels and turn rates;
* The model is attractively designed and provides high levels of consumer appeal in terms of styling, performance, functionality and ease of operation;
* The model launches with high initial quality, enhancing the automaker's image and supporting residual values.

Conversely, the following conditions lead to less-successful model launches:

* Unrealistic expectations regarding pricing and sales volumes;
* Poor balance of supply and demand, leading to excessive inventory levels;
* Inadequate vehicle appeal and poor initial quality leading to low consumer acceptance and a tarnished brand image.

The 2009 Vehicle Launch Index includes 2008 and 2009 model-year vehicles first sold between January and October 2008. Vehicles must be all-new or major redesigns and must sell at least 5,000 units during the first eight months to be included. The index is based on proprietary information collected through the Power Information Network and J.D. Power and Associates' consumer research.

The Vehicle Launch Index is part of J.D. Power and Associates' 10-module Launch Assurance Program designed to provide automakers with immediate and actionable insights about their vehicle models from initial concept and product development through manufacturing and distribution to the initial ownership experience.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Click next to see what that index is and how we'll present these ten vehicles.

This list takes the actual market value of the vehicle (i.e. what it actually sells for after rebates, mark-downs, et cetera) and compares it to the MSRP. Because there are now so many vehicles like this, they've combined it with the J.D. Power & Associates APEAL survey scores and Consumer Reports satisfaction numbers to narrow down the list to ten. How we did that below.

We generally agree with their choices (though, they tend to take the highest MSRP possible) and, in order to help out our friends at Forbes, we've decided to augment the scores with data from the Jalopnik Average Zero Transaction Evaluation Key Value Index, or A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index for short. This index is a measure of the factors contributing to the undesirability of a vehicle. Click on any of the photos to see the Forbes Value and the additional Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index.

Pontiac G6 Coupe
Market Value: $21,943
MSRP: $24,610
Difference: -10.8%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: 27
Reason: Neither as sporty as the Nissan Altima 3.5SE coupe or as well-appointed as the Honda Accord Coupe, the G6 Coupe is a rather attractive face of a dying brand. Even without the Pontiac badge weighing it down, the G6 would be competitively priced if the car itself was at all competitive with other cars in the segment.

Chevrolet Colorado
Market Value: $22,004
MSRP: $24,745
Difference: -11.1%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: CCC+
Reason: Wait, they still build the Chevrolet Colorado? The last Isuzu passenger vehicle still sold in the U.S., the Colorado is the biggest also ran for true Chevy fans unable to buy a far superior product from, well, just about anyone.

Ford Ranger Supercab
Market Value: $18,145
MSRP: $20,405
Difference: -11.1%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: 0.0589
Reason: The Ford Ranger features a "Supercab" with all the heroic ability of Jimmy Olson. Though we not-so-secretly like the Ranger for its straightforward nature, you'd have to be insanely generous to pay full price for this antiquated two-passenger truck.

Pontiac G6 Sedan
Market Value: $18,766
MSRP: $21,165
Difference: -11.3%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: D+
Reason: You know what's less valuable than a Pontiac G6 Coupe? A Pontiac G6 sedan. The coupe may not be the best mid-size two-door, but at least it has some unique style and verve. To be fair to the G6, a lot of people are surprised at how competently it performs — when they rent one.

GMC Canyon
Market Value: $22,749
MSRP: $25,830
Difference: -11.9%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: 0.0000459
Reason: All the reasons you're not buying the Colorado, except add a brand few people remember exists and add a $1,000 to the price.

Jeep Wrangler
Market Value: $24,513
MSRP: $28,815
Difference: -14.9%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: *****
Reason: As great as the Jeep Wrangler is, it's a special kind of insanity that makes anyone thinks $28,815 for one is a good idea. Granted, you'll be able to grab a cheap one MSRPing at a much lower rate, but a fully loaded Wrangler starts pushing into ridiculous rates. As much as we love the simple, straightforward Wrangler, most people are demanding a roof.

GMC Envoy
Market Value: $25,709
MSRP: $30,625
Difference: -16.1%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: Fuzzlebum
Reason: You know what people aren't buying? SUVs. Especially not with an old platform and dated design. It's all about the MPGs baby.

Dodge Caliber
Market Value: $16,490
MSRP: $20,295
Difference: -18.7%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: 7/10
Reason: It's rare a non-Chinese automaker creates a new vehicle that debuts two generations behind the competition, but buying a Caliber is like buying a rotary phone. It looks old. The interior is cheap. The engine is found in, essentially, every other vehicle on the planet. The only intriguing model is the SRT4 and even that is so scary to drive the only intrigue is how long you'll have before you sell it.

Dodge Durango
Market Value: $22,649
MSRP: $28,130
Difference: -19.5%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: ü
Reason: Remember how we said it's rare for an automaker to create a new vehicle that debuts two generations behind the competition? It's not rare for Chrysler. The under-designed, oversized Durango was reworked just in time for the Carpocalypse and sold as poorly as a new SUV might. Even better, the milquetoast hybrid Durango was so great they discontinued it only months after they released it. Hard to believe they went bankrupt...

Mercury Grand Marquis
Market Value: $22,793
MSRP: $28,985
Difference: -21.4%
Jalopnik A.Z.T.E.K. Value Index: 1,959,039,098
Reason: Built on a platform older than the average blogger, designed to emulate old age, gigantic, and generous with the fuel use, the Mercury Grand Marquis is the car Ford used to build, which is why only people old enough to remember the days when Henry Ford I ran the company are the only people who actually buy one. Also, you don't have the advantage of looking like a squad car and having everyone around you slow down.

As we've seen almost every month since the huge drop in fuel prices, the biggest sellers are the biggest vehicles — the Ford F-series and Chevy Silverado pickups. Heck, even at the foreign automakers, we're seeing mid-size sedans beating out small sedans with the Camry outselling the Corolla and the Accord outselling the Civic.

1.) Ford F-Series: 33,381
2.) Chevy Silverado: 31,463
3.) Toyota Camry: 31,325
4.) Toyota Corolla: 23,576
5.) Honda Accord: 22,597
6.) Honda Civic: 20,723
7.) Ford Fusion: 19,786
8.) Chevy Impala: 18,709
9.) Nissan Altima: 18,408
10.) Ford Escape: 16,391

[via Cars.com]

Thanks to the global economic Carpocalypse, and despite a growth in sales in the Asia Pacific region of 3%, GM still managed to sell fewer vehicles last year than Toyota. It allows the Japanese automaker to wrest the global sales crown from GM it's held for 77 years. The General has reigned atop the global auto sales pyramid since snatching the crown itself from Henry Ford in 1931.

While many have argued Toyota bested GM last year when the Japanese automaker produced more vehicles than the biggest of the not-so-Big Three in 2007. But not so fast as the General doggedly held on to the title of global auto sales champ. Since the crown's been determined primarily on the metric one finds most important, the true "largest automaker" title's really been up in the air. However, with these new numbers, that last debating point is dead. Toyota is truly now the world's biggest automaker.

Full press release below:

GM Announces 2008 Global Sales of 8.35 Million Vehicles

* GM Asia Pacific sales volume grows 3 percent; Chevrolet sales in China grows 16 percent to nearly 200,000 vehicles; 1.09M vehicles sold in China sets record with 6 percent volume growth
* Third consecutive year of more than 2 million vehicles sold in Europe; Chevrolet sales breakthrough 500,000 mark with record share; Opel sets sales record in Central and Eastern Europe with volume up 13 percent
* GM beats the industry with more than 1.27 million total vehicle sales in Latin America, Africa and Middle East Region led by top-selling Chevrolet Corsa, Celta and Aveo
* GM continues emerging markets leadership with 2008 market share growth in 14 of 26 markets

DETROIT – Record-setting sales performance in GM’s Latin America, Africa and Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, and a third consecutive 2 million vehicles sales performance in Europe during 2008, helped General Motors sell more than 8.35 million vehicles globally last year. GM’s nearly 3 percent growth in both the Asia Pacific and Latin America, Africa and Middle East regions partially offset North America sales that declined 21 percent, and growing pressure in Europe that resulted in 7 percent fewer sales. Compared with 2007, GM’s total sales were down 11 percent, reflecting continuing global economic pressures that include tightening credit, falling commodities prices and lack of GDP growth.

In 2008, GM sold 5.37 million vehicles outside the U.S., accounting for 64 percent of total global sales volume compared with 59 percent a year ago.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, GM sales of 1.70 million vehicles were down 26 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago. Most of that decline was reflected in 379,000 fewer vehicles sold in North America as the market yielded to a crushing lack of consumer confidence, and tightened credit requirements, in the United States.

GM Continues Growth in Emerging Markets

“GM’s 2008 sales performance shows that we are continuing to take advantage of new emerging market opportunities and are meeting customer needs with fuel-efficient products that offer compelling design and great value – such as the award-winning Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in Europe, the Buick Excelle in China and the Corsa in Latin America,” Jonathan Browning, vice president, global sales, service and marketing, said today. “We saw sales volume increases in the key four emerging markets of Brazil (up 10 percent), Russia (up 30 percent), India (up 9 percent), and China (up 6 percent).”

“The challenges in the global financial markets, including credit tightening, the drop in commodity prices, and economic uncertainty continue to negatively impact overall demand for new vehicles,” Browning added. “For the total global industry, we saw about 3.5 million fewer vehicles sold in 2008 than the previous year.” With these market challenges comes significant opportunity and GM is well-positioned with new products either on showroom floors or on the way in the near future.

Chevrolet sales in Asia Pacific grew 14 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. Chevrolet sales in China (up 16 percent) and India (up 9 percent) powered much of this growth. The Wuling brand continued strong growth in China with sales up 17 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. The Buick channel is very strong in China with the all-new Regal and soon-to-be-launched LaCrosse. The Chevrolet Cruze and Cadillac SRX also will play important roles in taking advantage of China growth in the months and years ahead.

In the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region – a traditional Chevrolet stronghold – 2008 sales grew 3 percent compared with 2007. Chevrolet accounted for nearly 90 percent of GM’s sales in the region and Brazil remains the second-largest volume market for Chevrolet. Also, GMC, Cadillac and Saab showed impressive annual percentage increases in their sales volume – up 24, 22 and 16 percent, respectively, compared with a year ago. GM sales in the LAAM region beat the expected industry performance, with more than 1.27 million vehicles sold.

A large, relatively young population with a low car-per-capita ratio, hold promise for the market in years to come. Several new Chevrolet product launches are on tap for 2009 including the Cruze, Malibu, Traverse and Camaro.

Chevrolet sales in Europe also contributed to the brand’s solid 2008 results, growing 11 percent and breaking though the 500,000 vehicle mark for the first time. Chevrolet is also performing strongly in emerging markets. It remains the top-selling import brand in Russia. In addition, Opel sales in Russia increased by 49 percent, while Saab increased 68 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. The Opel Insignia won the prestigious European Car of the Year Award – a first for Opel in 22 years and a strong statement about GM’s global midsize vehicle architecture. Important launches for GM this year in the region include the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Astra; Chevrolet Cruze; and the new Saab 9-3X and 9-5.

A highlight of GM’s North America regional performance was the all-new Chevrolet Malibu sedan that achieved the highest percentage gain in annual sales volume (39 percent) of any of the top-20 selling vehicles in the United States. While GM’s total North America vehicle sales volume in 2008 declined 21 percent, there were a number of bright future product opportunities highlighted at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit this month. They included the new Chevrolet Camaro and second-generation Equinox; the second-generation Cadillac SRX and all-new CTS sport wagon; and the Buick LaCrosse.

Sales of Cadillac outside of the United States were supported by strong growth of the brand in Latin America, Africa and Middle East (up 22 percent).

Note: Global sales results are based on preliminary numbers reported and have been rounded.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world’s largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 252,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, 8.35 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Note: In this press release and related comments by General Motors management, we use words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "objective," "plan," "goal" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, representing our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to comply with the requirements of our credit agreement with the U.S. Department of Treasury; the availability of funding for future loans under that credit agreement; our ability to execute the restructuring plans that we have disclosed, our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt; and changes in general economic conditions, market acceptance of our products; shortages of and price increases for fuel; significant changes in the competitive environment and the effect of competition on our markets, including on our pricing policies. GM’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q provide information about these factors, which may be revised or supplemented in future reports to the SEC on Form 10-Q or 8-K.

# # #

Our pickup-truck-lovin' buddies at PickupTrucks.com just put together a full run-down on pickup truck sales for 2008. Taking a quick look at it, the most shocking statistic to us is Toyota is now the third largest seller of trucks in the U.S. market. how far down Dodge has dropped in truck sales. Toyota is now the third largest seller of trucks in the U.S. market with a 14.07% sales share. That's not just the Tundra of course, which saw a steep sales decline in the second half of the year, it also counts the Tacoma. Of course, Dodge's numbers also include the Dakota as well as the Ram.

Other than the Toyota shocker, the rest of the numbers seem to be what we expected — Ford's #1, Chevy's #2.

[via PickupTrucks.com]

Chrysler LLC Reports December 2008 U.S. Sales

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

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

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

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

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

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

December Sales Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

January Incentives

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

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

Here's the press release:

GM Reports 221,983 Deliveries in December; 2,980,688 Vehicles Sold in 2008

* December deliveries up 30 percent compared with October and up 43 percent compared with November
* Market share in December expected around 24 percent, up about 4 ppts compared with November, reflecting renewed APR rate support through GMAC
* Second half 2008 share up nearly 2 ppts compared with first half
* 2008 market share position anticipated to hold steady at just above 22 percent

DETROIT – General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 221,983 vehicles in December, down 31 percent compared with a year ago. However, total deliveries were 67,000 vehicles more than November’s result, up more than 43 percent month over month. GM December car sales of 87,506 were off 25 percent and truck sales of 134,477 were down 35 percent compared with a year ago.

For the year, GM delivered 2,980,688 vehicles while maintaining an expected market share just above 22 percent. Annual deliveries were down 23 percent compared with 2007, largely due to building weakness in the marketplace throughout the year spurred by economic headwinds such as the dramatic reduction in credit availability experienced in the fourth quarter, coupled with historically low levels of consumer confidence. Additionally, the American Axle strike and several supply disruptions impacted GM’s performance in the first half of the year.

“Given the ongoing challenges and the difficult market environment, we were very encouraged to see a volume rebound for GM in December compared with both October and November,” said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “We are building more vehicles than ever that provide great value and Americans enjoy owning. That is why, for the year, we are seeing our market share holding steady at just above 22 percent. That’s 5 percentage points more and 760,000 vehicles more than our nearest competitor.

“Our outstanding cars, trucks and crossovers are enabling us to hold the leadership position in a very difficult market. Our Red Tag Event was well-received, and the ability to offer some 0% financing through our partner GMAC in the last week of the month also helped,” LaNeve added.

Despite the weak market in December, Chevrolet Malibu continued its solid performance with total sales up 43 percent compared with last December. For 2008, Malibu sales of more than 178,000 vehicles were up 39 percent, making it the highest percentage gainer in the top 20 vehicles sold in America with a volume increase compared with 2007. With its six-speed transmission and four-cylinder engine combination, the Malibu delivers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway – tops in the industry’s mid-car segment. The Malibu Hybrid also offers the lowest-priced hybrid in the segment. Additionally, with 4,500 retail vehicles delivered, the Chevrolet Traverse crossover nearly doubled its retail volume compared with November.

“We’re really pleased about the strength of our Chevrolet brand, with the Malibu continuing to perform very well, and the Traverse crossover off to a strong start,” LaNeve added. “Also, with a harsh winter and lower gas prices, our trucks and SUVs are continuing to perform well in their segments. With GMAC now able to provide more financing capacity, and with all the exciting new car and crossover launches including the Cadillac CTS Sportwagon and SRX, Chevy Camaro and Equinox, and Buick LaCrosse in 2009, we are optimistic that with an overall market recovery we can begin to capitalize on the well-recognized product renaissance of all our brands.”

A total of 2,555 GM hybrid vehicles were delivered in the month. Hybrid sales included: 981 Chevrolet Tahoe, 442 GMC Yukon and 306 Cadillac Escalade 2-mode hybrid SUVs delivered. There were 454 Chevrolet Malibu, 34 Saturn Aura and 338 Vue hybrids sold in December. In 2008, GM sold a total of 14,439 hybrid vehicles.

GM inventories dropped compared with a year ago. In December, only about 872,000 vehicles were in stock, down about 36,000 vehicles (or 4 percent) compared with last year. There were about 397,000 cars and 475,000 trucks (including crossovers) in inventory at the end of December.

Certified Used Vehicles

December 2008 sales for all certified GM brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, were 43,070 vehicles, up 21 percent from December 2007.

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling certified brand, posted December sales of 37,632 vehicles, up 24 percent from December 2007. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 888 vehicles, down 24 percent. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 3,740 vehicles, up 11 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 548 vehicles, up 14 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 262 vehicles, up 85 percent.

Total 2008 sales for all certified GM brands were 485,279 vehicles, down 5 percent from 2007. Annual sales for GM Certified Used Vehicles were 422,114 vehicles, down 6 percent. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 11,573 vehicles in 2008, down 9 percent. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles finished 2008 with sales of 41,598 vehicles, up 7 percent from 2007, while Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles posted sales of 7,705 vehicles, up 6 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 2,289 vehicles, up 71 percent.

“December sales for certified GM programs were strong, with GM Certified Used Vehicles up 24 percent over last December, as shoppers continue to seek value and peace of mind in a challenging economy,” said LaNeve. “GM Certified finished 2008 as the sales leader among all manufacturer-certified pre-owned brands for the seventh consecutive year, and our Cadillac, Saab and HUMMER luxury certified brands each posted strong year-to-year sales increases.”

GM North America Reports December, 2008 Production; Q1 2009 Production Forecast at 420,000 Vehicles

In December, GM North America produced 249,000 vehicles (105,000 cars and 144,000 trucks). This is down 3,000 vehicles or 1 percent compared with December 2007 when the region produced 252,000 vehicles (71,000 cars and 181,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 10,000 vehicles in December 2008 and 15,000 vehicles in December 2007.)

GM North America built 823,000 vehicles (371,000 cars and 452,000 trucks) in the fourth-quarter of 2008. This is down 219,000 vehicles or 21 percent compared to fourth-quarter of 2007 when the region produced 1.042 million vehicles (358,000 cars and 684,000 trucks). Additionally, the region’s 2009 first-quarter production forecast is now 420,000 vehicles (143,000 cars and 277,000 trucks),which is down about 53 percent compared with a year ago, and about 180,000 fewer than the previous forecast. GM North America built 885,000 vehicles (360,000 cars and 525,000 trucks) in the first-quarter of 2008. First quarter 2008 production was reduced nearly 100,000 vehicles due to the strike at American Axle.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Note: In this press release and related comments by General Motors management, we use words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "objective," "plan," "goal" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, representing our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: market acceptance of our products; shortages of and price increases for fuel; significant changes in the competitive environment and the effect of competition on our markets, including on our pricing policies; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt; and changes in general economic conditions. GM’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q provide information about these factors, which may be revised or supplemented in future reports to the SEC on Form 10-Q or 8-K.

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Here's the full press release:

F-SERIES DRIVES FORD TO HIGHER MARKET SHARE FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH

* Ford, Lincoln and Mercury market share climbs again in December, marking third consecutive month of higher share
* Market share increases driven by F-Series truck; new F-150 piles up more sales and accolades
* Ford Flex caps 2008 with best sales month so far
* Ford Focus posts best sales year since 2004
* Ford Fusion ushers in next generation with near record sales in 2008
* Lincoln outperforms its luxury competitors, grows market share as 2008 concludes

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 5, 2009 – New vehicles, including the all-new F-150 truck, and fuel-efficient powertrains are winning over customers for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, which realized market share increases for a third consecutive month in December. Ford estimates its market share was 14.6 percent in December, up 0.7 of a point versus a year ago. This marks the first time since 1997 Ford has achieved a market share increase three months in a row.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In premium news, Lincoln outpaced the competition as 2008 drew to a close.
Helped by the all-new Lincoln MKS sedan, Lincoln sales totaled 9,053 in December, down 10 percent compared with a year ago. In the fourth quarter, however, Lincoln increased its share in the luxury market as its 16-percent sales decline was less than half of the average decline of all other luxury brands.

U.S. Sales
In December, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 134,114, down 32 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales to individual customers were down 27 percent, and fleet sales were down 42 percent (including a 57 percent decline in daily rental sales), consistent with Ford’s plans.

For the full year, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 1.9 million, down 20 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales were down 22 percent, and fleet sales were down 17 percent (including a 22 percent decline in daily rental sales), in line with Ford’s plans.

U.S. Market Share
In the Fourth Quarter, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury’s market share is estimated at 15.0 percent, up 0.9 points versus a year ago. This is the first time since 2001 that the company’s Fourth Quarter market share was higher than a year ago.

For the full year of 2008, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury’s market share is estimated at 14.2 percent, down 0.4 points versus a year ago. This marks the company’s smallest decline in market share this decade.

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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, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com

[via Ford]

Jim Weisbecker, general manager for Belle Glade Chevrolet in Florida, summed up the effect the credit crunch is having on customers. Weisbecker told Automotive News. "In the past we were accustomed to financing 70 to 80 percent of our cars sold. Now we finance about 20 percent, if that. It has been a drastic turnaround." Jim Fosche, sales manager at Buddy Foster Chevrolet in Zephyrhills, Fla, explains that joblessness is making the current crisis worse than the economic downturn of the late 1970s. "Even in the '70s when interest rates were at 18 percent, people were buying because people were working," Fosche said. "Now, it's very difficult." We guess even "employee pricing for everyone" doesn't work so well when no one's employed. [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

If General Motors' global sales don't increase above their final tally of 9,369,524 for 2007, and Toyota actually hits their reduced number, Toyota wins. More ominously, GM hasn't provided a forecast for 2008 sales; given the thinly veiled sense of panic around the RenCen these days, there's concern that year-over-year sales figures could remain stagnant enough to allow Toyota to take the top spot.

As always, don't count out the power of cash incentives. We know the General too well to assume they won't toss a "buy a Yukon, get an Aveo for a dollar!" two-for-one promotion into the mix come November. GM for the win! And, as always, the eventual loss. [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]