Toyota Canada press release

TORONTO, ON – August 4, 2010 – Drive… PIN… Enter to win. It’s that easy with the new Toyota Test Drive to Win contest which starts today and runs until August 31 at Toyota Dealerships across the country.

“Summer is short, but Canadians from coast to coast love taking advantage of the season by getting behind the wheel and exploring what our magnificent country has to offer,“ said Stephen Beatty, Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc. “The Toyota Test Drive to Win contest, one of the largest national contests ever launched by Toyota Canada, gives drivers yet another compelling reason to visit their local Toyota dealership this summer to find the perfect Toyota car, truck or SUV for their summer journey.”

Entering the Toyota Test Drive to Win contest is easy and fun – simply visit any Canadian Toyota Dealership and take a test drive in any model from Toyota’s great line-up of new cars, trucks and SUVs. Canadian test-drivers will receive a scratch card with a unique PIN code which is used to enter the contest online at www.toyotasupersummer.ca.

Toyota Test Drive to Win contest prizing, which will be awarded in September, includes:

· One of 10 2010 Toyota Venza models;

· One of five Yamaha ATVs;

· One of 20 50-inch Panasonic HDTV sets;

· One of 5,000 pairs of movie tickets (Empire in the Atlantic Provinces; Cineplex in the rest of Canada)

For full contest details, please visit your local Toyota Dealership or www.toyotasupersummer.ca.

Toyota Canada press release

TORONTO, ON – August 4, 2010 – Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) today reported July sales of 14,882 Toyota and Lexus cars, trucks and SUVs, down 7.3% from July 2009. This included 13,681 Toyota models (down 7.7%) and 1,201 Lexus luxury vehicles (down 2.4%). Robust sales of the Toyota Venza, 4Runner and Sienna resulted in best-ever July Toyota truck sales, at 6,397 (up 11.0%).

“There has been a noticeable Canadian market trend in favour of trucks, SUVs and crossover vehicles over the last several months which is reflected in our July results,” said Tony Wearing, Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc. “We’re gratified that Canadians are choosing Toyota in record numbers.”

Highlights for Toyota in July 2010 (versus July 2009):

· 1,045 Toyota Venza (up 36.5% for best-ever July)

· 6,397 Toyota Trucks (up 11.0% for best-ever July)

· 305 Toyota 4Runner (up 373.0%)

· 72 Toyota Avalon (up 94.7%)

· 1,449 Toyota Sienna (up 56.8%)

Highlights for Lexus in July 2010 (versus July 2009):

· 30 Lexus IS 250 C / IS 350 C (up 208.2%)

· 34 Lexus GX 460 (up 104.7%)

Nissan Canada press release

MISSISSAUGA, ON (August 4, 2010) – Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) today released its best July sales ever with 8,318 units sold – up 10.4 per cent over the same month last year. NCI sales are up 6 per cent for the first seven months of 2010.

Both Nissan and Infiniti recorded best-ever July sales with Nissan totaling 7,525 units, up 10.1 per cent from the same month last year, and Infiniti sales of 793 units, up 13 per cent from July 2009.

The popular Rogue recorded its strongest sales month in history with 1,515 units sold, up 15.3 per cent from July 2009. Versa led all vehicles with 2,286 units sold – up more than 24.2 per cent from last year and representing its best-ever July. Nissan’s Pathfinder, Titan and Xterra also recorded strong sales with 89, 96 and 100 per cent increases, respectively, over July 2009.

Infiniti’s strongest July to date was led by the G family with 448 units sold, up 11.2 per cent from last year, while the Infiniti EX35 recorded its best-ever July sales with 174 units. Sales of Infiniti’s new 2011 M remain strong up 522 per cent over July 2009.

NCI JULY 2010 HIGHLIGHTS

Ø Total NCI sales equaled 8,318 this month – its strongest July sales ever
Ø Both Nissan and Infiniti recorded best-ever July sales with 7,525 and 793 units, respectively
Ø Rogue had its strongest month ever with 1,515 units sold, up 15.3 per cent
Ø Versa continues to be the strongest seller in the line-up with 2,286 units, up 24.2 per cent from June 2009
Ø Pathfinder, Titan and Xterra increased 89, 96 and 100 per cent, respectively, from July 2009
Ø Infiniti M sales jumped 522 per cent over the same month last year while sales of the G family increased 11.2 per cent with 448 units sold

Honda Canada press release

TORONTO, Aug. 4 /CNW/ – Combined July sales of 11,615 units by the Honda and Acura divisions represented an 11% decrease over last year. The Honda Automobile Division reported July sales of 10,184 units, down 10% from last year. The Acura Division reported July sales of 1,431 units, a 13% decline over last year.

For July sales, 93% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada were built in North America, including the two Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly plants in Alliston, ON.

Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,300,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada over the past 37 years. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2009 were produced at the company’s assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from 2008.

Toyota Canada press release

CAMBRIDGE, ON, Aug. 4 /CNW/ – Canadians once again “brought home the gold” yesterday when JD Power and Associates presented the Gold Plant Quality award to the employees of the best automotive manufacturing facility in North & South America.

At ceremonies held throughout the day at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) in Cambridge, where the Lexus plant is located, Canadian workers were singled out for their dedication to quality and teamwork.

On behalf of JD Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, Mr. David Sargent, VP of Global Automotive Quality, presented the Gold Plant Quality trophy to a group of employees representing each shop and each shift at the Lexus plant.

During the ceremonies for employees, Mr. Atsushi Niimi, Executive Vice President of the Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan noted that, “JD Power is a true voice of the customer. This public recognition not only reflects the design of the Lexus RX 350, but your commitment to building it with high quality in mind. It is a true customer measurement of your workmanship.”

Brian Krinock, President of TMMC since July 1, 2010, also told the audience, “Not only have you given TMMC another proud moment in a history of milestones by winning this Gold Plant Quality award, but you have also helped Toyota build customer confidence.”

TMMC Chairman Ray Tanguay closed the festivities by saying, “During the Olympics in Vancouver, Canada won more gold medals than any other competing country, and it was a fantastic feeling. Now, you have also “brought home the gold”. This is a proud moment for me to be able to stand here and congratulate all of you for being the best.”

Nissan Canada press release

Nissan Armchair Heroes could win All-New 2011 Nissan JUKE

Nissan Canada Inc., in conjunction with TBWA\Toronto, has launched the second annual Armchair Hero campaign rewarding some of the CFL’s top fans. Through an interactive, CFL-fan site, fans of seven CFL teams are invited to submit plays that could be used in an actual CFL game. The Nissan Armchair Hero finalist of each team will win tickets to the sold-out 98th Grey Cup Game where, during the festival, they will go head-to-head to win an all-new 2011 Nissan JUKE.

“Last year’s Nissan Armchair Hero campaign engaged CFL fans from across Canada and with the all-new Nissan JUKE as the top prize, we expect interest to be even greater this year,” said Mark McDade, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada. “This campaign rewards the true Canadian football fan who loves the speed, excitement and energy of the CFL game. The same excitement they will experience with the Nissan JUKE.”

Nissan Armchair Hero is the only contest that invites enthusiasts to assist CFL coaches with creative plays. At www.nissanarmchairhero.com, fans explain why their play is a ‘touchdown’ by submitting their plays and videos online which are then voted on by other fans. The top ten plays for each team are reviewed by the head coach and the winners will attend the sold-out 98th Grey Cup Game in Edmonton this November where they will compete for a chance to win a 2011 Nissan JUKE.

The all-new 2011 Nissan JUKE Sport Cross fuses the best qualities of a sports car and SUV and packages them all in an aggressive breath of fresh air. Featuring the first North American application of Nissan’s 1.6 litre direct injected four-cylinder turbo engine, JUKE has 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It will be available in both six-speed manual and CVT with a sport setting. JUKE also comes with torque vectoring all-wheel drive that puts the driver in control with responsive handling.

JUKE’s bold styling is also noticeably different with its sport-bike inspired cockpit design, I-CON (Integrated Control) interface, Navi and USB accessibility.

For more information visit:
Nissan Armchair Hero – www.nissanarmchairhero.com/
Nissan JUKE – www.nissan.ca/juke

Porsche Canada press release

MISSISSAUGA, AUGUST 4, 2010 – Porsche Cars Canada (PCL), importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles in Canada, announced July 2010 sales of 248 units, a 24% increase over July 2009’s total of 200, making it the best July in the company’s history. Customers are clearly responding to the new-generation 2011 Cayenne, with sales up from 77 units to 109; Panamera is also showing continued strength with the introduction of new V6-powered models. Certified Pre-Owned sales reached 59 units, again the best July on record and a 26% increase over July 2009’s total of 47.

July also represented the end of Porsche Canada’s 2009/10 fiscal year. Thanks to new product introductions and strong Canadian-specific marketing, the company closed the year with sales up 12% over 2008/09, with total sales up from 1,622 to 1,823. This calendar year, Porsche has sold 1,220 new cars, up 10% over calendar year 2009.

Subaru Canada press release

Record-breaking sales add up to twelve months of consecutive growth

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 4 /CNW/ – Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the brand’s best July sales ever with total sales reaching 2,336 units, up 28.1 percent over the same period last year while surpassing the previous July sales record, set in 2008, by 16.7 percent. Year-to-date sales are also up 31.8 percent. These robust results further solidify Subaru Canada’s position as the fastest growing Japanese manufacturer in Canada.

Outback sales toppled previous July records as Canadians purchased 607 of these next-generation utility vehicles, an impressive increase of 437.2 percent over the same month last year. Legacy sedan sales also rose by 280.6 percent over last July.

“Subaru has a unique and compelling product offering,” says Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of SCI. “Our lineup of symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive vehicles continues to be favoured by existing Subaru consumers, but we are especially pleased to welcome new customers into the family as we successfully build awareness for our brand.”

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada.

GM Canada press release

Oshawa, Ontario (August 4, 2010) — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac continued to build momentum in July, with retail sales increasing 69 percent, driving sales growth to more than 37 percent calendar year-to-date.

July marks the eighth straight month in which retail sales for GM’s brands increased year-over-year, demonstrating the continued strengthening of each brand in the marketplace.

“The continued strong consumer demand for our products reflects our commitment to design, build, and sell the world’s best vehicles,” said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada’s vice-president of sales, service and marketing. “The success of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac each month further indicates our four brand strategy is working, helping build profitable sales in line with our targets.”

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac delivered retail sales increases across the entire award-winning line-up, with launch vehicles continuing to hit the mark with consumers: Chevrolet sales increased 50 percent, Buick sales increased 11 percent, GMC sales increased 170 percent, and Cadillac sales increased 86 percent.

Building on this strong momentum, new offerings launching this summer and fall include the Buick Regal sport sedan, the Cadillac CTS Coupe, the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra heavy duty pickups, and the much-anticipated fuel-sipping Chevrolet Cruze compact car. Each of these entries will set new benchmarks in their segments, bolstering the stable of new vehicles that are winning with consumers.

With employee pricing available continuing in August on most 2010 model year offerings and some 2011 models, now is a great time to visit a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac showroom to check out GM’s leading range of award-winning, high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles.

July 2010 Retail Sales Highlights

Chevrolet cars continue to show strong growth, up 37 percent. The fuel-efficient Chevrolet Cobalt posted its sixth consecutive monthly increase, up 132 percent bringing the CYTD increase to 71 percent.
The Oshawa-built Chevrolet Camaro, recently announced as winner of the Edmunds.com Launch Breakthrough Award, and winner of the AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle and Customer Satisfaction Award (sport segment), delivered a 49 percent increase for July.
Strong sales growth for compact, midsize and luxury crossovers continues: Combined Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain sales were up more than 78 percent, with added capacity coming online in CAMI and Oshawa to meet demand; combined Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave sales were up 41 percent – their ninth consecutive monthly increase; Cadillac SRX was up more than 900 percent – its seventh consecutive monthly increase.
GM pick-up truck sales continued to grow in July as the economy strengthens: Combined Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra sales increased 170 percent, their best July since 2005.
The Buick LaCrosse – a Consumers Digest Best Buy for 2010, an IIHS 2010 Top Safety Pick, and the winner of MotorWeek’s Driver’s Choice Award for ‘Best Family Sedan” – continues to post positive results and achieved its highest sales month in July.
Total GM fleet and retail sales were up 21 percent.

Chrysler Canada press release

• Eighth consecutive month of year-over-year growth
• Calendar year to date (CYTD) sales up 37 per cent
• All-time sales record for Ram Pickup, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey
• Best July sales ever for Jeep(R) Wrangler

WINDSOR, ON, Aug. 4 /CNW/ – Chrysler Canada today announced total sales of 22,319 for the month of July, an increase of 40 per cent compared with July 2009 (July 2009: 15,958). This figure represents the best results for the month of July since 1997. Two of the top three selling nameplates in the country are Chrysler Canada vehicles – the Dodge Grand Caravan (No. 2) and the Ram Pickup (No. 3).

“These numbers really speak for themselves,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Chrysler Canada. “In June our sales were up in excess of 100 per cent and now this is our best July in over a decade. When you couple these sales numbers with Corporate operating profits in the first and second quarters of this year, I don’t think there is any doubt that our restructuring efforts last year and alliance with Fiat are paying early dividends.”

“During July, we smashed many of our previous sales records,” said Dave Buckingham, Vice President of Sales – Chrysler Canada. “While fleet sales continue to be solid, our real strength has been in incredibly robust retail sales at our dealerships.”

The Ram pickup beat its own all-time sales record, set in April of this year, with sales of 6,436, an increase of 166 per cent over July 2009 sales of 2,421. With calendar year to date sales through July of 31,746, the Ram is up a significant 24 per cent over the vehicle’s previous 2007 record for the same time period.

Dodge Grand Caravan also beat its previous all-time record on sales of 6,083, climbing 102 per cent compared with July 2009. Calendar year to date, the company has sold more Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles in this time period than its previous record set eight years ago.

Sales of the Dodge Journey soared 46 per cent over July 2009, with 2,268 units sold (July 2009: 1,553). This represents yet another all-time sales record.

The legendary Jeep(R) Wrangler set a sales record for the month of July with 1,483 units sold, up 183 per cent versus July 2009.

August Incentive Program

In July Canadians showed their interest in the company’s great products and endorsed Chrysler Canada’s value-priced incentive offers by purchasing more new Ram Truck, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey vehicles than during any other month on record.

With retail sales up over 50 per cent versus last year, Chrysler Canada is pleased to announce the extension of all retail incentive offers through the end of August. With great offers like this being continued for one final month, Canadians are encouraged to visit their local Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership to see Chrysler Canada’s full lineup of award-winning and segment-leading vehicles, including the all-new 2010 Motor Trend Truck of the Year – Ram Heavy Duty; the most awarded Ram ever – Ram 1500; the No. 1 selling minivan – Dodge Grand Caravan; the No. 1 selling crossover – Dodge Journey; and the most fuel-efficient and affordable 4×4 in Canada – Jeep Patriot.