Final New Car Sales stats for January 2015

The light vehicle SAAR for January ’15 is 16.7 million units, up from 15.3 a year ago. Industry sales for the month of January were 121,554, up 11.1% (dsr % change) vs. last year.

 

Toyota sales of 169,194 were up 11.2% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 146,365. Toyota’s share for the month was 14.7%, up from 14.5% last year.

Honda sales of 102,184 were up 7.2% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 91,631. Honda’s share for the month was 8.9%, down from 9.0% last year.

Nissan sales of 104,107 were up 10.6% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 90,470. Nissan’s share for the month was 9.0%, up from 8.9% last year.

Subaru sales of 40,812 were up 18.9% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 33,000. Subaru’s share for the month was 3.5%, up from 3.3% last year.

Hyundai sales of 44,505 were down -2.8% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 44,005. Hyundai’s share for the month was 3.9%, down from 4.3% last year.

 Kia sales of 38,299 were down -.5% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 37,011. Kia’s share for the month was 3.3%, down from 3.7% last year.

GM sales of 202,786 were up 13.7% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 171,486. GM’s share for the month was 17.6%, up from 16.9% last year.

Ford sales of 177,441 were up 11.2% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 153,494. Ford’s share for the month was 15.4%, up from 15.2% last year.

Chrysler sales of 141,655 were up 9.9% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 123,961. Chrysler’s share for the month was 12.3%, up from 12.2% last year.

VW/Audi sales of 35,045 were up .3% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 33,595. VW/Audi’s share for the month was 3.0%, down from 3.3% last year.

BMW sales of 18,981 were down .0% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 18,253. BMW’s share for the month was 1.6%, down from 1.8% last year.

 Mercedes-Benz sales of 26,124 were up 5.1% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 23,892. Mercedes-Benz’s share for the month was 2.3%, down from 2.4% last year.

Porsche sales of 3,937 were up 22.3% (dsr % change) vs. last year sales of 3,096. Porsche’s share for the month was 0.3%, equal to  0.3% last year

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2016 Toyota Tacoma in one word…..WOW

 Introducing the all New 2016 Toyota Tacoma! Proven by 50 years of undeniable capability, an unbreakable attitude, and an off-road racing heritage, the all-new Tacoma is hungry for adventure and ready to tackle almost any challenge that it encounters. It is the ultimate tool for the outdoorsman that likes to get out there and go places.  For more info go to the “contact me” page on jeremybrowncarguy.com and put 2016 Tacoma in the subject line!

 

 

First, Tacoma is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Baja California (TMMBC) in Baja California, Mexico.   Both facilities play a major role in carrying on Tacoma’s legendary reputation for quality, durability and reliability (QDR), which has been instrumental in establishing its segment-leading owner loyalty rating.  It’s QDR has also helped establish Tacoma as the highest rated vehicle in its class for resale value according to Kelley Blue Book.  The all-new Tacoma builds on this tradition with improvement in every aspect over the current Tacoma including, design, ruggedness, and performance improvements in horsepower and fuel efficiency.

Tacoma off-roading  will reach new levels of fun in the TRD Off-Road grade thanks to the addition of incredible technology.  A Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to choose between different types of terrain such as loose rock, or mud and sand.  Each input regulates wheel spin by adjusting throttle and brake pressure to provide maximum traction on almost any terrain.
Additional off-road technology includes Automatic Limited Slip and Locking Rear Differential, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Clutch Start Cancel (manual transmission only), Active Traction Control, and Crawl Control.  Engaging Crawl Control allows the driver to select a speed of 1-5 mph.  The Crawl Control system takes over the acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering.

Serious, yet fun!  This is the Toyota truck design DNA.  The Tacoma and Tundra are amazingly capable trucks that are designed to reflect their capability.  The Tacoma shares big brother Tundra’s more chiseled face, with a hex grille.  From there, Tacoma expresses its own identity.

Inspired by desert racing, CALTY designers in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. made the new Tacoma all about recreational action and athletic agility.  To achieve this, the new Tacoma’s wheel flares are strong and muscular for greater wheel travel and the high-lift image reflects its purposeful capability.  Four new wheel designs range from 16 to 18 inches.

The front end givesan aggressive attitude with its bold upper grille and a taller, more muscular hood.  Mounted high above the clamp-shaped bumper sits slim, high technology headlights that feature projection beam lamps with available LED Daytime Running Lights.

From behind, the new locking tailgate emphasizes Tacoma’s wide stance and tough image. With the success of Tundra’s design, the tailgate features an integrated spoiler for improved aerodynamics and a stamped Tacoma logo.  The tailgate also adds an easy lowering feature, which allows it to slowly retract, preventing it from slamming down. For the first time ever, Tacoma is available with a tri-fold hard tonneau cover for securing gear when you’re away from the truck.

Tacoma’s tough exterior is complemented by an interior that conveys a sport truck image reflecting an athletic, go anywhere, off-road feel.  Once inside, drivers will notice a “handlebar” design theme in the instrument panel for a more driver-focused experience.  Soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents set the stage for a high-quality look and feel that is a starting point for a lot of available premium features, including:

• Qi wireless charging
• Smart key with push-button start
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Power moon roof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Enhanced touchscreen audio,
• Blind-spot monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• And much more

In addition to offering more premium features, Toyota engineers also made the new Tacoma quieter than ever.  To do this, all seals were enhanced and a multi-layer acoustic windshield and sound-absorbing headliner were added.  Also, a floor silencer pad further reduces road noise.

 

The new 2016 Tacoma was primarily developed by the Toyota engineering team at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.  Starting with the frame, they added high strength steel to enhance rigidity and overall strength.  Ultra-high strength steel was integrated into the body shell using a new hot stamping process that reduces weight. No Aluminum here!

To create a truck to meet the needs of active drivers on a variety of tamed and untamed surfaces, the suspension was fine-tuned to help deliver a smoother on-road ride, while making it even more capable off-road.

 The new Tacoma will be powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and an all-new, segment-first 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6 equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, featuring both direct and port fuel injection.

Both engines will be paired to a new six-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift delivering quick and easy shifting.  The V6 can also be mated to a new six-speed manual transmission.  The new powertrain makes the Tacoma more powerful and fuel-efficient than ever before.

Information in this post was provided from the press release provided at pressroom.toyota.com

 

 

 

 

 

2015 Chevy Colorado vs 2015 Toyota Tacoma

Last offered in 2012, Colorado returns to the small pickup market bigger, more powerful and better equipped than before. However, the 2015 Tacoma delivers much more with its great value, impressive upscale technology and rugged off-road capability. Plus, with its new TRD Pro models, Tacoma offers off-road enthusiasts with a little extra reassurance through rugged terrain. Go to jeremybrowncarguy.com for a test drive of this very capable beast!

Information in  this article is directly from Toyota Eshowroom.

Colorado Highlights
• Class leading 4- and 6-cylinder horsepower and torque
• Aluminum hood and available Active Aero Shutters
• Available OnStar® with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi
• Available segment-first Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning
• 5-year/100,000-mile roadside assistance

Tacoma Key Advantages & Accolades

PERFORMANCE: While Colorado has more horsepower and torque, Tacoma PreRunner and 4WD models have a higher ground clearance (9.3-in. vs. 8.4-in.) and include engine and front suspension skid plates. Plus, with the TRD Off-Road Package, Tacoma features an off-road suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers.

COMFORT: Tacoma has more head room and more rear leg, hip and shoulder room than Colorado.

CONNECTIVITY: Both Tacoma and Colorado have a variety of standard and available enhanced connectivity features, but 2015 Tacoma offers the available Entune® App Suite for added functionality with the ability to purchase movie tickets, make dinner reservations and much more all from the head unit. Though Colorado has a larger touch-screen (8-in. vs. 6.1-in.), it doesn’t offer any integrated apps.

UTILITY: Tacoma comes standard with the Deck Rail System with four tie-down cleats and a fiber-reinforced Sheet-Molded Composite inner bed with storage compartments and rail caps for added utility. Colorado’s deck rail system is offered for an extra cost.

SAFETY: With the TRD Off-Road Package, Tacoma Double Cab comes standard with Hill Start Assist (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) while Colorado Z71 has Hill Descent Control but no HAC

2015 Ford Fusion vs 2015 Toyota Camry

Fusion is Ford’s stylish midsize sedan and, for 2015, has been further refined, opting to drop the available 1.6L EcoBoost® I4 with manual transmission and taking on more upscale standard and available features. Still, Camry remains stiff competition for Fusion thanks to its impressive performance, recognized affordability, and impressive array of both standard and available features.

Information in  this article is directly from Toyota Eshowroom.

Competitor Highlights
• New 10-way power adjustable passenger seat • standard on Fusion Titanium
• Available All-Wheel Drive
• Three available engines with impressive EPA MPG
•Available inflatable rear seatbelts, Lane-Keeping System, Forward Collision Warning, BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert,Available Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control

Camry Key Advantages

PERFORMANCE: Camry XSE V6 delivers exciting performance with impressive power and sporty handling not found on Fusion.

STYLING: Camry XSE V6’s sporty styling features several elements not available on Fusion Titanium, like LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights with integrated turn signals.

CONNECTIVITY: Camry’s Entune® App Suite, standard on XSE V6, offers a level of in-cabin connectivity unmatched by Fusion’s SYNC® with MyFord Touch®

SAFETY: Camry has 10 airbags where Fusion has eight; Camry also features Whiplash-Injury-Lessening (WIL) front seats – no comparable feature can be found on Fusion.

VALUE: Camry XSE V6 offers customers excellent purchase value with ToyotaCare and its no-cost factory-scheduled maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and roadside assistance for two years with unlimited miles

Camry Awards
5-Star Safety Ratings More Stars. Safer Cars.
2014 IIHS Top 2014 NHTSA 5-Star Most Dependable 2014 Ownership 2014 Highest Safety Pick Safety Rating Midsize Car – J.D. Power Costs Winner Retained Value

October 2014 Car Deals

Why Toyota?

Most customers walk into the dealership thinking that the name Toyota promises a good, long-term, low-cost ownership experience. Let me be specific: Toyotas are expected to be enjoyable and affordable to own. This brand value drives most dealership traffic. Nothing does this like talking about Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

A lower TCO is part of our reputation, its in our DNA—and why Toyotas are often seen as a smart purchase. But today’s well- informed customers want facts that support their decision. So my job at jeremybrowncarguy.com is to provide you with these facts. The following “TCO” points can, and will, confirm that you are about to make a great choice.

1. Toyota has the best brand value of any auto manufacturer, as announced in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands ranking. So you should know that Toyota is the most highly regarded brand name in the business.

2. Our vehicles have a great reputation for resale value. In fact, Toyota won the 2012 through 2014 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Brand award—a vote of confidence for the long- term value of all our vehicles.

3. Toyotas have reasonable five-year ownership costs, as demonstrated by IntellichoiceTM . When it comes to fuel economy, depreciation (resale value), maintenance and repairs, Toyotas consistently get high marks for low cost.

4. Toyota’s reputation for reliability was enhanced by the CarMD® Vehicle Health Index, which ranked us #1 in the U.S., based on the lowest percentage of “check engine” problems and lowest average repair cost.

5. Every new Toyota comes with Toyota Care and Roadside Assistance, a complimentary two-year or 25,000-mile maintenance and driver-assistance program that can reduce a new customer’s out-of-pocket expenses.

2015 Ford Fiesta vs 2015 Toyota Yaris

For 2015, Ford’s Fiesta returns mostly a carryover, with revisited fabric seat trim and expanded packaging options. Still, even with Fiesta’s continued improvements, the 2015 Yaris’ fun and refined style and advanced technology make it a clear winner. To test drive this cool car go to jeremybrowncarguy.com to schedule your up close personal introduction.

PERFORMANCE: Yaris SE includes sport-tuned suspension and steering and rear disc brakes, all unavailable for Fiesta Titanium hatchback.

STYLING: 2015 Yaris’ offers an aggressive yet sporty exterior with a spacious and stylish cabin, along with SE’s added projector-beam headlights and LED accents for a sophisticated look, not available on Fiesta.

COMFORT: 2015 Yaris offers a spacious interior while still remaining compact for ride comfort and agile handling with more cargo room than Fiesta.

SAFETY: Yaris features nine standard airbags and Toyota’s Whiplash-Injury-Lessening (WIL) front seats, providing safety features not matched by Fiesta.

VALUE: Yaris offers customers excellent purchase value with ToyotaCare and its no-cost, factory-scheduled maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles and roadside assistance for two years with unlimited miles.

2015 Ford Explorer vs 2015 Toyota 4runner

A segment veteran, Explorer helped establish the modern SUV market. Moving to unibody construction with this latest generation, Explorer is much more focused on suburban comfort rather than capability. 4Runner, however, remains one of the last body-on-frame SUVs in the market, pairing its legendary off-road capability with upscale amenities and technology. For 2015, a new TRD Pro model takes that off-road capability to the next level.

VALUE: 4Runner comes standard with ToyotaCare, including a no-cost scheduled maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Plus, 4Runner has added value as a KBB.com 2014 Best Resale Value Top 103 winner while Explorer is not. 4Runner also has a lower 5-year cost of ownership according to IntelliChoice.

PERFORMANCE: Thanks to its body-on-frame construction, 4Runner Limited is sporty and rugged with a standard full-time four-wheel drive system and X-REAS sport enhancement suspension, both of which are unavailable to Explorer. Plus, 4Runner has a higher ground clearance with higher approach and departure angles, helping make for a solid off-road experience.

CONVENIENCE: While 4Runner has a tow hitch and receiver standard, Explorer only has it as an extra cost option. Additionally, 4Runner offers more cargo space than Explorer.

TECHNOLOGY: 4Runner Limited features standard EntuneTM Premium JBL® Audio with Navigation and App Suite, which includes a 6.1-in. touch-screen, integrated apps and data services, and navigation. While Explorer has a standard 8-in. touch-screen, it doesn’t have integrated apps or standard navigation

SAFETY: 4Runner comes with eight standard airbags, including driver and front passenger knee airbags, while Explorer has seven. Also, 4Runner Limited features Safety Connect® with emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance and automatic collision notification whereas Explorer only has a post-crash alert system.

For more information check out jeremybrowncarguy.com and fill out the contact me form. Maybe we will take one and try it out!

“Life’s a garden…Dig it” Joe Dirt

I love to garden. I’m addicted  to it. I know I shouldn’t be, because I’m not a retired old man with nothing better to do. I’m supposed  to be a “car guy” right?  I’m not talking about flower gardens, I think they are beautiful, but I like plants that produce food. I like results I can taste. I’m greedy like that.

There is something about taking a seed you can barely see, planting and, taking care of it. Weeding the beds. Trimming back when you have to. Feeding it, and protecting it from rabbits. (those darn rabbits) Then in 60-90 days later you have something that you helped create! You have the most delicious food you will ever eat. I guarantee that if you grew a Tomato plant now, in mid June to early July, you would have the most delicious tomatoes you have ever eaten. Food tastes better when you have an impact on how it grows.

So why am I writing or telling you this? Because your success or failure in your relationships ( dare I say Life?) are directly impacted by what you put into them. Your relationships are better when you have an impact on how it grows!  Whether, it is with God, spouse, children or even a potential client, you will only get what you give.  Doing nothing is still doing something.

Want a successful marriage? Treat your wife/husband better than yourself, and invest in the relationship.  Want kids that respect you? invest in the relationship with them. Remember when I talked about trimming the plants when they needed it?  Sounds like discipline to me. I’m not talking about abuse, but show your kids you love them, by establishing boundaries and reinforcing them.

What about customers or potential clients? Yes invest in them! Care about them. I mean it ! You have to actually care about your clients concerns. If you fake it, they can tell. Then you wont have to worry about the relationship at all, because there won’t be one. Then where does that leave you?

I mentioned God right? If you know me at all, or have at least seen a #carmo video ( they are posted daily at http://www.jeremybrowncarguy.com ) you know I am an unashamed Christian. The one thing I have learned over the last couple of years is that when I let my relationship with Christ suffer, they ALL suffer. Maybe its because my priorities aren’t lined up right, or my focus is off. Maybe its because all I thought of was me, me, me, and its hard to build a relationship with someone else, when the focus is on me.

So how do you fix things if they are broken?  Treat it like a garden. Pull the weeds. Trim the overgrowth and the dead branches. You know what these issues are in these relationships. Chances are you are thinking of them right now. Then water, and feed. It will take time and effort and digging. The reward will come, and you will then be able to enjoy the juiciest tomato you have ever tasted.

 

2014 Toyota Tundra details emerge!

 

 

2014 MY Tundras have begun to ship and I hope you are as excited about these great new trucks as I am!  With all the activities going on, I wanted to provide a brief update on the five subjects below.

 

1. KEY DATES

–          8/5 – Start of production

–          8/12 – 2014 Tundra ebrochure available onToyota.com (Upcoming Vehicles page)

–          8/13 – Trucks begin shipping from TMMTX San Antonio, Texas  Made in USA baby!

–          8/16 – Point of Sale kits arriving at dealers

–          8/22 – Brochures shipped

–          8/22 – Tundra model landing page on Toyota.com updated to 2014 Tundra

–          9/23 – Start of broadcast, print, and digital advertising (General & Hispanic Markets)*

–          9/28 – Start of out of home advertising

 

 

2.  TFS RESIDUALS

–          Tundra residuals were unchanged throughout 13MY and, with 14MY’s new five grade strategy and reduced build complexity, residuals have improved significantly**.

o   Residuals are as high as 62% (high volume SR5 Double Cab and CrewMax 4x4s).

o   Limited Double Cab and CrewMax 4x4s increase from 54% to 60% (4x2s increase from 53% to 59%).

o   Platinum CrewMax 4×4 increases from 54% to 58% (4×2 increases from 53% to 57%).

o   1794 Edition 4×4 is 59% (4×2 is 58%).

–          Although Tundra lease penetration is less than 10%, these residuals allow us to offer attractive payments to lease customers.

** Select 36-month examples shown (due to new grade strategy, comparisons not completely apples to apples).  With its own grade, SR5 effective residuals are significantly improved. Please see me for full details.

 

3.  PRODUCT/ORDERING UPDATES

–          Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC)

o   ITBC is now scheduled to be available from 15MY SOP (shown as 14MY late availability in last week’s dealer letter).

–          Rear Under Seat Tray Storage (Double Cab)

o   The rear under seat tray storage will not be available at launch as part of the SR5 upgrade package, Toyota is however, studying ways to make it available in the future.

–          TRD Dual Exhaust

o   Based on your feedback, the TRD Dual Exhaust Accessory may now be ordered on Platinum and 1794 Edition.

 

4.  PRESS EVENTS

–          National:  as you are probably aware, we have recently held our National Press Event at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania and coverage has been circulating from the events since July 30^th.  Feedback from this event has been generally positive with a lot of focus on Tundra’s impressive new interiors and smoother ride.

–          Regional:  upcoming regional press events provide the opportunity to connect with regional journalists and bloggers for enhanced coverage.

 

5.  COMPETITIVE EVALUATIONS

–          Powertrain Myths Debunked

o   Tundra’s 5.7L V8 offers more power and torque than GM’s 5.3L V8 and F-150’s 5.0L V8.

o   More than 50% of F-150 retail buyers choose a V8.

o   Less than 5% of Ram 1500 retail buyers choose the V6.

–          Real World MPG

o   In Consumer Reports testing of 4×4 trucks, F-150 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L V8 models delivered overall MPG of 15 (same as Tundra 5.7L).

o   Car and Driver tested 4×4 versions of F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, Silverado 1500 5.3L, and Ram 1500 5.7L w/ 8 A/T – observed MPG for all was 13 (September 2013 issue – on newsstands, not yet online).

o   Car and Driver tested 4×2 Ram 1500 V6 rated at 17/25 – observed MPG was 15 (January 2013 issue).

§  Ram V6 Results:http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-ram-1500-slt-v6-8at-test-review

 

 Tell me what you think!