…um…yeah.  The phrases “vested interest” and “wanted to keep his job” scream at me like thieves in the night, but apparently, Mike DiGiovanni, top GM sales analyst, says that GM’s market share will likely increase for the third straight month.

Oh, great…GM sales, up from squat to squat and a half!

Seriously, isn’t this report just the teensiest bit biased?  Especially with GM probably going to do a stock reissue in the very near future as its current per-share value is actually worth next to nothing?  So some putz from GM announces BIG BIG SALES A-COMIN’ and anyone’s supposed to take this seriously?

And okay, maybe GM market share will go up next month.  Does this really mean anything to any serious investor in the face of the bloodbath they’ve seen?  And how much of that hike is due to the now-over Cash for Clunkers program?  I look forward to seeing how this prediction plays out, but I have my doubts it’ll look anything like reality.

Tags: Cash for Clunkers, GM, market share, sales analysts, sales and marketing

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Continental Tires North America is set to acquire a larger market share in Latin America with the reported acquisition of Compania Ecuatoriana del Caucho S.A.(ERCO). What makes Continental in a better position with this deal is that ERCO has a strong distribution network in Ecuador and the Andean region.

“Our plan is to have ERCO manage the six countries of the Andean region so that we can expand our business in these critical growth markets which, together, have a larger population size than that of Mexico, but with faster growth.”

Over the last two years, Continental Tire has significantly increased its market share in Latin America by a focused growth strategy. The opening of a Sales office in Argentina in summer 2008 accelerated the growth even further. Continental Tire manages its Latin American operations with the exception of Mexico and the Andean Region out of its significant operations in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

(Source) Press

Tags: acquisition, american operations, andean region, argentina, caucho, continental tire, continental tires, distribution network, ecuador, erco, growth markets, growth strategy, latin america, market share, Mexico, north america, population size, sao paulo brazil

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The management team of Volkswagen have a reason to smile these days. With all the turmoil covering the auto industry, they are experiencing an increase in market share and are apparently being led by an unlikely car line. The sportier-looking Volkswagen Golf GT MK6 seems to be capturing the attention of the car market and has been queuing up customers.

The Mk6 is the quickest ever car in the company’s range, and coupled with its stunning looks, quality build and great handling, it’s no wonder drivers can’t wait to get their hands on it. The Mk6 has a top speed of 149 miles per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.9 seconds, but despite this awesome power, the car is, rather miraculously, more eco-friendly.

With a sportier design, it looks like Volkswagen has greener days ahead of it and we don’t mean just being eco-friendly. People love the new looks so the next thing you may have to worry about would be consumer complaints on when they can get their order.

New models start at around £21,000 but for those on a tighter budget, a used VW may provide the answer.

(Source) PR Web

Tags: answer source, auto industry, Budget, car line, car market, consumer complaints, golf gt, greener days, management team, market share, miles per hour, mk6, models, top speed, turmoil, volkswagen, volkswagen golf, volkswagen golf gti, VW

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Despite the tumbling economy, Chrysler has been able to weather the storm. One of the big three that was reportedly in dire straits as far as financing operations is concerned, Chrysler LLC’s sales throughout the Midwest, the Rockies and the plains of America posted a retail sales increase of almost 3% over February.

The region has shown positive sales growth for two consecutive months despite industry trends. Chrysler LLC also bucked the trend nationwide reporting March U.S. total sales greater than 100,000 units for the first time since Sept. 2008 and increased retail market share to an estimated 10 percent.

On top of a second month of sales improvements, Dodge Ram 1500 was awarded the 2009 Truck of the Year and the Dodge Challenger was awarded the 2009 Car of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association.

“We are honored by the continuing vote of confidence from our customers, dealers and media across this region. Our focus remains to keep rebuilding their confidence and trust,” said Fred Diaz, Director of the Denver Business Center, Chrysler LLC.

“The market is starting to show small signs of life which need to be nourished like seedlings,” said Jim Press, Vice Chairman and President, Chrysler LLC. “The fact that we exceeded 100,000 units for the first time since last fall is encouraging, and evidence that our improved quality, improved mileage as well as value represented in Employee Pricing Plus Plus are just what the doctor ordered for recession-wary customers who are reluctant to make long-term purchases. It’s too early to see a trend, but spring shows signs of hope.”

(Source) Press

Tags: business center, car of the year, Chrysler, denver business, dodge challenger, dodge ram 1500, market share, mileage, retail sales, rockies, rocky mountain

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