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When gas prices hit an all-time high during the spring/summer of 2008, the popularity of – and chatter about – hybrid vehicles soared. “Hybrid” became the buzz word as Americans looked for ways to cut costs while also being environmentally friendly.

But, not all hybrids are created equal. The basic concept of a hybrid vehicle is constant – a combination of two technologies, in this case a gasoline engine and electric motor—that work in tandem to power the vehicle. However, that’s about where the similarities end.

Full hybrids-the most advanced
Hybrid powertrains differ in motor and engine combinations. The "full hybrid" is generally the most advanced type and is the only system that can operate on electric or gasoline power, or a combination of the two. Full hybrids run on electric drive at low speeds, on gasoline and electric drive in traffic, and on gasoline alone at highway speeds. Computers automatically coordinate the electric motor and gasoline engine for an optimal balance of responsive performance, fuel economy and lower emissions.

What’s more, with a full hybrid, the vehicle automatically shuts off the engine when coming to a stop and restarts the engine as needed when the vehicle begins to move forward again. This prevents wasted energy from idling and starting from a dead stop – two times when a vehicle’s engine is the most inefficient.

A full hybrid recharges the hybrid battery during operation, so it doesn’t need to be plugged in for recharging. The batteries also recover energy back from the drive train in a process called regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is a mechanism that reduces vehicle speed by converting some of its kinetic energy into a storable form of energy instead of dissipating it as heat as with a conventional brake. The captured energy is stored for future use.

The hybrid system found in the Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, also known as Hybrid Synergy Drive, is a full hybrid system.

Power-assist hybrids
The power-assist hybrid, sometimes called the "mild hybrid," relies on the gas engine to power the vehicle at all times. In this type of hybrid, the electric motor only assists the engine as needed for more power greater efficiency and lower emissions. Motors and batteries are less powerful than in full hybrids. The transmission can be automatic or manual, and is largely the same as in a conventional car. As with full hybrids, power-assist hybrids also have regenerative braking.

Toyota holds more than 1,000 patents pertaining to hybrid drive trains and shares hybrid technology, licensing cleaner vehicle technology to companies that request it. This approach will support the acceptance of all hybrid vehicles, and has the potential to make Hybrid Synergy Drive the most widely used hybrid standard in the industry.

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Over the past several years, driver assistance features have become commonplace. The functionality and convenience of these systems continue to help develop vehicle collision avoidance capabilities. By their very nature, driver assistance systems are designed to detect, judge, and react to anticipated collision scenarios.

Anti lock breaking (ABS) is probably the best known driver assistance feature. ABS has evolved from simple lockup control only during braking to more advanced systems that control traction during acceleration, braking, and cornering by braking wheels individually while integrating other vehicle operating factors such as engine power output.

Most new vehicles are equipped with ABS these days, but ABS is not a one-size-fits-all system. ABS can include a number of additional features, which are found on a number of Toyota vehicles:

Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) – modifies braking force at individual wheels to compensate both for changes in vehicle load (occupants and cargo) and to help increase braking efficiency during cornering.

Brake Assist (BA) – monitors the force with which the driver depresses the brake pedal and provides additional brake fluid pressure when the system detects an emergency stop.

Traction Control (TRAC) – helps reduce drive wheel spin during acceleration using ABS and control of engine power output.

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) – helps prevent skidding or spinning while cornering by controlling ABS and engine power output to help keep the vehicle traveling in the steered direction, even if the driver enters a turn too fast or steers the vehicle too sharply for road conditions.

Vehicle Dynamics Integration Management (VDIM) – combines a range of vehicle stability control functions into a single, seamless process to help provide overall vehicle dynamic drivability.

SUVs and trucks, such as Toyota Tundra and 4Runner, may be equipped with specialized ABS-based functions such as:

- Active TRAC (A-TRAC) -- During 4-wheel-drive operation on a snow-covered road or in rugged off-road conditions, A-TRAC controls engine output and brake fluid pressure so that the drive force is distributed to the wheels that have traction. This enhances drivability in extreme road conditions, an effect that is similar to a Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Off-road drivability is equivalent to having the center differential locked and a limited-slip differential on both front and rear axles.

- Auto Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD) -- Auto LSD uses the TRAC system to achieve the capability of a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) when driving in 2WD mode (On a 4WD vehicle, Auto LSD only operates when the vehicle is being driven in 2WD mode). Because Auto LSD and Rear Differential Lock perform similar functions, vehicles may have one system or the other, but not both. While Auto LSD components are similar to those in the TRAC system, there are important differences.

- Downhill Assist Control (DAC) -- DAC allows the vehicle to descend a steep hill in a stable manner without the wheels locking. It does this by controlling hydraulic brake pressure at all four wheels, maintaining a constant, low vehicle speed.

- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) -- Without HAC, when starting from a stop on a steep or slippery hill, the driver would have to quickly release the brake and apply the throttle to prevent the vehicle drifting backward. To engage hill-start assist control, further depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped completely. A buzzer will sound once to indicate the system is activated. The slip indicator will also start flashing. HAC operates for about 2 seconds and warns the driver (buzzer) when braking force is about to be released.

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Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported sales for June of 58,298 units versus 75,847 units a year ago, a decrease of 23.1 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles decreased 21.9 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased by 32.3 percent.

NNA INFORMATION

• Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 58,298 units, compared with last June’s sales of 75,847 units, marked a decrease of 23.1 percent.

• To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This June had 25 selling days, and June 2008 had 24 selling days.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

• Nissan vehicles saw sales of 51,994 units in June compared with 66,543 units sold in June 2008, a 21.9 percent decrease.

• Maxima sales for June totaled 4,560 vehicles, a 71.1 percent increase over sales of 2,656 in June 2008.

• Sales of the 370Z rose 11.3 percent in June 2009 compared with the same month last year.

• June was the first full sales month for cube® with 2,137 units.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

• Infiniti sales for June were 6,304 units, down from 9,304 units a year ago, a decline of 32.3 percent. The all-new G Convertible went on sale June 18.

• Sales of the Infiniti QX56 rose 28.2 percent in June 2009 compared with a year earlier.

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TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it will offer new versions of the iQ—a four-seater, ultra-compact with outstanding cruising and environmental performance and air of sophistication borne of unique styling—to cater to car buyers seeking a means for personal expression.

In Japan, TMC will launch in November through its Netz dealer channel a limited-edition iQ customized under GAZOO Racing for a sporty touch, with suspension and handling characteristics that take to an even-higher level the iQ's agility and cruising stability. Other versions planned for the Japanese market include those tailored on both the inside and out for female and young drivers.

Overseas, TMC will supply a uniquely styled iQ-based vehicle called the "Cygnet" to Aston Martin of the United Kingdom through Belgium-based Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA. Aston Martin plans to sell the Cygnet, designed for people who value premium quality and individuality, in Europe. This undertaking is the result of Aston Martin and TMC sharing a corporate philosophy that emphasizes manufacturing cars of the highest quality that are equipped with innovative technologies.

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Two all-new Nissan sports cars, the Nissan GT-R and Nissan 370Z, have been named to “Edmunds’ Inside Line 2009 Readers’ Most Wanted^SM Awards” list. The GT-R and 370Z were the only double winners, taking two categories each in the poll of readers’ favorites in 15 vehicle categories designated by vehicle type and price range. The GT-R was previously named an “Instant Classic” in the “Edmunds’ Inside Line Editors’ Most Wanted^SM Awards” in November 2008 (the 2009 Nissan 370Z was not available at that time). Edmunds’ Inside Line is an online magazine for automotive enthusiasts produced and hosted by Edmunds.com. Results of the poll were announced earlier this week.

The Nissan GT-R supercar was named “most wanted” in the categories “Speed over $30,000” and “Instant Classic Over $30,000.” Reader comments included praise such as:
– One word: GODZILLA.
– Hands down the most performance you can get for the money.
– King of all cars.
– Engineering at its best.

The Nissan GT-R, first introduced in the United States in July 2008, has earned near universal acclaim, including being named Motor Trend “2009 Car of the Year,” Automobile magazine’s 2009 “Automobile of the Year” and winning a “2009 Best Resale Value Award” from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. It features a 485-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, an advanced paddle-shifted, dual clutch rear transmission and a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. The 2010 Nissan GT-R has a starting MSRP* of $80,790.

The Nissan 370Z was the top vote getter in the “Speed Under $30,000” and “Instant Classic Under $30,000” categories. Comments included:
– Beautiful car with incredible performance and low price = instant classic.
– Still a TRUE sports car. Nothing comes close.
– Best Z ever produced…period.
– Killer looks, super strong engine, and the rev-matching system makes any regular Joe seem like a seasoned track vet.

The 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe went on sale in December 2008 with a starting MSRP* of $29,930. The dramatically styled new Z^® offers a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), available 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with SynchroRev Match™ (the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), a refined 4-wheel independent suspension and a long list of available technology features. An all-new 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late summer.

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Following the announcement that President Obama signed the newly enacted Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) program, three Acura luxury vehicle models are expected to qualify for government credit vouchers under the stimulus program. The CARS program, also known as "Cash for Clunkers," is a government subsidy that encourages drivers to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle to replace an older, less fuel-efficient vehicle.

Under the CARS program, government vouchers will be issued to participating dealers for $3,500 or $4,500 (the amount depends on the difference in fuel economy between the older vehicle replaced versus the new model purchased) for new vehicles purchased by qualifying customers. Acura vehicles likely to qualify for government vouchers are the 2009-2010 TSX four-cylinder sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, and certain models of the 2010 MDX luxury sport utility vehicle that will become available later this year.

The NHTSA has created a dedicated website (www.cars.gov) to assist consumers and dealerships in determining program eligibility and to answer questions about the program. Consumers are encouraged to visit this website for more information, and sign up for program updates. The EPA also has information about "CA$H FOR CLUNKER$" on their website (www.fueleconomy.gov). Final program details will be issued by the government within the next few weeks.

In addition to offering top tier luxury and safety, Acura vehicles employ numerous technologies that promote clean, efficient power which is the core objective of the CARS program. An example of such technology, all Acura engines employ VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain timing and a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system that team to help generate excellent power and fuel efficiency. In addition to delivering good fuel efficiency, all Acura engines comply with the latest EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.

In addition to excellent fuel efficiency, Acura prides itself on exceptional safety as evidenced by recently becoming the first (and only) vehicle manufacturer to simultaneously receive 5-star crash safety ratings from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick from IIHS for every vehicle in its lineup. The NHTSA 5-star crash safety rating and IIHS "GOOD" ratings are a direct result of Acura’s "Safety Through Innovation" initiative that is based on the brand’s commitment to leadership in safety.

The Acura brand also ranked first in overall luxury brand residual value in the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2009 Residual Value Awards. According to ALG, Acura's line of luxury performance vehicles is expected to retain the highest percentage of its purchase price after a traditional three-year lease.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
For media information and high-resolution photos and video of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.

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With the introduction of the third generation Prius, hybrid-electric vehicles have now been on the road for more than 10 years. They’ve received much attention for offering substantial fuel savings and fewer emissions then their traditional counterparts. But questions remain. What is a hybrid? How do hybrids work?

Any vehicle that combines two or more sources of power that can directly or indirectly provide propulsion power is a hybrid. A mo-ped (a motorized pedal bike) is a type of hybrid because it combines the power of a gasoline engine with the pedal power of its rider. In fact, hybrid vehicles are all around us. Most of the locomotives we see pulling trains are diesel-electric hybrids. Cities such as Seattle have diesel-electric buses that draw electric power from overhead wires or run on diesel when they are away from the wires. Giant mining trucks are often diesel-electric hybrids. Submarines are also hybrid vehicles -- some are nuclear-electric and others are diesel-electric.

As we know them today, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors. Toyota’s iconic Prius is the country’s most popular hybrid-electric vehicle. More than 707,000 Prius have been sold in the United States since they hit American roads in 2001 (as of April 2009).

The hybrid system found in the Toyota Prius, Highlander Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, which is called Hybrid Synergy Drive, combines an electric motor and a gas engine, along with technology that allows the motor to capture and reuse energy that is usually lost during traditional vehicle braking (regenerative braking).

The Electric Motor

Unlike some other hybrid vehicles on the market, the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive motor provides power to start the vehicle and for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient. The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hybrid vehicles is that the driver must turn the electric motor on and off. Not true; the Hybrid Synergy Drive system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and gradually restarts the engine as the vehicle begins to move forward again. This prevents wasted energy from idling and starting from a dead stop – two times when a vehicle’s engine is the most inefficient.

These features make Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system unique in that it is a “full” hybrid, meaning that it can run on electric power alone under certain conditions. Other hybrids on the market are known as “mild” hybrids, which means they rely on the gasoline engine to power the vehicle at all times while the electric motor assists the engine as needed. The electric motors and batteries in mild hybrids are less powerful than in full hybrids.

Because hybrids can be used by combining any two power sources, it will continue to be applicable even when gasoline is no longer a prime source of vehicle power. In fact, the Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) uses hybrid technology to marry the electric engine with hydrogen fuel cell technology. Like the FCHV exemplifies, hybrids have the ability to assist any power source from gasoline to hydrogen fuel cells to biodiesel. For more information on Toyota hybrids, please visit www.toyota.com

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OAK Racing Team Mazda France scored an LMP2 podium finish at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Jacques Nicolet, Richard Hein and Jean-François Yvon piloted their #24 Pescarolo-Mazda to third in class with the three gentlemen-racers driving a solid, intelligent, error-free race. The result is a huge reward for the team, who had worked non-stop since the beginning of the year.

Scion announced today that its final limited-production vehicle for 2009, the xD Release Series 2.0 (xD RS 2.0), will be available at dealer showrooms later this month.

The 2009 xD Release Series 2.0 comes exclusively in Electric Wasabi green exterior paint and is also distinguished with unique interior modifications. The xD features a touch screen Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) head unit with flash memory, voice recognition, and Bluetooth^®. For media player flexibility, the AVN unit comes with USB, SD card, and iPod^® connectivity. The Pioneer AVN head unit is also satellite radio, rear view camera and HD Radio^® ready and will play iPod videos when the parking brake is engaged. In addition, users can select from over 32,000 colors to customize the 5.8-inch high-resolution WVGA LCD touch-panel display. The driver can plan the perfect roadtrip at home by downloading the freeware application AVIC Feeds to a computer, making a personalized destination directory and then transferring the data to the headunit using SD card or USB memory device.

Electric Wasabi accents the xD’s interior with four-in-one interior lights, and “Release Series 2.0” door sills illuminated with white back lighting. Silver accented seat fabric and individually numbered badging add to the vehicle’s uniqueness.

Release Series wheel covers also distinguish this limited production xD. A color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option.

Scion will only build 1,600 units of the xD RS 2.0. The xD RS 2.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,270 over the base price of the xD. The base MSRP for the standard xD with a manual transmission is $14,650, while the standard xD with an automatic transmission model carries a MSRP of $15,450. The available Electric Wasabi spoiler has a MSRP of $285, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

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The all-new Infiniti G Convertible, sporting a retractable hardtop, Bose® Open Air Sound System and an adaptive climate control system, is on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide, just in time to allow consumers to “Own The Sky” during this weekend’s official start of Summer.

Tom Holcomb of Irving, Texas has been identified as the very first customer to purchase a G Convertible from Grubbs Infiniti and Infiniti has high expectations that many other consumers will follow his lead. Holcomb purchased one of the Premier Editions of the G Convertible which was first offered through the Bloomingdale’s holiday catalog.

“The new G37 Convertible is a great addition to the Infiniti G line that has already earned such prestigious accolades as Car and Driver’s ’10 Best Cars’ in 2009,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti. “It adds all of the excitement of open-air motoring without compromising the G’s legendary performance and signature styling. This new G Convertible is one more compelling reason for buyers to put Infiniti at the top of their consideration lists.”

Infiniti G Convertible Details:
The first-ever G Convertible features a three-piece power retractable hardtop engineered to deliver styling that looks as good with the top up as down. The exclusive convertible-focused interior offers standard leather-appointed seats and is available with a Bose® Open Air Sound System with Bose® front seat personal speakers, climate-controlled front seats with heating and cooling feature, and an Advanced Climate Control System that not only adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed, but actively cleans the air when the top is closed.

The new G Convertible comes equipped with a standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, backed by a choice of a 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission – offering buyers the same high levels of performance as the G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe, along with the wide-open exhilaration of top-down driving.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $43,850 for the G37 Convertible and $43,900 for the G37 Convertible Sport 6MT.

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Looking ahead to year 2020, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the company, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced the "Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020" roadmap for its near-future environmental policy that maximizes the benefits offered by the EV to Leading the EV era, towards a sustainable future."

The new environmental roadmap directs Mitsubishi Motors' commitment to the development of technology - spearheaded by EV technology - and to reducing the environmental impact of its business activities in general. As it points the Mitsubishi Motors group toward working with its customers and society at large in creating a pleasing and low-carbon society, the Environmental Vision 2020 also embodies the company's recently announced "Drive@earth" corporate tagline.

To achieve the MMC Group Environmental Vision 2020 roadmap's goals and targets Mitsubishi Motors will focus its resources in a 3-pronged approach focused on "Product & Technology," "Corporate Activities" and "Cooperation with Society".

1. Products & Technology
	As well as pushing ahead with the development of EV technologies, the company will seek to reduce environmental loads throughout the full lifecycle of its products in many ways including the improvement of fuel economy in internal combustion engine-powered vehicles and vehicle size and weight reduction.
	Achieve a production volume at least 20% of which is comprised of EVs. Cut global lineup CO2 emissions by a weighted average of 50% over 2005.
2. Corporate activities
	Covering the full gamut of corporate activities from product planning through development, production, sales and after-sales services the company will step up its efforts to promote a more widespread use of the EV. In addition, the company will raise the level of its environmental protection activities throughout the Mitsubishi Motors group by setting new environmental standards for each field of corporate activity - from production to distribution, procurement, sales and office work.
	Reduce per-vehicle CO2 emissions during production by 20% over 2005 levels
3. Cooperation with society
	The company will work hand-in-hand with its customers and society at large in creating an infrastructure that supports the use of EVs. It will also step up its contribution to protecting the global environment by promoting more eco-friendly driving habits and through environmental conservation activities with local communities.

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Infiniti has announced pricing on the newest addition to the Infiniti lineup, all-new G37 Convertible, which is scheduled to go on sale June 19th at Infiniti retailers nationwide. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $43,850 for the G37 Convertible and $43,900 for the G37 Convertible Sport 6MT.

The first-ever G Convertible features a three-piece power retractable hardtop engineered to deliver styling that looks as good with the top up as down. The exclusive convertible-focused interior offers standard leather-appointed seats and is available with a Bose® Open Air Sound System, front seat Personal Speakers, climate-controlled front seats and an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed.

The new G Convertible comes equipped with a standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, backed by a choice of a 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission – offering buyers the same high levels of performance as the G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe, along with the wide-open exhilaration of top-down driving.

“The new G37 Convertible is a seductive addition to the G line that has already earned such prestigious accolades as Car and Driver’s ’10 Best Cars’ in 2009,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “It adds all of the excitement of open-air motoring without compromising the G’s legendary performance and signature styling. This new G Convertible is one more compelling reason for buyers to put Infiniti at the top of their consideration lists. ”

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TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it will lease a plug-in hybrid vehicle in Japan in collaboration with local governments selected under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's EV & PHV Towns program, which aims to promote the widespread use of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

TMC is developing a plug-in hybrid vehicle—based on the third-generation "Prius"— equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can be charged via external power sources such as household electricity. This will be the first time a lithium-ion battery is to be employed in a Toyota vehicle for propulsion. Starting at the end of 2009, TMC plans to lease approximately 200 of the vehicles to designated users such as government ministries, local governments and corporations.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle operates as an electric vehicle when used for short distances and can operate as a conventional hybrid vehicle when used for medium to long-distance trips. This means it can be used regardless of remaining battery power or availability of battery-charging infrastructure in place. Furthermore, plug-in hybrid vehicles are expected to achieve higher fuel efficiency than conventional hybrid vehicles, limit consumption of fossil fuels, reduce CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollution, and, by charging with off-peak electricity, promise a more economical vehicle powering solution.

TMC believes that, in response to the diversification of energy sources, plug-in hybrid vehicles are currently the most suitable environmentally considerate vehicles for widespread use. TMC therefore intends to encourage the marketing of plug-in hybrid vehicles while introducing a total of 500 vehicles globally—primarily to fleet customers—to further use and understanding of the vehicles. TMC will introduce approximately 150 vehicles in the United States, as well as more than 150 vehicles in Europe, including 100 in France. TMC is also considering introducing plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany.

TMC has positioned hybrid technologies as core environmentally considerate vehicle technologies and is using them in the development not only of plug-in hybrid vehicles but also electric vehicles and fuel-cell hybrid vehicles. TMC will continue its efforts to achieve sustainable mobility by developing and putting into practical use these next-generation vehicles, which are hoped to contribute to reducing petroleum consumption, reducing CO2 emissions and responding to the diversification of energy sources.

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American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted May total vehicle sales of 98,344, a decline of 39.2 percent compared to all-time record-setting May 2008 results. Year-to-date sales of 430,358 represent a 33.3 percent decrease on a daily-selling-rate basis compared to last year.

Honda Division posted May sales of 88,875, a decline of 39.7 percent versus May 2008. The all-new Insight hybrid posted sales of 2,780, helping drive an increase in total Honda hybrid sales of 7.5 percent.

"May of 2008 was the best month ever for American Honda, as consumers sought fuel-efficient cars in record numbers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "Staying true to the course of providing fuel- efficient, high-quality, fun-to-drive vehicles will hopefully help see us through to the economic recovery."

Honda total car sales decreased by 48.9 percent to 51,947. Honda light truck sales saw a decrease of 19.4 percent to 36,928.

The Acura Division posted sales of 9,469, a decrease of 34.0 percent compared to May 2008. The TL sedan was the division's top seller, with 3,375 units sold.

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Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) announced May 2009 sales of 4,352. May sales, up 11% from April and were led by Mitsubishi's volume leader Lancer. Lancer sales increased 20% from April.

MMNA Executive Vice President of Operations John Koenig noted, "We are encouraged by the strength of our distinctive Lancer and Outlander models, which have been consistent performers this year. And, we are hopeful the positive trend we see in May continues as we progress into the summer selling season and add the new Lancer Sportback to the mix," Koenig added.