The Suzuki Grand Vitara Bandit

Pave the way for the Suzuki Grand Vitara Bandit, harboring the much-needed ammo to be exhibited at a Netherlands Auto Show. Dutch distributor of Suzuki cars and motorcycles, Nimag, has hooked up with Progress Europe Supply Company to create a tuner special for the Grand Vitara. Only last year did Suzuki actively urged tuning specialists in North America to toil on their models. Looks like Europe has engaged in the trend as well.

The Progress Europe Supply Company labors for a diverse group of established automakers in Europe, mainly crafting aerodynamic body modifications. The Grand Vitara bandit is most popular with surfers or those into water sports. Nimag has commended the company with the whole development process of the Grand Vitara.

Its exterior Suzuki parts look a bit weird in most angles but it definitely is a hit among tropical weathered places such as California and Florida where beaches and sand are part of the state’s landscape. Of course, this is not a geography lesson in the works but it deems the Grand Vitara where it will be most appropriate. It will look out of place in Amsterdam though but it will be displayed at the AutoRai Show in the aforementioned place.

Several key features are fitted in its bodywork construction such as an aggressive-looking front end, wide fenders to accommodate the bigger 15-inch wheels, a new roof rack, a new rear door, a revamped exhaust system, a Pioneer sound system, teak-wood flooring, a wakeboard (hooray for wakeboarding!), an outboard motor and an abundant addition of lights.

It poses a great feeling of driving around this Bandit beast and taking on the sun, sand and surf.

Volvo Vetoes Violence

March 29. A date that you may want to remember. Especially if you are in the Illinois area.

You see, that is the very date when more than 100 leaders in the business arena are going to come together to see through one goal: to work out ways so as to lessen the number of violence in the country and in the area. They call this gathering the CeaseFire Leadership Summit.

Such a gathering would be held at the University of Illinois which is located in Chicago. Together, they would be doing a brainstorming so as to find ways to lessen the amount of violence in the country. They are going to make the program a highly successful one, even more successful than the years before.

CeaseFire Illinois has a website which can be accessed through www.ceasefireillinois.org. This organization is headed by Dr. Gary Slutkin who previously worked as an epidemiologist for the World Health Organization.

For the entire gathering and preparation for this humble cause, Volvo Cars would be joining in and doing its share to achieve the goal. This was after the car maker’s president and chief head honcho, Anne Belec, found out about CeaseFire through the Annual Volvo For Life set of awards. This was because the founder of CeaseFire was one of the nominees and later on became one of the awardees.

Belec did share, “CeaseFire has achieved incredible results in such a short time period. I believe with some of the nation's best business minds together in one room, and with the attention of our nation's First Lady, we're certainly on the right track to take CeaseFire to the next level.”

Enter the C16 Cabrio

Callaway Cars has recently announced that it will unveil the C16 Cabrio, the company’s convertible variant of the limited production C16, at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

The C16 features integrated powertrain, brakes and suspension enhancements into the current Chevrolet Corvette platform plus a six-speed manual or paddle-shift automatic transmissions available with either standard 560 or optional 616 horsepower engines.

The C16’s Callaway-supercharged 6.0L engine delivers world-class power, producing 560 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 529 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm, while the optional 616 HP Performance Package ups the ante to a whopping 616 bhp and 582 lb-ft of torque, boosting the paddle-shifted Cabrio from 0-to-60 in a matter of 3.5 seconds. Maximum speed of the C16 Cabrio is estimated at just over 200 mph. While feeding your need for speed the C16 Cabrio will also impress with its fuel efficiency rating of 18 city/28 highway.

Just like the exterior car parts wowed you, what’s inside will send you ooohing and aahhing with the upgraded door sill panels, dash pad, and steering wheel which all carry signature Callaway badging. Should you choose the optional “Deutschleder” package you’ll get the completely retooled interior in fine German leather and Alcantara, featuring seats manufactured for Callaway by Recaro. Clients are also entitled to choose exterior and interior colors to suit their individual taste. Want exclusivity? Each C16 Cabrio is built to order, serialized and identified by its build plaque.

Another arresting feature of the C16 Cabrio Callaway/Dymag are its wheels which weigh approximately half that of their aluminum counterparts – providing the car significantly reduced unsprung weight for improved acceleration, cornering and braking. These TUV- and DOT-certified wheels feature forged magnesium spiders surrounded by carbon fiber rims and measure 19” by 10” front and 20” by 12” rear.

“With this car, we’ve maintained the C16’s class-leading performance, while creating a gorgeous ‘Cabrio’ version, based on one of the best sports car platforms available anywhere,” says company founder Reeves Callaway. “In true Callaway tradition, it incorporates our race-proven technologies, painstaking testing and validation efforts, and expert craftsmanship in an arresting and appealing style.”

Pricing for the C16 Cabrio starts at $128,765 USD.

Curtains Down For 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe In New York Auto Show

There are new and perhaps more models lining up at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. One among the highlights of the said event will be the much awaited revelation of 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe. The new car will be wearing more Infiniti parts and the BMW 335i will be in its crosshairs.

The new car is very much different from its previous model. Wearing a wider, smaller and longer body makes it more curvaceous. The G37 is more powerful than its G35 origin. The new powertrain parts will be capable of producing 330 horsepower and it would come mated with a 3.7 liter engine V6 that when compared to its previous model seems larger and more powerful. You see, the previous power source was a 3.5 liter engine that propels on 293 horsepower running at a six-speed manual transmission. The first application of new VQ37VHR is also done on this new vehicle.

The Infiniti G37 will be offered into optional new exterior and bigger brakes plus four-wheel active steering system. The exterior parts are designed with more sexy features such as wave-style hood, flowing front fender curves and L-shaped headlights.

Other extra parts includes a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive, real-time traffic, XM NavTraffic on its navigation system, 11-speaker Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose and rearview monitor. Looks like the new Infiniti G37 Coupe will sure be a hit. I don’t know if it’s a concept or a production car though when they start taking the cloth off this vehicle.

Village Technology’s SMRrTRAM Design Obtains U.S. Patent

The famed Village technology has been awarded a U.S patent (7,062,879) with a Canadian patent pending for its innovative SMRrTRAM People-Mover technique that transforms cheap, zero-emission electric buses into high-comfort and convenient people-movers for traffic and pedestrian congested cities.

John Alt along with two partners is pleased with the people-moving solution that will guide in endless traffic and commuting problems on highways and streets. They are delighted to have the U.S. patent in hand and are now awaiting the Canadian patent.

Village Technology is an urban-solution think-tank that’s headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland. The people-mover method uses computer reason that corresponds to the movements of oppositely moving electric tram-buses in a single guidelane. The synchronization method provides pedestrians and commuters the chance to board a tram-bus that goes in either direction every 150 seconds from each stop.

The Village Technology group has been producing and studying the SMRrTRAM method and its applications for several years. The search of development and financing partners is on for the group to build a demonstration SMRrTRAM project and make the system available to cities and urban areas as soon as possible.

The single SMRrTRAM guidelane can be inserted into virtually any existing streetscape without getting rid of traffic lanes. The utilization of simple, battery-electric tram-buses makes the SMRrTRAM an affordable choice to costly fixed-rail or elevated guideway systems.

The method also aims for the reduction of CO2 emissions while creating sustainable vehicle emission parts and urban living satisfaction. Take in mind that a couple of these people-movers could substitute for thousands of parking search car movements each day.

"We believe SMRrTRAM offers a breakthrough opportunity for congested urban business and shopping corridors," said Village Technology president and founder, John Alt. "It offers, for the first time, a highly convenient, yet practical means for pedestrians to move conveniently back and forth through congested urban areas, for connecting intercept parking facilities with downtown cores, or for extending pedestrian access to and from major event sites, like convention centers. And it's a solution cities can easily afford to build."

For more SMRrTRAM People-Mover Architecture doses, log onto: villagetechnology.com.

Value-Oriented Volkswagen Wolfsburg Passat Edition Released

Volkswagen indeed has been producing special edition models for a number of reasons. Now, Volkswagen delivers to dealers its Wolfsburg Edition Passat which only 6,000 of these models are produced.

This Passat edition comprises a 2.0L, 200-horsepwoer turbocharged engine mated to a standard six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission. Each of the special Passat models are embedded with a unique “Wolfsburg Edition” logo on the driver and passenger front quarter panels.

The Wolfsburg Edition Passat’s auto body parts also include 17-inch alloy wheels, four-spoke leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, and leather stitched gearshift knob and boot, 12-way full power adjustable driver seat, six-disc-in-dash CD changer with Mp3 capability, heated front seats, power sunroof, fog lights, heated windshield washer nozzles, a Sirius satellite radio, safety two rear side airbags as an option, six-standard air bags, four-wheel ABS anti-lock braking system with four-wheel disc brakes and Brake Assist. The ABS system features a brake-wiping feature that keeps the brakes clean and dry. An Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is also standard. Along with its VW parts the vehicle also utilizes ESP with Anti-Slip Regulation and Electronic Differential Locking.

Like all Volkswagens, the Passat comes with a 24-hour Roadside Assistance for unlimited mileage guarantees and a new vehicle warranty that states:

•Five year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
•Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles
•12 year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation

The Special Edition Passat offers greater value for your buck unlike similarly equipped non Wolfsburg Edition Passat. For more details of the VW special edition Passat, log onto: www.vw.com.

The Five-Seat Grand C4 Picasso Already Available

The Citroen’s new five-seater is totally distinctive, setting it apart from its five-seat competition coupes and its seven-seat stable chum, the Grand C4 Picasso.

The C4 Picasso is already on sale in UK’s mainstream auto market. The exterior car parts exude an attractiveness that struts its expression as a compact MPV on the market. Citroen designers have done a good job as they took home the award-winning Grand C4 Picasso and conceived a five-seat masterpiece. They combined dynamic styling elements featuring refurbished front and rear ends with extraordinary levels of comfort and convenience, a practical interior cabin seating arrangement adhering to its roomy atmosphere and even an all-new version of the Modubox folding trolley.

The edgy compact car also offers all round visibility and ultimately light and airy interior thanks to Citroen’s innovative parking space measurement system, Hill Start Assist, automatic electric parking brake air quality sensor, scented air freshener, lane Departure Warning System, self-leveling suspension and paddleshift gearchange, most of them are standard components.

The C4 Picasso’s front end features matches smart chrome chevrons with a completely customized bumper section that incorporates air intake tinged in a sporty black mesh. Its trademark wave-shaped waistline can also be accented in chrome and can be complemented with a range of bespoke 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and rims.

The C4 Picasso’s cabin has a spacious and eye-catching profile which many of the usual buttons are smartly integrated into its fixed centered controls steering wheel, while individual controls for the vents and air conditioning are conveniently situated at the either end of the dash. Allotting more space, the handbrake is substituted by an automatic electric parking brake and the traditional gear lever, on models with the electronic gearbox system, is changed by a paddeleshift gearchange and mode selector talk.

The vehicle is also wrapped in an expanse of glass, producing a light and bright environment for passengers. The big wide angle panoramic windscreen rises up over the heads of the front seat occupants. The slender detail of the windscreen pillars blends with the larger quarter light windows and panoramic windscreen for that best viewing visibility assurance.

A key feature includes its artificial lighting with up to 30 various light options ranging from a rechargeable boot light that doubles as a hand-held torch to slight strip lighting in the doors, headlining and dash. With the five-seating outline, occupants in the rear row benefit from three individual, full size, sliding and tilting seats which are pretty rare for most automobiles.

Citroen’s new compact MPV hoards 605 liters of boot space underneath the luggage area with the extensions of 1,743 liters maximum to the roof when the rear seats are folded flat.

The C4 Picasso has several significant features which safety fundamentals are built on the vehicle’s platform such as a child mirror in the front, four Isofix seats, anti-pinch functions on the windows, an electric child lock system, five audible and visual seatbelt warning indicators, laminated side windows, remote control locking with deadlocks and automatic locking of the vehicle when in motion.

The C4 Picasso’s engine bay is powered by four options: 1.8i 16V and 143hp 2.0i 16V petrol units, as well as 110hp 1.6HDi and 138hp 2.0HDi diesel powerplants. Both diesel engines are entrenched with Diesel Particulate Filter Systems and have low CO2 gas emissions.

According to Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director at Citroen UK elaborated that the automotive brand has “all the right ingredients to stand out from the five seat MPV crowd.”

A1 Hatchback To Be Available in US Car Market

Remember a few days ago? When the new A1 that was about to be revealed on April on the Shanghai Auto Show? It looks like the car makers are pulling back their statement that the previously known Chery QQ will not be available on the US market.

It will be the first car ever exported by the China's Chery Automobile Company to the U.S. which will be sold under the DaimlerChrysler AG brand after they agreed to form a partnership in December.

“Chery's compact cars will be cost competitive in the U.S. market. DaimlerChrysler can have any model they think is suitable for sale in U.S. and other markets,” the Chery spokesman Wang Wei from Anhui province said today after making a release that the A1 will not be available on western Europe as well as in North American car market few days ago.

The domestic car maker is looking forward on making fuel-efficient vehicles to boost its US sales decline and it has also agreed to buy mini cars from Chery this coming December. Chrysler is deepening its ties with the China car brand.

“Chrysler is trying to improve its product lineup with Chery small cars. But it will take a long time to see gains from this sector as small cars aren't very popular with Americans,” an analyst at the CSM Asia Huang Zherui said.

The Chery A1 will be sent to showrooms this April in China. The auto body parts of the new car includes a powertrain part 1.3-liter A1 and this is similar to Chery's QQ - a subcompact model that costs as little as $3,800 in China. Chery was able to sell 20,600 QQs in the first two months of the year making it the eighth most popular passenger car in China.

Trevor Hale, a Beijing-based spokesman of DaimlerChrysler, said, “We are moving forward in cooperation with Chery. It's too early to name which model we'll export.''

Honda Civic Hybrid is Britain’s Greenest Car

The United Kingdom’s Environmental Transport Association (ETA) has just named for the second straight year now, the Honda Civic Hybrid as Britain’s greenest car in its annual awards. The Honda Civic Hybrid finished ahead of competition from the Vauxhall Corsa CTDi and Toyota Yaris 1.4 Diesel thanks to its superior combination of engine size, fuel consumption, noise pollution and safety impact on pedestrians.

Here’s the rest of the list:

Top ten green cars:

• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi
• Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D Manual
• Renault Modus 1.2 16V VVT
• Daihatsu Sirion M300
• Citroen C1 1.1
• Toyota Aygo 1.0 Manual
• Peugeot 107 Manual
• Daihatsu Charade Manual
• Fiat Panda 1.3

This is probably the last list you want to see magnificent cars like the Lamborghini, Ferrari and Aston Martin – but they’re here, proving that fast cars = lots of petrol:

Top ten worst cars:

• Lamborghini Diablo Roadster
• Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster
• Ferrari Supermerica
• Ferrari Scagliatti
• Bentley Azure
• Bentley Arnage RL
• Aston Martin Vanquish
• Aston Martin DB9 Manual
• Bentley Continental Flying Spur
• Ferrari F430 Spider

The award for Greenest Off-Roader went to the Toyota RAV4 diesel and the Greenest Luxury Car award went to the Jaguar XJ 2.7 diesel.

Meanwhile help make your car a bit more environment-friendly by making sure your car’s auto body parts, especially its exhaust parts and emission parts are in top condition.

Chrysler to Recall More Than 500,000 Vehicles

Last week, Chrysler Group’s Dodge Avenger was sent to a recall due to door latch problems. Now, the American car maker is going to recall more of its vehicles. This time around, they are calling back two of its SUVs with noted problems on its Chryslers parts.

In the February sales report, Chrysler did not make it to the top three. Toyota replaced the domestic auto maker being on the third place. It looks like Chrysler is not doing great this year.

Now both the Jeep Liberty and the Dodge Durango SUVs will undergo a recall as reported last Friday. Almost 500,000 SUVS will undergo the recall because of the noted problems on the blower motor for the Liberty and problems on the instrument circuits for the Durango. Both vehicles have been reported twelve times with the problems mentioned.

328,424 units of 2004 to 2006 model year Durangos were the vehicles affected while 149,605 of the 2006 and 2007 Liberty vehicles were defective according to the report. But other car parts like the Superwinch seems not to be affected at all.

The car company will be responding to the replacement this coming April. Meanwhile, you can call this number (800) 853-1403 if you own one among the vehicles that were mentioned. Dial the number to know more about the recall and on how you can have your car’s damaged and faulty parts replaced.

Pokemons on The Neon?

Pokemon… Pokemon… Pokemon… Pokemon here. Pokemon there. Pokemons everywhere. The world is Pokemonie nowadays that I might wake up one morning finding out my dad is Pokemonie, too.

Before it became a Game Boy role-playing video game, Pokemon became famous as part of an animated series. Usually, it were the kids who were hooked to Pokemons but now even big boys are so into it as well.

This is not a work of fiction guys. I was looking for Ford Hedman headers for my old Ford car and I accidentally landed on to ebay.com and this is what I found - a Dodge Neon all covered with Pokemon cards.

Yes, wink and blink tons of times if you think your eyes are fooling you. This maybe is a sort of stupidity to some but take a closer look. You’ll discover that the cards are perfectly pasted on the car. Hmmm… Almost 1,500 Pokemon cards are found on the 2003 Dodge Neon that even the autoblog.com calls it the Pokneon. Unique, isn’t it?

The car is on auction and was sold for at least 5 grand. Just enough for a Chrysler car with stick shift, A/C, P/W, P/L and CD. It is an SXT model with 94,000 miles in its odometer and it does have a certification inspection all complete, so maybe $5,000 isn't too far off. The car still contains factory installed Chrysler parts. The seller is adding another $2,000 for the Pokemon fans as the Neon is filled with Pokemon cards, which made it quite so special.

The seller promised to replace some cards that were affected by the rain. A clearcoat will also be applied to it if the bid reaches up to $7,000. Now, I can conclude. A Dodge Neon plus 1,500 Pokemon cards makes a car that valuable.

The bid will end soon but the bid is only $611 today. Do you think I need only a week to get to that price? Hmm... Let us all find out.

BMW Diesel Cars to Arrive in US!

As the consumer demands for fuel-efficient and low emission vehicles grow rapidly because of factors concerning the environment, German auto giant BMW announced in a recent company press conference held at the 77th Annual Geneva International Motor Show that they are planning to sell cars equipped with diesel engines in the United States market starting in 2008.

According to Norbert Reithofer, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group at the press conference in Geneva: "Next year we are also going to offer our diesel vehicles in the U.S. -- another step in protecting the environment." He also said that the market demands for diesel-powered cars in Europe is grows higher because European consumers prefer fuel efficient diesel cars than those equipped with petrol engines. In fact, Mr. Reithofer told the public that about 40% of the total BMW vehicles sold last year are equipped with diesel engines.

Along with this announcement, Mr. Reithofer also announced their collaboration with fellow German automaker DaimlerChrysler AG in developing hybrid powertrain parts. The two German auto giants will team up in the development of an innovative mild hybrid powertrain unit for their rear-wheel-drive (RWD) premium segment cars. He said BMW and DaimlerChrysler are planning to roll out the new mild hybrid powertrain units in worldwide automotive market in the next two years.

The Special Edition Renault Laguna Impulsion

The French automaker Renault has released the details and pricing info of the special limited edition model of its popular Laguna wagon. Well, even though I am not sure if this vehicle will roll out in US dealer showrooms, let us see what the hot wagon has to offer for our fellow European auto fans.

The special edition Renault Laguna Impulsion comes with 11 different exterior body paint colors for customers to choose from. Other exterior car parts include automatic window wiper, windscreen, headlights, automatic lighting system, and 16-inch alloy wheels & rims. Customers can also get Hands Free Card, Rear Parking Assist, cruise control-speed limiter, bi-zone regulated air conditioning, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard or optional equipments plus the dark carbon interior trim.

The Renault Laguna Impulsion offers a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, some of the latter are equipped with diesel particulate filters for improved fuel economy and cleaner exhaust emissions. Leading the engine range is the 2.0 dCi diesel engine that pumps out 175 hp and produces 265 lb.-ft. amount of peak torque. All available engines for the Renault Laguna Impulsion are also coupled with different transmission types including 4-,5- or 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

And what is the sticker price? Well, with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of 23,300 Euros or about $30,779 USD, you can bring home this special edition Renault Laguna Impulsion. I think the vehicle is available for import so maybe you could get your hands on this hot wagon.

February 2007 Car Sales Update

The industry is filled with both good and bad news in terms of February auto sales as reported by the various auto makers and auto companies. The Chrysler group was one among the piles of auto makers to experience a decline in sales last month. The previous third biggest seller was noted with to have a decline of 8% compared to last year’s February. But the biggest loser among the Big Three was the cash-craving Ford Motors Company which declined 13.5% plus a 30% loss on its to rental car sales. Looks like no matter how faultless the Ford parts and Ford products are, people tend to choose other brands. Well, maybe because of the various issues and situations surrounding the company at present.

Even if two among its subsidiaries, namely Buick and Hummer, fell by 29.5% and 26% respectively, the biggest auto Seller General Motors still managed to improve its sales by 3.4%. Saturn gives GM the biggest increase this February. With more than the combined sales of Buick and Hummer, Saturn increased by an impressive 59.4%, thanks to the strong sales of the new Aura and VUE.

Talking about increase on sales, of course Toyota will not be found below. Toyota was able to make 12.2% more sales than last February. Should we wonder? Well, not me.

GM sold the biggest 311,763 units retaining itself at the top followed by Ford in second with 211,150 units sold. Toyota’s total sales ended up to 187,330 units passing the previous car brand on the third spot the Chrysler Group with noted 174,506 sales.

Here is a complete list of those who earned and lost in the February 2007 sales:

Biggest Winner
Saturn 59.4% at 22,225 (2/06: 13,945)

Biggest Loser
Buick –29.5% at 15,108 (2/06: 21,425)

The Other Brands
Acura –3.4% at 13,658 (2/06: 14,146)
Audi 37.5% at 6,609 (2/06: 4,806)
BMW 15.2% at 22,274 (2/06: 19,328)
Buick –29.5% at 15,108 (2/06: 21,425)
Cadillac –13% at 14,142 (2/06: 16,251)
Chevrolet 5.3% at 187,088 (2/06: 177,710)
Chrysler –16% at 46,112 (2/06: 55,127)
Dodge –5% at 90,618 (2/06: 95,622)
Ford –15.2% at 173,794 (2/06: 204,846)
GMC 22.3% at 41,279 (2/06: 33,751)
Honda 4.2% at 96,368 (2/06: 92,498)
HUMMER –26% at 4,177 (2/06: 5,645)
Hyundai 1.4% at 34,500 (2/06: 34,014)
Infiniti 5% at 9,704 (2/06: 9,244)
Isuzu 15.4% at 960 (2/06: 832)
Jaguar –28.3% at 1,191 (2/06: 1,662)
Jeep –5% at 37,776 (2/06: 39,618)
Kia 13.5% at 23,512 (2/06: 20,719)
Land Rover –10% at 3,106 (2/06: 3,453)
Lexus 6.6% at 22,518 (2/06: 21,127)
Lincoln 10.8% at 10,763 (2/06: 9,713)
Mercedes –.3% at 17,304 (2/06: 17,356)
Mercury –13.2% at 13,843 (2/06: 15,950)
MINI –12% at 2,368 (2/06: 2,690)
Mitsubishi 22% at 9,726 (2/06: 7,976)
Nissan 0.7% at 75,514 (2/06: 74,997)
Pontiac –15.6% at 24,563 (2/06: 29,107)
Porsche –27% at 1,967 (2/06: 2,700)
Saab –20.3% at 2,221 (2/06: 2,787)
Saturn 59.4% at 22,225 (2/06: 13,945)
Subaru –5.6% at 12,875 (2/06: 13,635)
Suzuki 1% at 8,585 (2/06: 8,542)
Toyota 13% at 164,812 (2/06: 145,813)
Volkswagen 0.2% at 16,367 (2/06: 16,329)
Volvo 0.7% at 8,453 (2/06: 8,397)
Not Yet Reported: Mazda

Automobile COMPANIES
BMW Group 11.9% at 24,642 (2/06: 22,018)
Chrysler Group –8% at 174,506 (2/06: 190,367)
Ford Motor Co –13.5% at 211,150 (2/06: 244,021)
General Motors 3.4% at 311,763 (2/06: 301,545)
Honda America 3.2% at 110,026 (2/06: 106,644)
Nissan North America 1.2% at 85,218 (2/06: 84,241)
Toyota Motor Co. 12.2% at 187,330 (2/06: 166,940)