Global auto makers reported soaring first-quarter sales in China as they stepped on the accelerator to jostle for position in the world’s fastest growing vehicle market.

The sales growth of almost all the big global names far outpaced the industry average in China; passenger car sales rose 20.4 percent to 1.85 million in the first three months and 24 percent in March, the biggest monthly rise since August.

In contrast, their sales experienced double-digit declines in the United States last month as demand fell and consumers held back amid concerns about gas prices, the subprime mortgage crisis and tightening credit. Read more…

Charles “Bud” F. McCafferty Sr. of Blue Bell came home after serving in the U. S. Merchant Marines to work for John B. White Ford in Philadelphia, which was the largest Ford car dealership in the Delaware Valley.

“Dad, his brother Joe, a sales manager, and their friend Joe Foster, a salesman, were all there and the three of them were buddies,” said his son James of Northeast Philadelphia. “One day, Dad found a place called Street Motor Company in Bensalem and bought it. He told Mr. White he was quitting, and he, Dad’s brother, and Joe Foster all quit and went to work there in 1952.” Read more…

Chennai, March 27 Volvo Car India is in the process of introducing six new models in the Indian market in phases. The company will also initiate dialogue with about 80 candidates who have applied for opening dealerships in eight cities.

Speaking to Business Line the Managing Director of Volvo Car India, Mr Paul de Voijs, said the company has three dealerships in Chandigarh, Delhi and Mumbai and delivery of the cars has started. At present, the company is looking at opening up dealerships in 8 cities - Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata and Jaipur, he said. Read more…

Thieves stole a Kansas City man’s Toyota Camry at gunpoint in January and later abandoned the car.

After police returned the Camry to its owner, the same thieves returned to the man’s home in the 6600 block of Virginia Avenue and stole it a second time, according to court records filed today.

The first crime occurred about 5:20 p.m. Jan. 18 as the man started his car in his driveway. A man pointed a gun at the victim’s head and said, “Don’t move or I’ll blow your brains out.” The gunman and a second man fled in the car.

Later that day, police found the car at 66th Street and Broadmoor Road, processed it for evidence and returned it to its owner. Read more…

Suzuki Notches Up More New Zealand Records In March New Car Sales

The shattering of more sales records has reaffirmed Suzuki’s position as the fastest growing new car brand in New Zealand.

March sales for Suzuki were a record for the brand, with the 522 sales capturing 8.2 per cent of the total new car market.

The marque also posted its best-ever first quarter sales of 1,606 for 8.0 per cent penetration, a performance that ranked Suzuki the fifth most popular make of new car. Read more…

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced production, sales and export figures for February 2008. Global production grew 14% year-on-year to 322,257 units, marking an all-time record for the month of February.

Overseas production increased 5.3% year-on-year to 181,558 units, making a record production month for plants worldwide.

“We are pleased to report another record in terms of production, sales and export. We are constantly delivering solid performance despite the several challenges faced in the global industry today. With our new introductions to the Middle East market, we expect a continuous increase in our upcoming results,”

said Toru Hasegawa, Managing Director of Nissan Middle East. Read more…