Talks About Cars

Here is what Nissan got in store for European car fans at the upcoming 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Nissan has announced that it will showcase two all-new concept models at the event: the Mixim Concept Car and the Micra Colour + Concept.

First off is the Mixim Concept Car. This model is equipped with the 'Super Motor' electric generator under its hood with lithium-ion batteries powering the front axle and a second driving the rear axle. This all electric concept model features an all wheel drive (AWD) configuration. Other features include svelte and distinctive coupe shape, wraparound windscreen, flowing roofline, sharply truncated rear hints, diamond-shaped styling cues inside and out, twin air intakes to the rear of the doors, front LED driving lights, triangular side window, and 2530 mm wheelbase.

Meanwhile, the Micra Colour + Concept car "has been designed to showcase the latest colour and paint technology and to highlight the changes that have been made to the entire Micra range," according to a Nissan press release. The Micra Colour + Concept comes in two-tone treatment with a Liquid Metal gold paint effect over the top of the car, with a three coat pearlescent white finish on the side areas of the car. The interior design cues of the Micra Colour + Concept complements the glossy exterior highlights. Inside, the Colour + Concept gives an impressive design contrast between the upper and lower portions of the vehicle. The car comes in upholstered white leather, with seats accented with detailing and stitching. The carpets as well as the lower internal panels inside the Nissan Colour + Concept come in dark acid yellow, giving occupants and elegant and comfortable feel.

Watch out for these two models at IAA Frankfurt when Nissan releases the full features of the vehicles. I am looking forward for the production models of these two.

This December, Nissan's Infiniti luxury division will roll out its latest addition in the extensive product lineup up of quality and luxurious vehicles. Auto enthusiasts can bring home the all-new 2008 Infiniti EX35 compact luxury crossover SUV, as it goes on sale that month.

Unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show as a concept vehicle, the 2008 Infiniti EX35 made its world premiere at the 57th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in a special exhibit called the "The Infiniti Gallery of Design." The Infiniti EX35 combines the elegance and comfort of a luxury SUV with the sporty and high performance nature of an Infiniti coupe model.

During its debut in Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Mark Igo, vice president and general manager of Infiniti said: "The EX35 is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a high-utility SUV. Its 'right-sized' packaging gives it excellent around town maneuverability, while the wide
rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use. Infiniti is pleased to have a major presence at this prestigious week- long festival of automotive heritage and luxury. We can't think of a better venue to launch the all-new Infiniti EX35 and new 2008 Infiniti M than right here among some of the most exciting automotive designs in the world."

At the heart of the 2008 Infiniti EX35 is a powerful 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 VQ35HR, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control. Also, the Infiniti EX35 features the company's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system. The 2008 Infiniti EX35 is equipped with the advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system with four cameras that allows the driver to have a view outside the vehicle. The EX35 is the first model in North America to be equipped with this system.

Other highlights of the all-new 2008 Infiniti EX35 include:

- double-wave instrument panel
- high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination
- Infiniti analog clock
- available Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free Phone System
- Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
- XM Satellite Radio, RearView Monitor
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC).
- available Bose(R) Premium Audio System with Burr- Brown 24-bit DAC, 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers
- 6CD in-dash changer with iPod capability
- Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System

This December, Nissan's Infiniti luxury division will roll out its latest addition in the extensive product lineup up of quality and luxurious vehicles. Auto enthusiasts can bring home the all-new 2008 Infiniti EX35 compact luxury crossover SUV, as it goes on sale that month.

Unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show as a concept vehicle, the 2008 Infiniti EX35 made its world premiere at the 57th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in a special exhibit called the "The Infiniti Gallery of Design." The Infiniti EX35 combines the elegance and comfort of a luxury SUV with the sporty and high performance nature of an Infiniti coupe model.

During its debut in Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Mark Igo, vice president and general manager of Infiniti said: "The EX35 is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a high-utility SUV. Its 'right-sized' packaging gives it excellent around town maneuverability, while the wide
rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use. Infiniti is pleased to have a major presence at this prestigious week- long festival of automotive heritage and luxury. We can't think of a better venue to launch the all-new Infiniti EX35 and new 2008 Infiniti M than right here among some of the most exciting automotive designs in the world."

At the heart of the 2008 Infiniti EX35 is a powerful 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 VQ35HR, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control. Also, the Infiniti EX35 features the company's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system. The 2008 Infiniti EX35 is equipped with the advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system with four cameras that allows the driver to have a view outside the vehicle. The EX35 is the first model in North America to be equipped with this system.

Other highlights of the all-new 2008 Infiniti EX35 include:

- double-wave instrument panel
- high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination
- Infiniti analog clock
- available Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free Phone System
- Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
- XM Satellite Radio, RearView Monitor
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC).
- available Bose(R) Premium Audio System with Burr- Brown 24-bit DAC, 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers
- 6CD in-dash changer with iPod capability
- Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System

The South Korean automaker Kia now reveals the initial details of the Kia pro_cee’d ahead of the car's official unveiling at the upcoming International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt early next month.

“The new Kia pro_cee’d offers consumers sensationally stylish looks with a truly sporty feel to the driving experience, while also retaining most of the practicality and versatility of the popular cee’d five-door hatchback. With performance, ride and handling that is even more responsive, the pro_cee’d will attract European consumers who find three-door cars particularly appealing.” said Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe.

Some details of the Kia pro_cee’d include

- lower and lighter than its five-door sister car
- 4250 mm long wheelbase
- provides generous legroom front and rear
- larger pro_cee’d doors with their extra-wide 70 degree openings ensure
- re-styled the rear seat cushion
- re-engineered 60/40 split backrest
- five Euro4 compliant engines with power outputs covering a 90 PS to 143 PS range
- 12 exterior colours
- optional 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres
- optional stiffer dampers
- sport-concept interior trim (with ‘tyre-track’ pattern fabric and silver stitching, plus alloy pedals and stainless-steel door-scuff plates)

Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Kia Motors Europe explained the other features of the Kia pro_cee’d:

“With the pro_cee’d we have communicated sportiness mostly through the car’s exterior design. At the front, we have extended the nose by 10 mm and introduced a shallower grille, new-style headlamps, a wider, lower bumper with a prominent lip spoiler, a deeper central air intake and larger fog lights set in elliptical depressions."

“It is the side profile that makes pro_cee’d truly distinctive. The windscreen is much shallower and the vehicle height is reduced by 30 mm. The doors, which are 276 mm longer than the front doors of the five-door cee’d model, have a unique design with a more prominent swage line that highlights the sporty character of this model and a beltline that rises much more steeply towards the rear of the car."

“The side window, C-Pillar and tailgate spoiler are all new and although the rear screen is steeply raked, rear headroom remains good. Unlike other cee’d models, the exhaust tailpipe on the pro_cee’d is boldly displayed."

Just wait for the IAA Frankfurt for the complete specs and details of the Kia pro_cee'd.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA finally launches the hybrid electric version of its 2008 Highlander mid size crossover SUV. The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be available in Base and Limited models, and will roll out in dealer showrooms all over the U.S. starting this coming October.

The vehicle features a 3.3-liter V6 engine under its hood, powering the four-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i) drive train configuration. Like all Toyota hybrid models, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid also features the company’s patented Hybrid Synergy Drive(TM) system, along with 3 innovative powertrain technologies. It includes:

EV Mode - enables the driver to use only electric power within a limited distance and at low speeds.
ECON Mode - allows the driver to have a smooth throttle response to limit excessive acceleration by activating a throttle-control program.
Hybrid System Indicator - allows the driver to have a visual guide on car's fuel consumption and offers guides to maximize the car's fuel economy.

Other key highlights of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid include:

- A/FM/CD with six speakers
- Leather trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls
- Two rows of fabric-trimmed seats
- Flexible second-row seating features captain's chairs with armrests
- "Center Stow(TM)" seat
- Driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags
- Active headrests for the driver and front passenger
- Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System
- Toyota's STAR(TM) Safety system with Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Traction control
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist (BA).
- Stand-alone backup camera with a 3.5-inch LCD screen
- Smart Key System with Push Button Start

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited model adds three rows of leather-trimmed seats, rear glass hatch, power rear door, multi-stage heated front seats, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer, puddle lamps on outside mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid base model is $33,700, and $39,950 for the 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited.

AAA wants to guide drivers from the Minnesota area with the TripTik Travel Planner. This online traffic planner has recently closed the automatic routing on the affected areas on I-35W, as the bridge collapsed early this month.

AAA wants to help drivers, commuters, and other motorists by providing them traffic guides using alternative routes around Minnesota. So if you reside in the Twin Cities follow these routes when you are heading to Minneapolis from the North Metro.

* Motorists from the north and northeast suburbs (Fridley, Columbia Heights, New Brighton, etc.) will face the greatest challenge getting to work. They are urged to take westbound I-694 to southbound I-94 into downtown Minneapolis.

* An alternate route for those in the north and northeast is to take I-35W southbound to SR 280, heading south to I-94 west into downtown and exiting on 5th Street.

* If you are coming from the northwest suburbs (Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, etc.) take I-694 east to I-94, heading south into downtown and take the 4th Street or 7th Street exits. Another route from the northwest would be I-494 east to I-394 east to the downtown Minneapolis exits.

* Other less-traveled alternate routes include East River Road and University Avenue from the north, across the Broadway Bridge into downtown Minneapolis.

* Another route from the northwest is I-494 east to I-394 east to the downtown Minneapolis exits.

* Other less traveled, non-freeway-style alternate routes from the northeast include Central Avenue to the 3rd Avenue bridge; or taking University Avenue or East River Road/Marshall Street across the Broadway Avenue bridge to Washington Avenue and then into downtown Minneapolis.

DIY Network and The Car Care Council wants to educate drivers about the problems that can be encountered by car batteries during this summer. With the excessive heat, car batteries are more prone to damage, and can result to malfunction. Drivers and car owners like us should know that the average car battery life is much shorter in warm regions compared to other areas in the country. The Car Care Council also said that batteries that are three years old or more should be replaced to ensure safety and avoid car troubles.

Anyway, check out these frequently asked questions (FAQs) about battery maintenance, from DIY Network and The Car Care Council.

How does heat impact batteries?
- Corrosion caused by heat is the leading cause of battery failure.
- Many batteries that fail in early winter had already been significantly
weakened during the hot summer months.

Does a car's age, maintenance and driving style affect battery life?
- As a car ages, mechanical components related to starting the vehicle
deteriorate, causing additional strain on the battery.
- Poor vehicle maintenance may increase the likelihood of premature
battery failure.
- Frequent starts and stops of a vehicle's engine inhibit a battery from
fully recharging. Motorists who drive very short distances are likely
to experience shorter battery life.

What are signs that my battery may be failing?
- Signs may include: dimming headlights and interior lights, slow engine
starting, "check engine" light is on or accessories failing to operate.
- Since indications of battery failure are commonly subtle and
misdiagnosed, many drivers only become aware of the condition when
their car no longer starts.

When's the best time to get my battery tested or replaced?
- Drivers should make a battery condition check a part of their cars'
regular maintenance schedule.
- If the battery is more than 3 years old, get it tested. If it's more
than 4 years old, it's best to get it replaced to avoid breakdown.
- The Car Care Council encourages drivers to proactively replace their
batteries since the chance of sudden failure increase after three
years.
- To avoid getting stranded during the hottest or coldest parts of the
year, get car batteries tested during summer and early fall.

General Motors' Buick luxury division has recently proven its commitment to provide customers with the most dependable and reliable vehicle models. For the first time in 12 years, Buick tied Toyota's Lexus division in the top spot of the nameplate rankings from J.D. Power and Associates' recent 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

VDS evaluates vehicle models with the highest residual value and reliability by conducting survey from more than 50,000 vehicle owners from January through April 2007, and asked them some problems encountered during the three years of vehicle ownership. Buick brand was ranked 3rd last year with 153 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). This year, Buick joins Lexus in the 1st place with only 145 PP100.

"Quality is a key hallmark of the Buick brand. Buicks have long been regarded for craftsman-like quality, attention to detail and library-quiet interiors. Our owners can feel confident that they have a high quality, quiet vehicle that is now a recognized leader in dependability." said Jim Bunnell, general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC

Here is the complete Nameplate Rankings from J.D. Power and Associates' 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study. (Problems per 100 Vehicles)

Buick - 145
Lexus - 145
Cadillac - 162
Mercury - 168
Honda - 169
Toyota - 178
BMW - 182
Lincoln - 182
Subaru - 192
Oldsmobile - 196
Jaguar - 197
Acura - 207
Mercedes-Benz - 212
Infiniti - 215
Industry Average - 216
Jeep - 219
Pontiac - 220
Scion - 220
Ford - 221
GMC - 222
Chevrolet - 226
Hyundai - 228
Mitsubishi - 228
Volvo - 230
Audi - 234
Dodge - 236
HUMMER - 242
MINI - 247
Chrysler - 249
Porsche - 252
Nissan - 274
Saturn - 274
Kia - 288
Mazda - 289
Volkswagen - 298
Saab - 319
Isuzu - 322
Suzuki - 324

The newly launched redesigned Saab 9-3 model range including the 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 SportCombi comes with a host of new safety features to provide its occupants the best vehicle protection during vehicle accidents. Not only that, these features will not only avoid or reduce the injuries, but it also prevents the car to be involved in accidents.

All Saab 9-3 models earned the highest possible score in Euro NCAP crash tests, as well as "Double Best Pick” rating in crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Check out the list of active and passive safety systems featured in Saab 9-3 models. Thanks to a Saab official press release for this one.

* Strong steel safety cage helps protect passenger compartment. This safety cage is fabricated from high strength steel with beam sections completely closed for additional strength. This is also protected by deformable front structure with three load paths and wide bumper beam to spread impact forces.

* Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) for front seats. It help to prevent serious neck injury in rear-end collisions.

* Side impact protection with 'pendulum' movement of lower B-pillar. This system is designed to engage side sills and door beams as an integrated structure.

* Roof-rail airbags. These airbags help to provide occupant head protection during crash sequence including potential roll-over. Front seat-mounted side airbags are also available to provide the occupant with thorax protection.

* Sophisticated sensing for airbag/seat-belt deployment. This include two-stage adaptive front airbags, pre-tensioning of seatbelts in side impacts and wearer reminder system.

In addition, Saab has also gathered significant data of real life vehicle accidents in Sweden. Saab used these data in computer simulation as well as crash testing. With this method, the company can base the function of their safety systems from real life accident situations.

The Saab 9-3 also comes with other safety features like Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Mechanical Brake Assistance (MBA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Saab ComSense functionality, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Chrysler Group wants to provide automotive consumers the best practical way and for transporting huge number of persons as well as cargo, with the introduction of its two minivan models: the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country.
According to Steven Landry, Executive Vice President - Chrysler Group NAFTA Sales, Global Marketing, Service and Parts: "Family transportation has changed since the introduction of the original Dodge Caravan in 1984. The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan set the family transportation standard with an all-new 'grown-up' appearance, five different models, three distinct seating and storage systems, unmatched entertainment systems and the safety consumers expect and deserve. Add in three powertrain options, clever interior features and industry-leading functionality and you have a recipe that will be a favorite with any family."

Larry Lyons, Vice President - Chrysler Group Front-wheel-drive Product Team also commented: "Chrysler Group engineers continue to bring fresh ideas to the minivan segment. This time, we turn the tables on traditional seats with a technology that lets families have more choices of how to spend their time while traveling. With Swivel 'n Go, second- and third-row passengers can face each other to have a conversation, play games or have a meal on the go."

Lyons added: "Chrysler Group is the first to offer a six-speed transaxle in a minivan. With a new 4.0-liter, V-6 aluminum engine and new six-speed transaxle, the 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer added performance and a smoother driving experience."
Customers can choose different powertrain combinations for both models. These include:
- new 4.0-liter V-6 aluminum engine coupled with a new six-speed transaxle that produces 251 hp and 259 lb.-ft. of torque
- 3.8-liter V-6 aluminum engine coupled with a new six-speed transaxle that produces 197 hp and 230 lb.-ft. of torque
- 3.3-liter flex-fuel-capable V-6 aluminum engine coupled with a four-speed transaxle that produces 175 hp and 205 lb.-ft. of torque.

Check out the other highlights of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country below:

- all-new Swivel 'n Go(TM) seat system
- minivan-first integrated child booster seat in the second-row quad chair
- available minivan-exclusive one-touch power-folding third-row 60/40 bench seat
- All-row supplemental side-curtain air bags
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist
- LATCH child seat anchor system
- energy- absorbing steering column
- ParkView(R) rear back- up camera
- a rearview interior conversation mirror
- ParkSense(R) rear back-up system
- premium, multi-function, front-row sliding console that moves rearward as much as 21 inches
- second-row in-floor covered storage bins
- second-row bench seat with second-row covered storage bins and third-row fold-in-the-floor seating
- industry-exclusive Stow 'n Go(R) seating and storage system
- removable table that fits between the second and third rows and a fold-in-the-floor third-row seat
- minivan-first one-touch power-folding third-row seat
- second-row leather or cloth seats; remote start; YES Essentials(R) stain- resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static cloth fabric and floor mats; a removable, rechargeable flashlight in the rear quarter panel; second-row power windows; second- and third-row retractable sun shades; sunglass holder with rearview interior conversation mirror, power sliding doors; power liftgate with power button on the key fob and rear-pillar; ambient halo lighting; movable, pinpoint Light Emitting Diode (LED) reading lamps; map lights and a single- or tri-zone heating and cooling system.
- dual DVD multimedia entertainment system that can play different media at the same time
- MyGIG(TM) CD/DVD/HDD/MP3/satellite radio with voice-activated capability
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio
- SIRIUS Backseat TV
- UConnect(R) Hands-free Communication system with Bluetooth(R) technology
- mesh side pockets on the second-row seats that can hold iPods
- hand-held gaming systems or beverages
- 115-volt inverter

Here are two luxury cars that Paris Hilton should have in her garage.

Bentley Motors has recently launched the new revamped version of the popular Continental GT (Paris Hilton's fave bump car!) as well as the Continental GT Speed. The GT coupes now pumps out 600 horses under its hood. According to the British automaker, the new Continental GT was inspired by the Bentley "Speed" models produced in the 1920s. Dr. Franz Josef-Paefgen, Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive said: “The Continental GT is a highly successful, modern-day Bentley icon. The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged character and sportier driving experience, builds on this success.”

Whew! The facelifted Bentley Continental GT and Continental GT Speed really rocks. Just read the features and specs of these two vehicles below. I got this on the recent Bentley official press release.

Continental GT Speed

* The most powerful Bentley production car ever, its highly efficient W12 engine delivers 600bhp (610PS/449kW) and 553lb ft (750Nm)
* A nine percent increase in power and 15 percent increase in torque
* Top speed of 202mph (326km/h)
* 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5s)
* 0-100mph in 10.3 seconds (0-160km/h in 10.2s)
* Effortless overtaking performance: 50-70mph in just 2.3 seconds (80-120km/h in 3.0s).
* CO2 emissions reduced by 3.5 percent to 396 g/km, with a similar reduction in fuel consumption as a result of improved engine efficiency.
* Harder-edged, more sporting driving experience through enhanced chassis:
* Lowered ride height, uprated spring/damper settings and uprated anti-roll bars for improved agility and body control.
* New levels of roadholding thanks to superior grip from unique 9.5Jx20 wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero performance tyres.
* Improved steering response achieved through retuned speed-sensitive Servotronic system, solid-mounted front subframe and stiffer rear bushings.
* ‘Dynamic’ mode introduced on the uprated Bosch 8.1 ESP system with more progressive intervention to cater for the more spirited driver.
* Subtle styling modifications distinguish the Continental GT Speed from the Continental GT:
* Front grille and lower air intakes in dark-tinted chrome matrix
* Wider rifled sports exhaust tail pipes.
* Mulliner Driving Specification (also available as an option on the Continental GT) includes:
* Drilled alloy sport foot-pedals, knurled chrome/hide gearlever
* Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, doors and rear quarter panels

Continental GT

* Power output of the standard W12 engine remains at 552bhp (560PS) but benefits from internal efficiency improvements for a reduction in CO2 emissions of 3.5 percent to 396 g/km, with a similar reduction in fuel consumption.
* Top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s).
* Improved ride comfort thanks to addition of new low-friction dampers.
* In combination with the all-wheel drive system, the uprated ESP 8.1 with new ‘Sport Traction’ mode ensures superb traction, without being intrusive
* Distinctive, classic Bentley ‘B’ brake pedal

Whoa! What went wrong? It seems that the month of July 2007 was a very unlucky month for the majority of domestic and international automakers selling cars and trucks here in the United States. All of the leading automakers recorded a decline in sales figures in July 2007. Overall GM sales were down by 18.5% compared last year, Ford Motor Company was down by 15.7%, and Toyota Motor Corp. was also down by 3.5%. So far, only ten automakers posted increased sales this July.

Maybe July 2007 is a cursed month for the automotive industry. What do you think?

Anyway, I want to thank AutoBlog (www.autoblog.com) for compiling the U.S. overall sales figures of every automaker. It helped me not to waste my time in reading every automaker's official press release on the web and record every July 2007 sales. Whew!

Check out the sales of automakers by brand for the month of July 2007. Again, thanks to Auto Blog for this one.

GAINERS
Biggest Gainer: BMW 26% at 24,295 (07/06: 20,083)
Audi 6% at 7,127 (07/06: 7,005)
Jeep 8.6% at 37,355 (07/06: 35,831)
Land Rover 23.8% at 4,189 (07/06: 3,524)
Lincoln 1.9% at 8,929 (07/06: 9,125)
Mazda 3.72% at 25,853 (07/06: 25,963)
MINI 20.1% at 4,069 (07/06: 3,528)
Mitsubishi 2.6% at 10,347 (07/06: 10,502)
Nissan 7.6% at 78,351 (07/06: 75,860)
Porsche 5.0% at 3,230 (07/06: 3,202)

LOSERS
Biggest Loser: Jaguar –40.7% at 1,136 (07/06: 1,997)
Acura –17.7% at 14,381 (07/06: 18,203)
Buick –26.5% at 16,654 (07/06: 23,609)
Cadillac –5.2% at 17,412 (07/06: 19,124)
Chevrolet –21.9% at 183,103 (07/06: 244,080)
Chrysler –5.4% at 34,631 (07/06: 38,124)
Dodge –10.4% at 65,742 (07/06: 76,394)
Ford –16.2% at 160,590 (07/06: 199,735)
GMC –4.6% at 44,060 (07/06: 48,085)
Honda –1.2% at 126,668 (07/06: 133,601)
HUMMER –27.1% at 4,895 (07/06: 6,991)
Hyundai –4.0% at 43,511 (07/06: 47,205)
Infiniti –5.9% at 9,526 (07/06: 10,546)
Isuzu –8.5% at 1,173 (07/06: 1,336)
Lexus –4.9% at 27,141 (07/06: 26,959)
Mercedes –10.3% at 18,586 (07/06: 21,591)
Mercury –32% at 10,852 (07/06: 16,635)
MINI 20.1% at 4,069 (07/06: 3,528)
Pontiac –23.6% at 30,023 (07/06: 40,933)
Saab –7.5% at 3,247 (07/06: 3,658)
Saturn –5.8% at 20,368 (07/06: 22,516)
Subaru –15% at 15,438 (07/06: 18,923)
Toyota –4.5% at 196,917 (07/06: 214,867)
Volkswagen –9.5% at 19,653 (07/06: 22,627)
Volvo –3.6% at 9,549 (07/06: 10,323)

July 2007 sales by company:

BMW Group 25.1% at 28,364 (07/06: 23,611)
Chrysler Group –4.6% at 137,728 (07/06: 150,349)
Ford Motor Co –15.7% at 195,245 (07/06: 241,339)
General Motors –18.5% at 320,935 (07/06: 410,332)
Honda America –3.2% at 141,049 (07/06: 151,804)
Nissan North America 5.9% at 87,877 (07/06: 86,406)
Toyota Motor Co. –3.5% at 224,058 (07/06: 241,826)