The Audi Group ended the 2009 fiscal year with a clearly positive operating profit and only a slight downturn in vehicle deliveries, despite the major effects of the global financial and economic crisis: “The operating profit of €1.6 billion shows that we are among the best in the industry, even under difficult conditions. Our policy of consistently improving our productivity and investing massively in the typical Audi values of design, sportiness, quality and efficiency over the past few years is now paying dividends,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.

“We will increase our market share again in the current year with attractive, efficient models, drawing considerably closer to our goal of becoming the world market leader in the premium segment,” added Stadler.

Due to the difficult situation in automotive markets worldwide, deliveries of the Audi brand fell by 5.4 percent in the past year to 949,729 cars. As a result primarily of the drop in deliveries but also of exchange-rate burdens, revenue for the 2009 fiscal year reached €29,840 (34,196)* million – a decrease of 12.7 percent. The operating profit was down 42.1 percent at €1,604 (2,772) million.

Profit before tax was 39.3 percent below the record figure of the previous year at €1,928 (3,177) million. Profit after tax amounted to €1,347 (2,207) million, representing a fall of 38.9 percent on the prior-year figure.

Despite the difficult economic situation, the return on investment reached an impressive level of 11.5 (19.8) percent. The return on sales before tax was 6.5 (9.3) percent. “These figures mean the Audi Group is one of the most profitable players in the international automotive industry, which is particularly revealing in a crisis year such as 2009,” emphasized Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Organization at AUDI AG.

“Our farsighted, circumspect approach enabled us to navigate the crisis successfully and finance all our investments from cash flow from operating activities. With a positive net cash flow of over €2.3 billion, we also generated a healthy surplus, which in fact significantly exceeds the previous year’s outstanding figure,” emphasized Strotbek. “We succeeded in carrying out all product investments as planned, and have thus laid sound foundations for the future growth of the Company,” he continued.

Net liquidity climbed by 14.8 percent to around €10.7 (9.3) billion. The key to success in such difficult times is the attractive model range, with a large number of new products launched over the past year: The new models unveiled included the R8 V10 sports car, the A4 allroad quattro, the A5 Cabriolet and the A5 Sportback.

Record results for deliveries in 38 markets
Audi delivered 949,729 (1,003,469) cars to customers worldwide in the past year. Sales were thus 5.4 percent down on the record level of the previous year. Deliveries achieved a particularly positive trend in the Asia/Pacific sales region, above all in China. Although deliveries in Western Europe (including Germany) fell, the brand with the four rings still bucked the trend by increasing its market share in the premium segment.

In Germany, 228,844 (258,111, down 11.3 percent) Audi cars were delivered to customers.

In Western Europe (including Germany) Audi performed better than the market as a whole with 588,309 (666,984, down 11.8 percent) deliveries to customers, taking the lead in the field of premium-segment competitors. In Great Britain, the largest market in the region after Germany, deliveries fell to 90,513 cars (101,522, down 10.8 percent). In neighboring France, deliveries slipped to 48,010 vehicles (51,200, down 6.2 percent). And in Italy, Audi sold 57,204 cars (62,053, down 7.8 percent).

The biggest single export market in 2009 was again China (including Hong Kong), with 158,941 cars delivered (119,598, up 32.9 percent). This total meant that the brand with the four rings easily defended its position as market leader in the premium segment in 2009.

The market performance in India, where Audi started up CKD assembly operations in September 2007, was also very positive. Vehicle deliveries there rose by 57.9 percent to 1,658 (1,050) cars. The Ingolstadt company currently builds the A4 and A6 models at the Aurangabad plant, with assembly of the highly successful Q5 starting there in June. Audi is systematically expanding the sales and dealer network in the region and will be increasing the number of dealers from the current 12 to 16 by the end of the year.

In the United States, the number of vehicles delivered to customers fell to 82,716 (87,760, down 5.7 percent) cars in a sharply contracting market. By contrast, the brand’s share of the premium market (import high group) grew to 8.3 (7.1) percent.

The subsidiary Lamborghini was hit hard by the crisis. The number of cars delivered in the past fiscal year was down 37.7 percent on the previous year to 1,515 (2,430).

Advancing with foresight: production adjusted in line with demand
The Audi Group responded to the crisis with foresight and scaled back production output in the past year. 932,260 cars (including Lamborghini) left the production halls in 2009, 9.4 percent fewer than in the previous year (1,029,041).

Between 2010 and 2012, the Audi Group is planning to invest around €5.5 billion, mainly in new products and efficiency technologies. The model initiative will continue unabated and without any cutbacks over the next few years. “The particular focus of our attention is on the efficiency of our models, alongside the aspects of sportiness, quality and design,” explained Rupert Stadler. The brand with the four rings already has a range of 39 model and engine versions with CO2 emissions of less than 140 g/km (225.31 g/mile). There are even 13 models and engine versions achieving emissions below 120 g/km (193.12 g/mile). A typical example is the Audi A4 2.0 TDI e with consumption of 4.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (51.13 US mpg) and emissions of just 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer (191.51 g/mile).

Diesel technology will also remain a vital cornerstone of Audi’s efficiency strategy, alongside the development of electric and hybrid vehicles. “Our new A8 3.0 TDI quattro is an impressive example of the potential of the diesel engine, with consumption of only 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (35.64 US mpg),” said Stadler. The front-wheel-drive version that is to follow will be better still, needing just six liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.2 US mpg). That equates to CO2 emissions of 159 grams per kilometer (255.89 g/mile). The brand’s new flagship model thus leads the field of competitors and even performs better than hybrid models in the luxury category.

Highest employee profit share in the industry
AUDI AG is again paying a profit share averaging €2,300 per employee this year, despite the economic crisis. This is the highest employee profit share in the automotive industry. “This year we will be making a special payment of €1,200 per employee on top of the profit share. This one-off bonus is our way of acknowledging the exceptional performance of our employees in a crisis-ridden 2009,” commented Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG.

The number of employees within the Audi Group increased to an average of 58,011 (57,822) over the year. Of this total, 44,344 (44,098) were employed at AUDI AG, of which 31,409 (31,358) worked at Ingolstadt and 12,935 (12,740) at Neckarsulm.

Outlook for 2010: deliveries of over one million vehicles to customers; revenue and operating profit up on previous year
Audi, too, felt the fallout from the financial and economic crisis in the past year but steered a relatively steady course through the crisis, as the figures for the past fiscal year show. “The worst of the crisis appears to be behind us, but we are not yet able to give the all-clear for 2010,” explained Stadler. “We need to remain vigilant so that we can respond swiftly and flexibly to any difficulties,” he emphasized.

The brand with the four rings made a positive start to 2010: In January and February of the current year, Audi sold around 153,700 cars worldwide – 28.7 percent more than in the corresponding prior-year period. Over the same two months, the brand increased its vehicle deliveries in Western Europe (excluding Germany) by 17.7 percent to 58,722 cars, a total which made it the market leader in the premium segment. In Great Britain deliveries were up 32.6 percent to 11,989, in Spain up 20.5 percent to 7,032 and in Italy up 13.2 percent to 10,105 cars.

The Audi brand likewise experienced a vigorous upswing in the United States. Deliveries of vehicles there soared year on year by 35.7 percent to 12,726.

“We are well on the way to delivering over one million Audi cars to customers once more in the current year, taking us back up to where we were in the record year of 2008,” stressed Stadler. “We aim to start growing again through the new models and have set ourselves the target for 2010 of bettering the revenue and operating profit of 2009,” he added.

Attractive, efficient new products are the key to success. “We currently have the most extensive model range of any premium manufacturer – from the small A1 to the range-topping A8,” said Stadler. Audi aims to use the Audi A1 to tap into a new target group that operates in an urban environment. “The response to the first premium car in the small car segment at the Geneva Motor Show was overwhelming. We therefore believe we have every prospect of selling between 80,000 and 100,000 of this new car line in its first full year in production,” said Stadler. Audi will also move into a highly promising new niche when it unveils the A7 Sportback in the fall.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1705

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Despite the global economic and financial crisis the Audi Group is able to look back on a successful 2009 – thanks in part to its responsible, sustainable actions. Specifically values such as tradition, quality and a sense of responsibility have come to enjoy renewed significance in society once again. The Audi 2009 Annual Report, which was published at today’s Annual Press Conference, picks up on this idea. In the magazine section, renowned authors present articles that reflect a new understanding of luxury. In the financial section, strong figures demonstrate how successfully the Audi Group has steered a course through the crisis.

The Audi 2009 Annual Report explores the headline theme of “Rethinking Luxury. A changing system of values: inspiration for a new lifestyle.” from a wide variety of perspectives. The authors engagingly describe the different aspects of a new, timely, understanding of luxury: setting aside time for the truly important things in life. Pursuing your dreams. Creating the space to explore your individuality.

The articles also illustrate how the Audi brand, with its corporate philosophy and fascinating premium cars, is in harmony with this idea of clear, enduring values.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, goes to Milan to meet Andrea Perrone, CEO of the fashion house Brioni. At Brioni’s headquarters they discuss changing values, the new definition of luxury and the characteristics that the two brands have in common: quality, tradition and a hunger for new ideas. In a further encounter, Board Member for Finance and Organization Axel Strotbek discusses entrepreneurial and ecological responsibility with globalization expert Prof. Dr. Dr. Franz Josef Radermacher.

One particular highlight of this year’s Annual Report is a remarkable fashion story: Four graduates from the renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London interpreted the character of four Audi models and translated them into extravagant outfits. The Parisian photographer Grégoire Alexandre then created an artistic ambiance for the Audi A1, the Audi A3 Cabriolet, the Audi A5 Sportback and the Audi A8 to present both model and its outfit in appropriate style.

Audi first explored this novel concept of an annual report comprising magazine and financial section in 2005, and since then has won several international awards. Last July, the Audi 2008 Annual Report was voted the best annual report of the year by Forum Corporate Publishing e.V. Audi has therefore already won the biggest competition for corporate communications in Europe twice. The same accolade had previously been bestowed on the 2007 Annual Report. The online Audi 2008 Annual Report was also a success, being awarded both the prestigious reddot communication design award and the iF communication design award among others.

The latest Audi Annual Report is appearing in a total print run of more than 90,000 copies, in the languages German, English and Chinese. Alongside the print version, an interactive online version takes the reader on a virtual trip through the Annual Report. The stories in the magazine section can be followed in audio and video features and slideshows at www.audi.com/ar2009: How did the young designers transform inspiration into creation? What senses are awakened when driving through the wild landscape of Galicia in the R8 Spyder? A modern navigation principle (push & swipe interfaces) on the start page creates a three-dimensional room. Rather like the touch controls on an Apple iPhone, all the content can be selected, zoomed in and fast-forwarded at the click of a mouse.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1704

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We want to thank our team, and not only after record years like 2008,” emphasized Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG, at today’s Annual Press Conference. “In addition to an average profit-sharing payment of €2.300, we will therefore be making a special one-off payment of €1.200 to each employee this year. This special bonus rewards the exceptional performance shown by our employees in crisis-hit 2009.” Audi has navigated the global crisis better than many of its competitors. “This is also due to the passion and creativity of our team of employees, who tackled nine production start-ups in 2009.”

In addition to this extra reward for employee performance, which will be paid out in June, the roughly 43,000 wage-scale employees of AUDI AG at its German locations in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm can once again look forward to a profit-sharing payment this year: Despite the global financial and economic crisis in 2009, the Company will be paying out a total of €97 million (2008: 230 million) to employees this year, on top of the special bonus. “After an unusual year in 2009, we’re below the previous year, of course, but we’re in first place among our competitors,” said Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG. “An attractive employer is one that translates the company’s success into success for its employees – even in tough economic times. Especially in times like these, the dedicated and tireless efforts of each individual employee contribute to the success of the company and that helps to secure jobs. We’re thankful for that.”

At its annual press conference today, Audi announced its operating profit for 2009: € 1.604 (2008: 2,772) million. Ten percent of the operating profit over a threshold of €1.2 billion, i.e. €40,4 million, will be distributed to employees in May of this year for this profit-sharing component alone. This amounts to an average of €930 per employee. The so-called expanded employee profit-sharing program (eMEB) was defined in April 2005 in the “Audi’s Future – Performance, Sharing, Success” agreement that was established by the company management and the General Works Council. The eMEB is a voluntary component of compensation that exceeds the collectively agreed salary and is dependent upon the company’s profits.

Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, said: “It was an easy choice for the Works Council. The team’s dedication and motivation to perform, and particularly its flexibility, have paid off during the past year. We at Audi therefore succeeded in bucking the trend and defying the economic crisis. Upon the initiative of the Works Council, the Audi Board of Management decided to reward the tremendous efforts of its employees by awarding them a special bonus of €1.200 each in addition to the profit-sharing payment that they received. This provides a lasting boost to team spirit at Audi and increases the workforce’s motivation to master the challenges that lie ahead of us.” The Works Council views competitiveness and job security for employees as corporate goals of equal importance. It is now particularly important to emerge from this crisis on the automotive market as a stronger company, with new models and a motivated workforce.

The expanded employee profit-sharing payment will be made for the fifth time this year in addition to the employee profit-sharing payment (MEB) that has previously been made. The MEB is composed of the base amount, a bonus scaled according to seniority, and a variable share of profits. An average of €1.355 per employee will be paid out in July.

This is AUDI AG’s method for rewarding the performance of the employees during this year, with a special one-off bonus of €1.200 per employee and an average profit-sharing payment in May (eMEB) and July (MEB) of €2.285 per employee.

Despite the problematic economic situation, Audi has stuck to its investment plans, including those in the area of personnel. The carmaker continues to provide a high-level training program and guarantees to provide jobs to all candidates who successfully complete training. For last year’s 100th anniversary of the car brand, the Company announced 100 additional training slots. Training for these young people will begin in September of this year. “This will allow us to account for the challenges of the future, new technologies and demographic developments,” Widuckel said. “Audi is holding to its practice of providing training and continued professional development for its employees.” To be equipped for the challenges of the future, the skills of employees must be constantly developed – from the start of training all the way to retirement.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1703

Japanese Used Mitsubishi Pajero

It is 46 centimeters high, weighs twelve kilograms, is hand-crafted from exquisite lead crystal – and the object of any skier’s desire. By this weekend, the decision of the winner of the 2010 Audi FIS Ski World Cup who will take the crystal ball home will have been made. In addition, the new format of the Nations Cup will celebrate its debut at the finals in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Will two-time Olympic gold medalist Maria Riesch manage a recovery or will her rival, front runner Lindsey Vonn, prevail? And what will be the outcome of the duel between Benjamin Raich and Carlo Janka in the men’s events? These sporting competitions for the overall World Cup are just two of many thrilling decisions to be made at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup finals. Tomorrow the women’s and men’s races will start in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and also serve as the dress rehearsal for the Alpine World Ski Championships to be held at the same venue in February 2011 with Audi as the presenting sponsor.

Audi has been the title sponsor of the World Cup and supporting its athletes since the 2002/2003 season. “Dynamism, sportiness, elegance and precise techniques and technology – many values of competitive skiing perfectly fit the Audi brand. We’re happy about this long and successful partnership and, above all, look forward to a thrilling finale of our eighth joint season,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Marketing and Sales. “Since the exploits of the German sportsmen and women at the Olympic Games attracted their attention, we’re sure that even more fans of the sport will be keeping their fingers crossed for Maria Riesch and the other athletes.”

After the decisions in downhill, giant slalom, super-G and slalom, fans will also get to witness a world premiere: for the first time, the Nations Cup will feature a new, attractive and, above all, spectator-friendly format. The Nations Team Event starts at 11 CET on Sunday. Two ladies and two men per heat will fight a duel of nations in a parallel giant slalom race. The winning team will be qualified for the next round. One point is awarded per win; the 16 best nations will compete.

The finale in Garmisch-Partenkirchen marks the end of the eighth season for Audi as the World Cup’s title sponsor as well as the beginning of a countdown: In spring of 2011 and in spring of 2013 Audi will support the Alpine World Ski Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and in Schladming (Austria) as presenting sponsor. AUDI AG has been the main sponsor of the German Ski Federation (DSV) including all national teams and, in addition, is the partner of the alpine teams from Sweden, Finland, France, Liechtenstein, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, the United States, Switzerland and Bulgaria.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1706

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With the delivery of the first customer cars, Audi AG’S GT3 customer sport program has reached the next phase. By mid-April, 20 Audi R8 LMS vehicles will have been handed over to the teams that are planning to run the GT3 race sports car in various national and international racing series and in the two 24-hour races at the Nürburging and at Spa-Francorchamps in the 2010 season.

After its successful 2009 debut year in which Audi Sport partners clinched three champions titles and 23 victories in 76 racing commitments the Audi R8 LMS will now be handed over to customers for its second season, as planned. Last week United Autosport from Great Britain was the first team to receive its two R8 LMS cars.

To offer customer teams a perfect a race car as possible, Audi Sport is making use of the opportunity offered by the GT3 regulations and will obtain FIA homologation of an evolution-version of the R8 LMS which features numerous technical improvements compared with last year’s model. The previous vehicles will be brought up to the current level by an update kit and teams can thus continue to run them.

“During our evolution project we primarily focused on service life and maintenance-friendliness,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “All the experience we gathered last season with the help of our partners has been fed into the evolution-version. We’re convinced that we’re handing over a reliable and easy to handle vehicle to our customers that embodies the high quality standards of the Audi brand.”

Certain details of the chassis and suspension have been revised. The capacity of the engine’s cooling system has been improved even further so that the R8 LMS can also be used in extreme ambient temperatures without any problems. The complex electronics as well as the exhaust system have been optimized for use in racing. The newly developed six-speed racing transmission is particularly maintenance-friendly. It allows wearing parts to be inspected through an opening in the housing. The transmission does not have to be dismantled for this purpose.

Over the past few months the evolution-version of the Audi R8 LMS was extensively tested on various race tracks and rigs and its durability proved in several endurance tests.

The final version of the Audi R8 LMS is available at a price of 298,000 euros plus VAT. The annual production for 2010 is already sold out. The delivery of vehicles for the 2011 season will start at the end of this year.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1701

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Exactly 100 days from now we’ll know who has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With eight victories under his belt, Audi “factory” driver Tom Kristensen is the “King of Le Mans” and knows exactly what counts at Le Mans. Starting today, he will provide some exclusive insights behind the scenes of the world’s most exclusive endurance race and the preparation by Audi Sport Team Joest.

“Hej motorsport fans! I’m very happy that from this week forward I’ll have the opportunity to tell you a little bit about the race of the year. Le Mans is my great passion and one of the biggest challenges that exist in motorsport. But most of all it’s a race that perfectly fits our times and Audi. Le Mans is very much about efficiency and reliability, not just about speed. And very few people can imagine how much work and know-how are being invested in a Le Mans victory. This makes Audi’s accomplishments at Le Mans over the past few years – initially with the TFSI engine and with the TDI since 2006 – even more remarkable.

Unfortunately, there was a little damper put on my personal Le Mans preparation in January. During a sporting holiday at the Club La Santana in Spain I tore the heel tendon of my left leg while playing badminton with my son Oliver. More than anything else, the accident has forced me to be patient because it typically takes about 14 weeks or more for the injury to heal and before the foot may be fully stressed again. I still have to wear a supporting shoe but am hoping to get rid of it soon.

Of course I’m trying to stay fit as best I can despite this situation. I’m on a diet and apparently left a pretty good impression at the winter camp at the Sonnenalp in the “Allgäu” last week – at least, that’s what Doc John, our team physician who has been actively involved in my rehabilitation process from the outset – has told me.

It was also good to see Dr. Ullrich, Ralf Jüttner and the other drivers again after the winter break. At the beginning of January I was in Ingolstadt for a seat fitting, but the last time I’d seen most of the squad was at the Christmas party in Ingolstadt in December. So we had a lot to talk about.

Allan, Dindo, Marcel and “Rocky” told me about the tests they did at Sebring in January. The new drivers were there too and tested the R15 TDI for the first time. Apparently, they immediately handled the car very well which means that we’ll be a very strong team at Le Mans in June. That’s important if we want to beat Peugeot, Aston Martin and the other strong rivals – and that’s clearly our goal, no doubts about it.

I also took a short trip to Kempten to bid my final farewell to the Abt guys after six great years in the DTM. It was a tremendous evening with a number of surprises. My former mechanics, for instance, had built a train out of sleds for me that was emblazoned with the words “Tom K Express.” It was really a cool idea, so thank you again for that!

That marked the end of the DTM chapter for me once and for all, even though I’ll continue to follow the races with keen interest and keep my fingers crossed for Eki, Timo & company. But as far as my personal activities are concerned, I’ll now will fully concentrate on Le Mans and the other racing commitments with the Audi R15 TDI.

After today, we’ve still got exactly 99 days to go before the race at Le Mans starts – and there are plans for every single day of our Le Mans preparation. For us drivers the exciting period starts now because we’re beginning to test with our current-specification Le Mans car.

In January, at Sebring, an interim model had still been used. The roll-out of the current-specification “R15 plus,” as it’s internally called at Audi Sport, took place in Neustadt on Wednesday. “Rocky,” our youngest driver who won the 24-hour race at Daytona in January, was at the wheel. Aside from the fact that there had been freezing temperatures at night so that it was impossible to drive on the oval of the test track everything went according to schedule.

Now, the “R15 plus” is on its way to the United States where the first tests are on the agenda, and hopefully in good weather conditions. I don’t want to reveal too much about our new “baby” today. Just this much in advance: the guys at Audi Sport in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm and the Joest squad have left no stone unturned to make sure that we’ll be able to bring the Le Mans trophy back to Ingolstadt. Even though, as always at Le Mans, this is no easy feat …

Now it’s up to us, the drivers, to pick up the ball. Together with Ralf Jüttner, Jo Hausner and the other clever engineers and technicians we need to squeeze the optimum out of the car with a lot of detailed work. We’ll have until 3 p.m. on June 12 to do this. At that time, it’s all got to be perfect.

Next week, I’ll give you a first-hand account of how we work during the development tests and what’s crucial in the process. Maybe I’ll even be allowed to show you one of the first photos of our new Le Mans racer then.”

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1709

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2010 FIA GT1 World Championship

Under glorious skies in the centre of the French capital, a press conference was held at the Automobile Club de France officially launching the new-for-2010 FIA GT1 World Championship.

Ahead of what is expected to be an extremely competitive inaugural season, the event drew nearly 300 people, including the media, manufacturer representatives, sponsors, teams and drivers. Emceed by ex-racer Tiff Needell, the event’s first speaker was FIA President Jean Todt, followed by series’ founder and CEO of the SRO Motorsports Group Stephane Ratel.

Among the six manufacturer representatives who then spoke, NISMO President and NISSAN Motor’s Global Motorsports Program Director Yuichi Sanada commented, “We are very excited about NISSAN returning to a world championship after nearly 20 years away. The FIA GT1 World Championship is an ideal venue for NISSAN to showcase its technology globally through the participation of its iconic model the NISSAN GT-R. Our partner teams, Sumo Power GT and Swiss Racing Team are also excited about racing the NISSAN GT-R at circuits around the world. We are looking forward to the inaugural race in Abu Dhabi in April.”

The Press Conference was followed by the unveiling of the 2010 cars on the Place Vendome, located in the heart of the city, and which drew a great deal of attention from onlookers and passersby. Machines from each of the twelve competing teams were uncovered one by one, including the #23 Sumo Power GT-entered NISSAN GT-R and the similar #3 entry from Swiss Racing Team, both cars displaying their final livery for the first time.

Drivers Peter Dumbreck (Scotland) and Michael Krumm (Germany) from the #23 Sumo Power GT entry were on hand for photographs and to field questions, while multiple FIA GT race-winner Karl Wendlinger, who will drive one of the Swiss Racing Team-entered NISSAN GT-Rs spoke as a representative of the GT1 drivers. “I have been racing in the FIA GT Championship for many years, but now I’m very excited about the new world championship – and very happy to be driving the NISSAN GT-R.”

Both teams have taken part in pre-season testing: Sumo Power GT attending the FIA official test at France’s Paul Ricard and also conducting a private test in Spain while Swiss Racing Team have been to two FIA official tests, at the Algarve Circuit and at Paul Ricard.

Drivers for the #22 Sumo Power GT and #4 Swiss Racing Team entries will be announced shortly.

Within the next 10 days, the 4 competing NISSAN GT-Rs will be shipped to Abu Dhabi for the season-opener, taking place at the Yas Marina circuit on April 17th. The inaugural FIA GT1 World Championship then visits another nine countries.

Source:http://www.nissannews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1252&mid=1

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Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported February 2010 sales of 70,189 units versus 54,249 units a year earlier, an increase of 29.4 percent, compared with February 2009. Nissan Division sales rose 31.9 percent for the month, while sales of Infiniti vehicles were 10.7 percent higher than a year before.

“Both the Nissan and Infiniti divisions experienced strong sales in February, with combined sales up 29.4 percent from last year,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “The gains were posted across our car and truck lineups.”

NNA INFORMATION

• Combined Nissan and Infiniti sales of 70,189 units were 29.4 percent higher than February sales a year before of 54,249 units.
• To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, NNA calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. February had 24 selling days, as did February a year before.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

• Nissan vehicles posted sales of 63,148 units in February compared with 47,890 units sold in February the previous year, a 31.9 percent increase.
• Sales of the Versa subcompact were up 130.1 percent over February a year ago, with sales of 11,609 units marking a record February.
• The Rogue compact crossover also saw record sales in February, with 6,143 units, up 11.4 percent over the prior year.
• Other vehicles experiencing strong year-over-year sales gains were Maxima (89.5 percent), Frontier (56.5 percent), and Armada (101.2 percent).

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

• Infiniti sales for February 2010 were 7,041 units, up 10.7 percent from the 6,359 units sold in the same month a year earlier.
• Sales of the G Sedan were up 25.2 percent to 2,686 units, and sales of the G Coupe rose 41.1 percent over last February, with 1,270 units.
• The QX56 full-size luxury SUV was up 219.4 percent in February with sales of 808 units.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.

Source:http://www.nissannews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1194&mid=1

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Nissan North America (NNA) today announced recalls to inspect and, if necessary, repair brake pedal pins and fuel-gauge components on certain trucks and minivans. No accidents or injuries have been reported with these issues.

“At Nissan, we’re committed to the safety and satisfaction of our customers. We regret any inconveniences that our customers may experience as we take these precautions,” said Kevin Martin, vice president of Total Customer Satisfaction for NNA.

These recall campaigns involve a total of 539,864 vehicles, a majority of which are in the United States.

REASON FOR THE RECALLS
There have been three reported instances of brake pedal pins partially disengaging, causing a loss of normal braking ability, and Nissan has determined that a manufacturing error on the part of the supplier is at the root of this issue. All vehicles currently on sale are free of this problem.

Unrelated to the brake-pin issue, vehicles at higher mileage levels may have fuel gauges which incorrectly indicate the amount of fuel in the tank. This may result in the vehicle running out of fuel while the gauge reads greater than empty. All vehicles currently on sale are free of this problem.

VEHICLES INVOLVED
Models and numbers of vehicles with potentially affected brake pedal pins are:

• 2008 through 2010 model year Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56
• 178,916 in the U.S., 25,869 outside the U.S. (see box for locations)

Models and numbers of vehicles with potential fuel gauges inaccuracies are:

• 2005 through 2008 model year Nissan Titan, Armada and Infiniti QX56
• Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra produced between January and March 2006 and between October 2007 and January 2008
• 418,865 in the U.S., 53,253 outside the U.S. (see box for locations)

WHAT OWNERS OF POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD DO
Beginning in March, owners of potentially affected vehicles in the brake pedal pin recall are being notified to bring their vehicles to a Nissan or Infiniti dealership for a quick, simple, visual inspection and, if necessary, repair.

Also beginning in March, owners of potentially affected vehicles under the recalls for fuel gauge inaccuracies will be notified as to when they should bring their vehicles to their dealers for repair. Until their fuel gauge senders are repaired, customers with potentially affected vehicles are encouraged to maintain a fuel level of at least a half-tank.

Customers with questions are encouraged to contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261) for Nissan vehicles, or 1-800-662-6200 for Infiniti vehicles. Customers may also contact their respective authorized Nissan or Infiniti dealers.

LOCATIONS OF POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES:

Nissan has been named a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Nissan’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010.

“Nissan is leading the fight against climate change through greater energy efficiency,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. “Nissan’s robust energy management program is a model for others and affirms that energy efficiency is our most cost-effective climate strategy.”

Nissan, an ENERGY STAR® partner since 2006, will be honored for strategic energy management and a commitment to save energy across its entire operation that resulted in significant energy and financial savings. Nissan’s manufacturing plants in Smyrna and Decherd Tenn., and Canton, Miss., have seen their energy efficiency improve by more than 30 percent, saving the company over $11.5 million per year. The Nissan Americas new headquarters building in Franklin, Tenn., features a unique sustainable design that resulted in the facility receiving its ENERGY STAR® label this year.

Nissan’s pursuit of excellence can also be seen in the high quality products it manufactures at its energy efficient U.S. facilities. The popular and award winning Nissan Altima that is currently manufactured at Nissan’s plants in Smyrna, Tenn., and Canton, Miss. is consistently chosen by reputable publications and consumer surveys for its superior quality and safety performance.

“Working in partnership with ENERGY STAR® to manage our energy use is just good business,” said Mike Clemmer, Director/Plant Manager of Paint and Plastics and sub-leader for the Energy Management Competitiveness Team. “By increasing our energy efficiency, we use resources wisely, save money on our energy bills, and reduce our carbon footprint. This approach aids in our quest to be a sustainable 21st century manufacturer.

The 2010 Partner of the Year Awards recognize efforts to use energy efficiently in facility operations and to integrate superior energy management into overall organizational strategy. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR® program.

Source:http://www.nissannews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1156&mid=1

Japanese Used Mitsubishi Pajero