August sales came in a little better than was expected, but were still flat from last month, according to Jessica Caldwell, Senior Analyst from Edmunds.com said. Caldwell said the external factors from August, including the rocky financial and stock market issues had some impact on auto sales from August. Also, the hurricane at the end of the month may have had some influence on auto sales for the end of the month.

According to Edmunds.com’s Auto Observer, the seasonal adjusted annual rate for August should be at about 12.3 million units with a little over one million units sold during the month.

Chrysler Group led the way with month-over-month gains posting a 31% gain. The automaker said this was the best August since 2007. Caldwell said this is the third time that Chrysler has outsold Toyota.

Ford Motor Company had its worst month this year since February Caldwell said, even though it has been the number one automaker on Edmunds.com.

Honda Motor Company is still struggling with inventory problems. The automaker’s August auto sales were down 27.2%.

Below find updated detailed information released by automakers on their August 2011 sales numbers:

–UPDATED: General Motors Co. reported total sales of 218,479 vehicles in August, an 18% increase compared with August 2010.

Retail deliveries were up 22% compared with the same month a year ago and accounted for 74% of GM sales. Deliveries to fleet customers increased 8%.

“Our balanced portfolio of trucks and fuel-efficient vehicles like the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are helping GM continue to gain market share, which has now increased in seven of the past eight months,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “We’re carrying good momentum and we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll see U.S. economic growth improve in the months ahead.”

In August, year-over-year passenger car sales increased 18%, crossover sales increased 17% and truck sales increased 18%.

• Chevrolet: Cruze sales surpassed 20,000 for the fifth month in a row; Equinox sales rose 58 % compared with August 2010.
• GMC: Terrain sales were up 88%; Acadia was up 54% compared with August 2010.
• Cadillac:  Combined sales of the Cadillac CTS sedan, coupe and wagon increased 39% compared with August 2010.  Cadillac reduced its fleet sales by 51%.
• Buick: August was the brand’s 23^rd consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains, and the Regal had its best month since launch, more than doubling sales.

Month-end dealer inventory in the United States was 556,884 units, including 212,520 full-size pickup trucks.  GM is on track to meet its target of ending 2011 with a full-size pickup inventory of about 200,000 units, thanks to improved sales, which were up 10% compared with July, and production adjustments.

GM is closely monitoring consumer sentiment and other economic indicators but the company continues to expect that the full-year seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for U.S. vehicle sales will be in the low end of a 13.0 million – 13.5 million unit range.

—UPDATED: Ford Motor Company August sales totaled 175,220, up 11% versus a year ago – driven by 16% higher Ford brand sales and 25 % higher sales for Lincoln.

“Ford’s fuel-efficient cars, crossovers and trucks continue winning over consumers in the marketplace,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Our new product lineup – especially our newest cars – continues helping Ford grow even stronger and gain market share on the fiercely competitive East and West coasts.”

Ford Brand Cars: Up 10%
Fiesta, Fusion and Mustang posted higher sales than a year ago. Fiesta sales totaled 5,833, up 76%, and Fusion sales were 17,925, up 5%. In the first eight months of 2011, Fusion was Ford’s top-selling car, with sales totaling 168,929, up 16% versus a year ago. Mustang sales were up 3% in August. Focus sales, constrained by low inventory, totaled 14,093, down 9%. Fiesta and Focus remain the fastest-turning vehicles in the Ford showroom.

Year-to-date, Ford brand car sales totaled 484,072, up 22%.

Ford Brand Utilities: Up 49 %
Ford’s best-selling utility is the Escape, and it recorded sales of 20,607 vehicles, up 39% versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Escape sales totaled 167,625, up 30%. Explorer sales totaled 9,901, up 300% versus a year ago, and Edge sales totaled 9,414, up 5%. Sales for the Flex (up 23%) and Expedition (up 42%) also were higher than a year ago. Through August, Ford was the best-selling brand of utility vehicles in America, with sales totaling 377,112, up 30%.

“Customers value the fuel efficiency and technology of our new utilities,” said Czubay, noting that more than 90% of Explorers and more than 80% of Edges are equipped with MyFord Touch, Ford’s industry-leading hands-free system that controls entertainment, information and vehicle systems.

Ford Brand Trucks: Up 5%
Ford truck sales were higher than a year ago in August and year-to-date. August truck sales totaled 67,282, up 5%. Year-to-date, Ford truck sales totaled 509,544, up 8%. F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 34 years in a row, posted August sales of 48,795, up 2% versus a year ago. Sales of the F-150 with new V6 engines continued to outsell V8s in August, as V6 engines accounted for 57% of F-150 retail sales – the highest V6 rate for any month this year. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine accounted for 41% of F-150 retail sales, and the 3.7-liter V6 accounted for 16%. Year-to-date, F-Series sales totaled 361,978, up 7%. Transit Connect sales totaled 2,734, a record for August and up 35% versus a year ago.

Lincoln Brand: Up 25%
Lincoln posted a 25% sales increase in August – following July’s 40% sales increase. In the first eight months of 2011, Lincoln sales totaled 57,823, up 4% versus the same period a year ago. The MKZ sedan is Lincoln’s top seller with August sales of 2,337, up 50%. Sales for the MKX crossover totaled 1,971, up 15%, and sales for the MKS sedan were up 35%.

“We are absolutely focused on making Lincoln a world-class luxury brand with compelling vehicles and an exceptional ownership experience to match,” said Czubay. “We also have a lot of Lincoln news on the way – with seven new or significantly refreshed models in the next three years.”

North American Production
In the fourth quarter, Ford plans to produce 645,000 vehicles, up 9% versus a year ago. The third quarter production plan (630,000 vehicles) is unchanged from the previous forecast.

—UPDATED: Chrysler Group LLC reported U.S. sales of 130,119, a 31% increase compared with sales in August 2010 (99,611 units), and the best August sales since 2007.

Chrysler Group’s 31% sales increase was well above the industry average in August. Models that contributed to the group’s 31% increase included the Chrysler 200, Fiat 500, Jeep® Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey, and the Ram pickup truck.

“In spite of a volatile market, Chrysler managed to significantly outperform the industry again in August with retail sales up 42%,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand and Head of U.S. Sales. “Last month also represented our 17th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth, and on the back of our 16 all-new or significantly-refreshed products I see that trend easily continuing into the fall.”

The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and FIAT brands all posted sales increases in August. Jeep brand sales were up 58% as all five Jeep models posted year over year sales gains. The Jeep brand’s increase was the largest percentage increase of all the brands. The new 2011 Jeep Compass did its part by posting its fifth-consecutive monthly sales record this year.

The FIAT brand recorded the largest monthly sales volume since the 2012 Fiat 500 went on sale in March.

Chrysler Group’s car sales increased 23% in August, while the group’s truck sales were up 33% compared with the same month a year ago.

Chrysler Group finished the month with a 59-day supply of inventory (294,347 units). U.S. industry sales figures for August are projected at an estimated 12.3 million SAAR.

August 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights by Brand

Jeep® Brand: The Jeep brand continues to roll in 2011 posting a 58% sales increase in August, the brand’s best sales volume month since December 2007 and its 16th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. All five Jeep brand models posted a sales increase compared with the same month a year ago. With 12,949 units sold, the Jeep Wrangler was the top-selling Jeep model in August, and was second only to the Ram pickup truck as the top-selling Chrysler Group model. The new Jeep Compass, with its unsurpassed compact SUV 4×4 fuel economy (28 Hwy mpg), posted a 130% sales increase, the largest year-over-year percentage sales gain of any Jeep model in August. For the year, Compass sales are up 124%. The Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to forge ahead with sales up 77% in August versus the same month in 2010. August marks its 12th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.

Chrysler Brand: Chrysler brand sales were up 25% in August, an increase driven primarily by sales of the new Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan and the all-new Chrysler 300 full-size sedan. Sales of the Chrysler 200 increased 142% in August as the star of the award-winning “Born of Fire” Super Bowl commercial posts its best sales month since launch in January.

Dodge Brand: The Dodge brand posted an 18% sales increase in August compared with the same month in 2010. Leading the sales surge with double-digit percentage increases were the 2011 Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan, Dodge Journey crossover, and Dodge Grand Caravan minivan.
Ram Truck Brand: Ram Truck brand sales increased 7% in August. Both the Ram light- and heavy-duty pickup trucks posted sales gains during August compared with the same month in 2010.

August 2011 U.S. Sales Highlights

• Jeep brand sales (40,613 units) increased 58% compared with the same month last year (25,706 units)
• Jeep Wrangler sales (12,949 units) increased 69% versus August 2010 (7,666 units)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (11,320 units) improved 77% compared with August last year (6,393 units)
• Sales of the new 2011 Jeep Compass (4,400 units) were up 130% versus August 2010 (1,909 units)
• Jeep Liberty sales (6,853 units) increased 31% compared with August last year (5,247 units)
• Jeep Patriot (5,090 units) posted a 23% year-over-year sales increase
• Dodge brand sales (41,817 units) were up 18% in August versus the same month a year ago (35,364 units)
• Dodge Avenger sales (6,319 units) increased 38% in August compared with the same month a year ago (4,582 units)
• Dodge Journey sales (5,019 units) were up 34% versus August 2010 (3,756 units)
• Dodge Grand Caravan sales (12,172 units) increased 32% compared with August 2010 (9,219 units)
• Chrysler brand sales (22,497 units) posted a 25% increase in August versus the same month a year ago (17,937 units)
• Sales of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 (10,861 units) were up 142% compared with sales of the model’s previous generation (4,498 units) in August a year ago
• Ram Truck brand sales (22,086 units) increased 7% versus the same month a year ago (20,604 units)
• Ram pickup truck sales were up 12% in August compared with August 2010 (18,995 units)
• Fiat 500 sales (3,106 units) increased 2% versus sales during the previous month of July 2011
• Chrysler Group truck sales (96,427 units) improved 33% compared with August 2010 (72,270 units)
• Chrysler Group car sales (33,692 units) were up 23% versus August 2010 (27,341 units)

—UPDATED: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., reported August sales of 129,483 units, a decrease of 16.1% from the same period last year on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 26 selling days in August 2011 compared to 25 selling days in August 2010, TMS sales were down 12.7% from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division recorded August sales of 111,380 vehicles, a decrease of 16.9% from the year-ago month on a DSR basis. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were down 13.6% compared to August 2010. Lexus Division reported August sales of 18,103 units, a decrease of 10.6% from last year on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were down 7% from the year-ago month.

Toyota Division

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded sales of 63,250 units, a decrease of 15.8% from last August. The Camry and Camry Hybrid led passenger cars with combined monthly sales of 30,185 units. Corolla recorded sales of 16,420 units, and the Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid reported sales of 9,491 units.

Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 48,130 units in August, down 18.3% from the same period last year. Light truck sales were led by the Sienna minivan, which reported sales of 8,648 units. The RAV4 compact SUV recorded monthly sales of 6,502 units, and the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 8,047 units, flat compared to the year-ago month. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 6,752 units, and the Tacoma mid-size pickup posted sales of 8,650, up 1% compared to August 2010.

“While Hurricane Irene has been unsettling across much of the East Coast, we’re pleased to report all Toyota associates are safe and dealerships remain open for business,” said Jeff Bracken, vice president of Toyota Division sales. “Our supply outlook continues to improve as North American production will return to 100% of normal levels this month. With our Georgetown, Kentucky plant now running at maximum operating levels and Toyota dealers ready for the arrival of the all-new 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid, we plan to pull the on-sale date forward.”

Scion:

Scion posted August sales of 3,649 units, down 9% from August 2010. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with August sales of 1,785 units, the tC sports coupe posted sales of 1,114 units, and the xD reported sales of 750 units for the month.

Lexus Division:

Lexus Division reported passenger car sales of 10,331 units, an increase of 6.2% over the year-ago month. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan led passenger cars with sales of 3,887 units, while the IS lineup reported combined sales of 2,865 units. The all-new CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted 2,087 units in its sixth month of sales.

Lexus Division light trucks recorded sales of 7,772 units, down 26.1% from August 2010. Light trucks were led by the RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle, which reported combined August sales of 6,504 units, and the GX 460 mid-sized luxury utility vehicle posted sales of 958 units.

TMS Hybrids:

TMS posted August sales of 13,273 hybrid vehicles, a decrease of 17.4% compared to the same period last year.  Toyota Division posted sales of 10,035 hybrids, while Lexus Division reported sales of 3,238 hybrids for the month, an increase of 56.1% over August 2010.

–UPDATED: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted August sales of 82,321 vehicles, a decrease of 27.2%, based on the daily selling rate*, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 770,265, down 6% versus last year. Although production limitations caused by the March 11 earthquake in Japan continue to improve, reduced vehicle supplies adversely affected August sales results.

Honda Division posted August sales of 73,267, a decrease of 27.5% versus August 2010. The Accord was the top-selling Honda model for August with sales of 18,439, a decrease of 21.2% compared to last year, followed by the CR-V with sales of 16,572, a decrease of 18.1%. The Pilot SUV posted sales of 9,825, an increase of 11.4% versus last year.

“The production plan for most of our models returned to 100% by late August at all of our North American factories,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “A greater selection of vehicles is beginning to arrive at dealers this month as the company continues to recover from temporary supply disruptions.”

Acura Division recorded August sales of 9,054, a decrease of 24.5% versus August 2010, and year-to-date sales of 79,136, down 8.1%. The MDX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with sales of 3,126, down 31.5%.

–UPDATED: Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported 25,232 units sold in August 2011, a 10.4% increase over prior year sales.  Year-to-date sales are up 20.7%.

Here are some highlights from VW’s August sales results:

• August sales total 25,232 units, a 10.4% increase over prior year sales
• Year-to-date increase of 20.7%
• 55.5% increase in Jetta Sedan sales vs. last year
• GTI sales up 59.5% and Golf up 20.2%
• Model Year 2012 Tiguan launched, overall sales up 25.5%
• Touareg sales increase 140.1%
• High-mileage, TDI clean diesel models account for 24.4% of sales

“August saw its share of challenges, with consumer confidence sliding and a substantial hurricane on the last weekend of the month, to name just two,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc.  “Nonetheless, Volkswagen continued to show strength in its base demand, with the seventh straight month of double-digit growth, and continued strong performance across the lineup.

Volkswagen Jetta sales (including SportWagen) totaled 10,667 units, a 35.9 percent increase over last year.  GTI sales increased 59.5 percent while Golf rose 20.2 percent versus last year.  Sport utility vehicles Touareg and Tiguan experienced 140.1 percent and 25.5 percent sales increases, respectively.  Volkswagen’s high-mileage, TDI clean diesel models accounted for 24.4 percent of all August sales and 25 percent year-to-date.

–UPDATED: Hyundai Motor America announced sales of 58,505 vehicles in August, a 9% total sales increase compared with the same period a year ago, and a 21% retail sales increase over last August.

Year to date, Hyundai sales are up 21% versus 2010 in total, and up 34% at retail.  Sales to fleet accounts represent 11% of the total sales year-to-date and just 10% for the month of August.  35% of Hyundai vehicles sold in August achieved 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

“Demand for Hyundai products remained strong in August despite severe fluctuations in financial markets and the resulting impact on short-term consumer confidence,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America’s executive vice president of national sales. “We’re still seeing consumer demand increasing, with Hyundai consideration rates now at an all-time high.  This should drive continued sales momentum for Hyundai through the rest of the year, even if the industry struggles a bit.”

The all-new Accent, in its second full month on sale, saw sales soar 38%.  In July, it was the best-selling sub-compact in the market. Santa Fe and Tucson saw sales increases of 55 and 24%, respectively, as availability issues eased.  Genesis continued its growth trajectory in August with its 26th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases, and a sales lift of 13% over last August.  And Equus, the highest-ranking premium luxury car in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, delivered another strong month and is pacing well ahead of its first full-year sales target.

Hyundai continues its unique approach to fuel efficiency data transparency, achieving a corporate average fuel economy level of 36.2 MPG in August, and 35.8 MPG for the year-to-date, while selling an industry-leading 20,600 vehicles (Elantra sedan, Sonata Hybrid, and 2012 Accent) with 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

“It’s no coincidence that our 40 MPG cars are among the hottest cars in the industry, with Accent and Elantra both running single-digit days-supply levels,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America’s president and CEO.  “With Veloster, our fourth car with a standard 40 MPG fuel economy rating beginning sales in September, we’ll take this recipe into the sporty coupe segment, where we expect a similarly warm reception from American car-buyers.”

—Updated: Kia Motors America (KMA) announced best-ever August sales of 41,188 units, a 26.9% increase over the same period last year and the company’s 12th straight monthly sales record.  Kia’s design-led transformation has led to unprecedented growth, and with year-to-date sales up 39.4%, KMA is on pace to shatter its previous best-ever annual sales total in September.

August sales were once again led by the U.S.-built(1) Sorento CUV, which posted its all-time best sales – 13,573 units – for the second-consecutive month.  The critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan also was a strong performer – 6,157 units – on the eve of the start of U.S. production at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG).   The popularity of the funky Soul urban passenger vehicle and Forte compacts also fueled the August sales record.

“Kia has achieved new sales records each month for a full year and has become one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. due to significant increases in consumer awareness, perception and consideration of the brand created by our diverse and exciting lineup of cars and CUVs,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.  “Last year, Kia surpassed sales of 350,000 vehicles for the first time and we will break that record in less than nine months and continue expanding our market share by offering vehicles such as the recently launched Optima Hybrid and the upcoming Rio 5-door, which begins arriving in dealerships in September.  Both vehicles greatly appeal to today’s consumer by achieving 40 miles per gallon and offer an unbeatable combination of style, technology, performance, safety and value.”

–UPDATED: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), announced August 2011 sales of 2,184 vehicles, an increase of 7% compared to the same period last year, when it sold 2,032 vehicles.

To date in 2011, the company has sold 20,494 cars. In the same eight-month period last year, Porsche sales were 15,719; thus, with August results Porsche U.S. sales increased 30% year-to-date.

For the month of August 2011, Porsche’s Approved Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 741, compared to 603 last year. The year-to-date total is 5,886, compared to 5,026 in the previous year – a 17 % increase.

–UPDATED: Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported August U.S. sales of 91,541 units versus 76,827 units a year earlier, an increase of 19.2%. Nissan Division sales increased 22.4% for the month with 82,517 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased 4.3% from the prior year, to 9,024 units. 

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

• Nissan vehicles posted August sales of 82,517 units, an increase of 22.4% over the 67,399 units sold in August 2010.
• The launch of the all-new Versa Sedan helped boost sales of the Versa subcompact by 14.9% to 8,566 in August.
• Strong sales of the Nissan Altima continue, with 23,016 units marking an August increase of 24.5% over the prior year.
• Sales of the Rogue crossover achieved a record in August, up 13.2% with 11,467 deliveries.
• Deliveries of all-electric Nissan LEAF totaled 1,362 in August, with 6,187 units sold since its December 2010 launch.
• The Nissan Juke continues to outperform earlier projections, with August sales totaling 3,464 units.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

• Infiniti sales totaled 9,024 units for the month of August, a decrease of 4.3% versus 9,428 a year earlier.
• Infiniti G Sedan sales of 4,267 mark an increase of 8.7% from prior year, supporting a increase of 1.4%.
• With sales of 1,148 for the month of August, the Infiniti QX has a year-over-year increase of 11.3%.
• August sales showed a 21.8% increase from July.

“Nissan expects to see continued market-share gains thanks to better vehicle availability than key competitors and strong performances by our top sellers: the Altima, Rogue and Versa,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “The 2012 Versa Sedan is off to a great start and is positioning us to maintain our leadership in the competitive subcompact segment.”

UPDATED: Subaru of America, Inc. announced August 2011 sales of 20,837 and sales of 172,182 year-to-date.

“It was a fantastic achievement to break 20,000 sales for August with our current inventory situation. Demand for our products continues to be strong and our dealers have done a terrific job in matching customers with vehicles,” said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc.

“We are now at the lowest point of our inventory shortages,” said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president, sales, Subaru of America, Inc. “September will mark the start of recovery in dealer inventory and we are looking forward to Subaru dealers setting sales records again”.

—UPDATED: Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported August sales of 20,728 vehicles, a 5.4% improvement over August 2010 (19,674) and the company’s highest August volume since 2007.  On a year-to-date basis, the 159,814 vehicles sold represent a 10.5% increase over the 144,689 vehicles sold over the same period last year.

The highest volume performers for the month were the E- and C-Class model lines.  The 9th generation E-Class led the pack with sales of 5,628 and the sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – followed with sales of 4,728.  MBUSA’s stylish SUV, the M-Class, finished third in volume with monthly sales of 2,191.  Additionally, sales of the newly launched 2012 CLS-Class posted an 810.7% increase and sales of the new SLK roadster were up 138.6% over August 2010.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz diesel models were up 14.7% for the month (851 versus 742) and up 100 % for the year (7,717 versus 3,859).

At the high end, sales of the S-Class were up 17.9% for the month and the company sold 32 of its supercar — the SLS AMG — bringing its year-to-date sales to 429.

Sales of Sprinter Vans also increased by 117.7% for August with sales of 1,846 – bringing a year-to-date total of 10,673 (up 121.3 %).

Sales of the smart fortwo totaled 405 vehicles for the month.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 5,901 vehicles in August 2011, a decrease of 9.0%.  On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 51,651 vehicles, a decrease of 5.6% over the comparable period last year.

–UPDATED: Audi of America reported record August U.S. sales of 10,201 vehicles, topping the previous record of 9,182 vehicles sold in August 2010. August 2011 marked the eighth consecutive month of record-setting sales for the brand in the U.S. market, as well as the fourth-best month ever in company history.

Audi sales in the U.S. year to date grew 15% to 75,256. The luxury car brand has recorded best-ever months in 12 out of the past 13 months.

The strong August 2011 results were buoyed by consumer response to the all-new 2012 Audi A6, as well as the stylish and technologically advanced 2012 Audi A7. Sales of the Audi A6 climbed 36.4% to 989 vehicles compared to August 2010 A6 sales. Demand for the Audi A7, introduced this spring, remained strong with 703 vehicles sold in the month. The all-new A6 and A7 feature Audi’s industry-leading navigation and safety technology, including MMI® Navigation plus with Google Earth, Audi connect™ with wireless internet access and Night Vision Assistant with thermal imaging.

The Audi A6, A7, A8 and Q7 – the brand’s entries in the top luxury vehicle segments – made up 28% of overall Audi sales in August.

Audi SUV models constituted a healthy 30% of overall Audi sales in August. Sales of the popular Audi Q7 full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle increased 28.6% YOY to 720 vehicles sold, when compared to August 2010.

The Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel model accounted for 45.5% of the sales mix in the lineup. Demand remained strong for the Audi A3, with 764 vehicles sold in August 2011. As consumers continued to show preferences for efficiency, the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel model accounted for 69% of the total A3 sales mix for the month.

The launch of the Audi TT RS sports car helped propel total Audi TT sales to an increase of 40% from a year earlier with 231 vehicles sold in August, while TT year-to-date sales increased 18.5% to 1,452 vehicles sold.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales of 3,169 vehicles mark the best August on record and the sixth-consecutive record month. Year to date sales of 25,517, an increase of 36.1% from 2010, put Audi on track to deliver the best CPO year on record.

For the record-setting month of August 2011, Audi recorded year-over-year sales increases exceeding 25% with five of its models: the Audi A3, the Audi A6, the Audi A8, the Audi Q7, and the Audi TT. In addition, the Audi Southern Region has experienced strong sales gains, with year-to-date sales jumping 16% to 15,635 vehicles sold.

“Closing in on a record-setting third quarter, sales continue to reinforce the notion that consumers are rewarding Audi for its industry-leading technology, differentiated styling and efficient performance,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America.”I’m optimistic that 2011 will be another banner year for Audi in the U.S. market.”

Audi sales highlights – August 2011
• New company record set in August with 10,201 vehicles sold, topping the previous record of 9,182 vehicles sold in August 2010.
• Audi sales in the U.S. grew 15% to 75,256 luxury vehicles sold from January 2011 through August 2011
• Five models within Audi lineup post YOY gains exceeding 25%.

Audi A6, A7 and A8 August sales and news notes
• Strong initial sales for the all-new 2012 A6 with 989 vehicles sold.
• 2012 Audi A7 sustains momentum with 703 vehicles sold.
• Audi A8 sales increase 392.6% YOY to 468 vehicles sold; YTD A8 sales up 563.4% to 3,768 vehicles sold.

Audi A3 and Audi Q7 August sales and news notes
• Audi A3 posted strong sales gain with an increase of 35.5% YOY to 764 vehicles sold in August.
• Audi Q7 sales in August up 28.6% YOY and up 38.3% YTD, compared to 2010.
• TDI clean diesel technology represented 69% of total A3 sales for August and 45.5% of total Q7 sales for August.

Audi TT August sales and news notes
• Audi TT sales increased 40% from the same period last year to 231 vehicles sold in August 2011; YTD sales experience 18.5% increase with 1,452 vehicles sold in 2011 through August.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned sales and news notes
• Best August CPO sales for Audi of all-time, set sixth consecutive monthly record with 3,169 vehicles sold.
• Audi CPO sales up 27.8% versus 2010.
• YTD sales up 36.1% with 25,517 vehicles sold.

—UPDATED: The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported August sales of 23,924 vehicles, a decrease of 0.2% from the 23,965 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.

Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are up 14.6% to 193,565 in the first eight months of 2011 compared to 168,940 in the same period in 2010.

“This has been a very strange August for our industry with both difficult news and unfortunate events – consumer confidence down and an earthquake, hurricane and floods in the Northeast,” said Jim O’Donnell, President and CEO, BMW of North America.  “Through all of this, our BMW sales continue to increase and we are fortunate to have a number of new models for the remainder of the year including the new 528i with AWD, the all-new 6 Series Coupe including the 640 Coupe, Convertible and xDrive models and the new 4-cylinder Z4 sDrive28i.”

BMW Brand Sales:

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 6.5% in August for a total of 20,815 compared to 19,540 vehicles sold in August, 2010.

Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 12% on sales of 155,929 January through August compared to 139,236 sold in the first eight months of 2010.

In August, the BMW X3 SAV continued the strong sales success that began with its launch in January.  Year-to-date, the new X3 has sold 17,314 compared with 4,890 in the same period of 2010, a 254% increase.  The BMW SAV segment (X3, X5, X6) continues to show growth with sales up 41.3% from the previous August. The BMW 5 Series continues its very strong sales growth with August posting a 40.9% increase over August 2010.  Year-to-date the 5 Series has sold 33,899 compared to 21,617 in the first eight months of 2010, a 56.8% increase.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles:

In August, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) totaled 13,335, a decrease of 6.5% from the 14,266 sold in August 2010.

Year-to-date, BMW used vehicle sales are down 6% on volume of 106,295 compared to 113,061 in the first eight months of 2010.

MINI Brand Sales:

MINI USA reported sales of 3,109 automobiles in August.  The August 2011 sales are down 29.7% from the 4,425 sold in August, 2010.

“Lack of inventory slowed MINI sales in August due to our annual model year change over in July,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President – MINI USA.  “MINI has been fortunate to maintain a tight supply of inventory and many customers submitted specifications for custom MINIs in August so we are confident this will be reflected in September and October sales continuing our momentum this year.”

Year-to-date, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 26.7% on volume of 37,636 compared to 29,704 in the first eight months of 2010.

–UPDATED: Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) reported August sales of 22,632 vehicles, up 14.7% versus August of 2010.  Year-to-date sales are up 6.1% versus last year with 165,794 vehicles sold.

Key August sales notes:

• The Mazda2 celebrated its best-ever month with sales of 1,387 vehicles, accounting for a 195.7% increase versus last year.
• Mazda’s stylish CX-7 and CX-9 crossover SUVs reported increases of 58.7% and 0.8% respectively.  On the year, CX-7 sales are up 26.2% while CX-9 is up 11.2%.
• Mazda’s popular Mazda3 sold 9,424 vehicles, accounting for a 4.0 % increase.
• The Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle posted a 15.7% increase with monthly sales of 1,326 vehicles.  On the year, Mazda5 sales are up 21.6%.