Mercedes will not rely on incentives to pump up flagging sales in the USA.

Mercedes-Benz slipped further behind rival BMW in U.S. sales in November, but departing U.S. brand chief Steve Cannon says he won't pump up planned incentives in December to win the luxury-sales race.

BMW currently leads the luxury race, with just over 8,000 units separating it from a hard-charging No. 3 Lexus.

"Our competitors are out there very aggressive," said Cannon, who is leaving as CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA at the end of the year. "Look, we're going to have another record year -- we're not going to go crazy to try to buy a sales crown. If somebody wants to push harder, let them go for it."

Mercedes has a strong year-end advertising budget, plus deals on volume models that are "about as attractive as we make them throughout the year," said Cannon, who is taking a position as head of the company that owns the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Mercedes' U.S. sales chief Dietmar Exler will take the CEO post effective Jan. 1.

Bad November

Mercedes will need all that to make up for a crummy November, when the brand fell further behind BMW on a Mercedes-Benz luxury sales decline of 13 percent.

As a result, December began with BMW leading the luxury segment with 11-month sales of 311,398 vehicles, up 4.4 percent, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 308,885, up 4.2 percent and Lexus with 303,221, up 12 percent. The Mercedes-Benz tally excludes sales of the Sprinter commercial truck.

BMW won the U.S. luxury-sales crown in 2011, 2012 and 2014. Mercedes-Benz took it in 2013. Lexus had held it in 2000-10.

The November plunge was Mercedes' steepest monthly decline since July 2009.

Cannon attributed the slide to a shortage of vehicles in the hot compact crossover segment. The redesigned and renamed GLC went on sale Nov. 25, later than expected. The vehicle it replaced, the GLK, had "pretty much sold through," he said, leaving "the gap we fell into in the month of November."

The GLC is now out in the market in volume for December sales, he said.

Short supplies

Dealers also have complained about short supplies for the GLE, which went on sale in August, replacing the M-class midsize crossover. Cannon acknowledged that GLE inventory is "tight" because demand has been robust. He wouldn't provide specific supply data for the GLE but said production availability will be strong next year.

According to Automotive News Data Center estimates, Mercedes had a 42-day supply of light trucks on Dec. 1, up from 32 days on Nov. 1.

For the first 11 months of 2015, Mercedes-Benz's incentive spending rose 19 percent, according to TrueCar. But November spending dropped 6 percent, apparently reflecting a lack of vehicles that could take advantage of incentives.

Enough incentives?

Some Mercedes-Benz dealers have grumbled that promotions for the brand's year-end Winter Event aren't competitive enough. Dealers "say stuff like that," Cannon said, but he stressed that this year's Winter Event programs are on par with 2014's.

Other dealers say promotion levels make sense given the brand's limited truck inventory.

"Mercedes hasn't been as aggressive because of their supply problems," said Frank Allocca, a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Newton, N.J., referring to the GLC and GLE shortages. "I can't hate them for that. They're in business to make money."

Allocca said his dealership has been able to hold better gross profits on those vehicles because of the short supply. "You won't have to do a bake sale for any Mercedes-Benz dealer," he said.

Jeff Aiosa, a Mercedes-Benz dealer in New London, Conn., wants more crossovers; his store has less than a week's supply of the GLE.

"We [dealers] always want more program support, but I think it's good," Aiosa said. "There's no excuse for us not to have a really good finish."

But can the brand catch up to BMW?

"There's a shot, and if it happens, it happens," Cannon said. "But we're not altering our programs for the month in order to do that."

Lexus executives also have said they won't chase the crown with aggressive incentives. But Lexus clearly is seeking sales gains, and brand General Manager Jeff Bracken has said that he's keen to see Lexus back on top. Lexus's annual "December to Remember" promotion is its biggest marketing drive of the year.

David Undercoffler

Amy Wilson

REPORT HERE

WORLDWIDE - Biggest shock of the day, Hyundai to deliver a brand new brand, GENESIS, starting in December.

• New ‘Genesis’ brand will compete with the world’s leading luxury car brands
• Six-model line-up begins roll-out from December catering for ‘new luxury’ customers, delivering personalized and human-centered experiences
• Refined performance, athletic elegance in design and human-focused innovation will elevate the Genesis brand

Hyundai Motor has announced an all-new global luxury brand – Genesis –that will deliver ‘human-centered’ luxury through a range of new models that feature the highest standards of performance, design and innovation.

Created for a new generation of discerning consumers, Genesis will be a stand-alone brand that operates alongside the company’s popular Hyundai marque. Capitalizing on its success in the fast-growing global car market, Hyundai Motor will launch six new Genesis models by 2020 and will compete with the world’s most renowned luxury car brands.

The Genesis brand seeks to create a new definition of luxury, one that will provide a new platform for future mobility centered on people. By anticipating human needs at every touch point, Genesis models will embody four key aspects: Human-focused innovation, refined and balanced performance, athletic elegance in design and hassle-free customer experience.

“We have created this new Genesis brand with a complete focus on our customers who want smart ownership experiences that save time and effort, with practical innovations that enhance satisfaction. The Genesis brand will fulfill these expectations, becoming a market leader through our human-centered brand strategy,” said Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Company Vice Chairman.

Genesis models will boast outstanding driving dynamics and design, with innovations tailored to closely-meet the needs of customers. The new model line-up will distance itself from the traditional technological overload of brand-focused competitors, concentrating instead on a personalized, hassle-free customer experience. Continuing the customer-oriented approach that flows through every Genesis model, sales and service staff will provide rapid and attentive service to customer’s requests.

To elevate and differentiate the Genesis brand from Hyundai, a distinct design identity, emblem, naming structure and customer service offering is being established.

Genesis models will be badged with a new wing-type emblem, redesigned from the version used on the current Genesis model to create an even more luxurious look. This emblem firmly cements the Genesis models as a collective family of luxury models under the Genesis nameplate.

The Genesis brand will also adopt a new alphanumeric naming structure. Future models will be named by combining the letter ‘G’ for Genesis with a number, 90, 80 or 70 etc., representing the segment.

Woong-Chul Yang, Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center and Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor said, “The Genesis models will provide technological innovation, excellent driving performance and luxury to customers. Every Genesis model will be created with the needs of our customers in mind, so the resulting car will perfectly meet their needs without any unnecessary burden or excess.”

Fitted with the latest proactive safety technologies, intuitive convenience features and IT connectivity, Genesis models are engineered to provide excellent ride comfort while retaining confident sportiness.

To develop a distinctive and differentiated design for the new Genesis brand vehicles, Hyundai Motor has created a Prestige Design Division. From mid-2016 Luc Donckerwolke, who was previously responsible for the design of Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, SEAT and Skoda models at the Volkswagen Group, will lead this new division alongside his role as Head of the Hyundai Motor Design Center. The work of the new Prestige Design Division will be overseen by Peter Schreyer, as part of his group-wide design responsibilities as President and Chief Design Officer (CDO) of Hyundai Motor Group.

Peter Schreyer commented, “In creating the design signature of Genesis brand cars, we set out to display confidence and originality, creating highly desirable products that present new charm through innovative styling and proportions.”

The name ‘Genesis’, which also means new beginnings, hints at the new values and standards that the brand will bring to the global luxury car market. Initially on sale in the Korean, Chinese, North American and Middle Eastern luxury car markets, the Genesis brand will expand its reach to Europe and other parts of Asia as the model range grows to full strength.

Setting the brand’s cars apart from competitors, innovation will begin with the consumer, with customer requirements directing development. This philosophy echoes the vision of Hyundai Motor to be a ‘lifetime partner in automobiles and beyond’, with the ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction of Hyundai reinterpreted for the new Genesis marque.

Since the launch of its first cars in 1967, Hyundai Motor has grown quickly to become one of the world’s leading automakers. The strategic decision to create an all-new luxury car brand is recognition of the company’s strengths and its global ambitions. By introducing new customers to Hyundai Motor and elevating its competitiveness, the new Genesis brand will enable more people to experience the premium value of Hyundai Motor.

Rolling Stones signed JEEP Renegade up for grabs.

• Following the spectacular "14 On Fire" summer tour featuring the Jeep brand and the legendary British rockers, an original charity initiative has put both icons back in the spotlight.
• New, one-of-a-kind Renegade, signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts in Rome last year, the only Italian date of the tour, is currently up for auction at Charitybuzz.com until 23 December.

Jeep was the Presenting Sponsor and exclusive automotive partner of the Rolling Stones' spectacular "14 On Fire" European Tour that ran from 26 May to 2 July this year and in which the flagship Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV ever and icon of Jeep’s premium quality, played a key role. The series of concerts also provided an ideal occasion to preview the new Renegade.

The partnership between Jeep and the Rolling Stones has been further strengthened by another outstanding initiative of great social value. It stars a unique example of the new Renegade, the very vehicle that was signed by each member of the legendary band: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts. The Jeep is currently being auctioned until 23 December at Charitybuzz.com/RollingStonesJeep. Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe by auctioning off unique items and experiences.

The vehicle in question was signed in Rome, against the spectacular backdrop of the Circo Massimo, on 22 June at the only Italian date of the tour. Special guest for the evening was the all-new Jeep Renegade, unveiled for the first time in Italy in the ancient Roman stadium following its international début at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

There could have been no finer a location for its Italian preview, given that Renegade is the first ever model in the brand's history to be built in Italy and the first Fiat Chrysler Automobiles vehicle to emerge from the collaboration of Italian and US designers.

Sold in over 100 countries around the world, including the US, the new Jeep Renegade has unique personality and boasts class-leading off-road capabilities and more than 60 innovative safety devices. It is the only car in the segment to offer 9-speed automatic transmission, two drive systems, rear axle disconnection device and an instrument panel complete with 7" display.

The first Compact Jeep SUV in the EMEA region comes in four different trim levels (Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk) featuring fuel-efficient turbodiesel or petrol engines and either front- or four-wheel drive.

The all-new Jeep Renegade goes on sale in the UK early next year starting at £16,995 OTR for the front-wheel drive 1.6-litre eTorq Evo 110hp Sport, rising to £27,995 OTR for the 2.0-litre MJet 170hp 4WD Auto Low Trailhawk.

Limited Edition AUDI R8 Competition debuts at the LA Motor Show.

• Audi R8 competition is the most powerful Audi production vehicle to-date going 0-60 MPH in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 199 MPH
• Design and performance elements draw inspiration from R8 LMS racecar
• Limited production of 60 units to be made available in the U.S.

Audi of America announces the debut of the powerful 2015 R8 competition at the upcoming 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The R8 competition redefines the iconic R8 as the pinnacle of Audi performance with 570 hp and racing-inspired, lightweight matte carbon elements.

“The limited-edition Audi R8 competition is the closest road car to our R8 LMS ultra race car that has won virtually every race around the world,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “It is designed for the driving enthusiast and we’re excited to bring 60 units as a limited-edition to the U.S.”

The high-performance R8 competition features a 570hp 5.2L V10 mated exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic and a sport exhaust system with black high-gloss tailpipes. This combination results in a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph, making it the fastest R8 ever offered.

The R8 competition is engineered to push the limits, sharing the same naturally aspirated V10 FSI engine as the Audi R8 LMS race car which has won Daytona and Nuerburgring 24 hour races as well as all other major GT races around the globe. The award-winning GT-engine represents the pinnacle of durability, requiring its first major service after approximately 13,000 miles under race conditions or approximately one full race season. Competitor engines require a major service after one 24 hour race.

Further enhancing the unmistakable Audi R8 competition design are striking matte carbon exterior elements consisting of a fixed rear spoiler, engine bay, mirror housings, flics, side blades, front spoiler and rear diffusor. The combination of the carbon elements lower the weight of the R8 competition and also provide greater downforce. Gloss black wheels with 305 cross-section rear tires and ceramic brakes with anodized red brake calipers provide a stunning contrast to the matte carbon fiber elements. Inside, drivers will find a matte carbon fiber treatment including the center console and illuminated “R8 competition” door sill inlays. The R8 competition is an Audi exclusive line vehicle, which allows the driver to pair a variety of interior and exterior colors and choose from a selection of wheel finishes for a striking look designed to meet driver needs and tastes.

A total of 60 units will be produced at the R8 production facility in Neckarsulm, Germany. Customers can begin ordering the Audi R8 competition as of early November with deliveries expected as of the beginning of 2015.

Alfa Romeo and MTV gives away 6 special edition Giulietta cars

• Alfa Romeo and MTV present special edition Alfa Giulietta FF6 to Fast & Furious 6 competition winner Lisa Clyma from Hampshire
• Lisa correctly identified the movie scene which featured the Alfa Giulietta
• The prize car is one of only six Alfa Giulietta FF6 models produced
• The Alfa Giulietta FF6 is finished in Competizione Red and features a 1.4 TB 170hp MultiAir engine, sports suspension and 18 inch alloy wheels

Alfa Romeo and MTV are celebrating the release of Fast & Furious 6 on DVD and Blu-ray by giving away one of six special-edition Alfa Giulietta models.

The competition asked movie fans to name the scene which features the Alfa Giulietta in a high-octane race in the film. Lisa Clyma, from Hampshire, answered the question correctly by identifying that the Alfa Giulietta is seen racing on a runway and is now the proud owner of the exclusive special edition. Paul Doick, Sales Manager at TH White Alfa Romeo, presented Lisa with the keys to her brand new Alfa Giulietta FF6 on Tuesday 29th October.

The Alfa Giulietta FF6 is powered by Alfa’s award-winning 1.4 TB 170hp MultiAir engine and boasts an array of exclusive features and equipment. Each of the six models bears a Fast and Furious 6 plaque, as well as a dashboard panel signed by the movie’s star-studded cast, including Vin Diesel & Paul Walker.

Each FF6 model is finished in Alfa Romeo’s exclusive Competizione Red with dark titanium 18-inch alloy wheels and red Brembo brake calipers. Side skirts, a rear spoiler and sports suspension complete the Fast and Furious look and feel. Inside there is full leather upholstery and sports seats as well as aluminium sports pedals and signature Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector, allowing drivers to turn up the heat for a more dynamic driving experience.

The Alfa Giulietta was the only unmodified car to feature in the latest Fast & Furious film and the commemorative FF6 Special Edition is now on sale priced at just £25,675.

Alternatively, the Alfa Giulietta is also available from just £199 per month with 0% APR representative* on PCP, while the Alfa MiTo supermini is available with 0% APR representative & a 45% deposit^ across the range.

Built to celebrate five million Porsche fans on Facebook

• Built to celebrate five million Porsche fans on Facebook
• Bespoke specification was chosen following an on-line competition
• 911 Carrera 4S is painted in distinctive Aqua Blue with contrasting white wheels
• Competition on Facebook offers chance to win a drive of this unique car at Silverstone
• "5 million reasons to celebrate!" – it was this slogan that got sports car enthusiasts on the worldwide web revved up to design a unique Porsche 911.

The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer launched the special social media campaign to show its appreciation for the five million ‘Likes’ it has received from fans on-line. Porsche is now running a follow-up global competition on its Facebook page (facebook.com/porsche) until 18 August for the chance to win a drive in a special one-off 911 at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone. Nine scale models of the vehicle will also be available to runners-up.

As part of the of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the Porsche 911, 54,000 social media users voted for their ideal specification of the new car. Working in conjunction with Porsche Exclusive, the custom-tailoring and personalisation department at the factory, the vehicle was painted in the unique metallic colour Aqua Blue and equipped with 20-inch Carrera S wheels with a special white finish.

The unique model also features the Aerokit Cup package, consisting of a front apron with additional front spoiler lip and a new rear engine cover with fixed spoiler. The purposeful exterior styling hints at the added performance provided by the Powerkit fitted to the 3.8-litre flat six engine. This lifts output from 400 hp to 430 hp and enables acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds. The Powerkit includes the Sport Chrono package with dynamic engine mounts and a sports exhaust system.

Graphic motifs specially developed for this 911 model with the wording ‘5M Porsche Fans’ along with custom door entry guards inscribed with ‘Personally built by 5 Million Porsche Fans’ identify this car as a genuine original. It will soon be possible for all Porsche enthusiasts to experience this 911 – which is right-hand drive – on the driving courses offered at the Porsche Experience Centre.

The runners-up in second place through to tenth place in the competition will receive a 1:43 scale model of the 911 Carrera 4S ‘5M Porsche Fans’. The competition is open to anyone with a Facebook account and a valid driver's licence. For more information about the competition and the unique model, along with the terms and conditions of participation, visit porsche.com/5million and porsche.com/exclusive.