General Motor's announces the final set of figures for Q4 and year, with growth in profits EPS and dividends.

• Full-year 2015 EPS of $5.91; EPS-adjusted of $5.02, up 65 percent from 2014
• Fourth quarter EPS of $3.92; EPS-adjusted of $1.39, up 17 percent from 2014
• Fourth quarter net income of $6.3 billion; record EBIT-adjusted of $2.8 billion
• Returned $5.7 billion to shareholders in 2015

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced record 2015 calendar-year net income attributable to common stockholders of $9.7 billion, or $5.91 per diluted share, up from $2.8 billion, or $1.65 per diluted share in 2014. Earnings per share (EPS) adjusted for special items was $5.02, up 65 percent compared to $3.05 in 2014.

Full-year earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted rose to a record $10.8 billion, up from $6.5 billion in 2014. EBIT adjusted margin for the year also increased, to a record 7.1 percent, compared to 4.2 percent in 2014.

“It was a strong year on many fronts, capped with record sales and earnings, and a substantial return of capital to our shareholders,” said Chairman and CEO Mary Barra.  “We continue to strengthen our core business, which is laying the foundation for the company to lead in the transformation of personal mobility. We believe the opportunities this will create in connectivity, autonomous, car-sharing and electrification will set the stage for driving value for our owners for years to come.”

Special items during the calendar year impacted full-year net income to common stockholders favorably, $1.5 billion, or $0.89 per share, compared to an unfavorable $(2.4) billion impact in 2014, or $(1.40) per share. Among these special items were a net gain from the reversal of certain valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, and charges for litigation matters related to the ignition switch recall and a Venezuelan bolivar currency devaluation.

Total net revenue for the year was $152.4 billion, compared to $155.9 billion in 2014. The change in net revenue is due primarily to a negative net foreign currency exchange impact of $9.3 billion. Holding exchange rates constant, net revenue in 2015 was $5.8 billion higher than 2014.

Based on its strong operating performance in 2015 and consistent with the outlook provided in January, the company reaffirms its expectation that its EPS-adjusted will be between $5.25 and $5.75 in 2016.

Fourth Quarter Results

GM’s fourth quarter 2015 net income attributable to common stockholders was $6.3 billion, or $3.92 per diluted share, up from $1.1 billion, or $0.66 per diluted share during the fourth quarter of 2014. Earnings per share adjusted for special items during the fourth quarter was $1.39, up 17 percent compared to $1.19 per share for the fourth quarter of 2014.

EBIT-adjusted was a record $2.8 billion and EBIT-adjusted margin was 7.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to EBIT-adjusted of $2.4 billion and EBIT-adjusted margin of 6.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014.

“The fourth quarter closed another very strong year of operating performance,” said Chuck Stevens, executive vice president and CFO. “We plan to improve our results in 2016, driven by a significant vehicle launch cadence, continued emphasis on growing our adjacent businesses and an unrelenting focus on driving efficiencies into our core operations.”

Special items during the fourth quarter of 2015 impacted net income to common stockholders favorably, $4.0 billion, or $2.53 per share, compared to an unfavorable $(0.9) billion impact in 2014, or $(0.53) per share. These special items included a $3.9 billion net non-cash benefit related to the release of the company’s valuation allowances on certain GM Europe deferred tax assets.

Total net revenue in the fourth quarter of 2015 was $39.6 billion, approximately equal to the fourth quarter of 2014.  Holding exchange rates constant, net revenue during the fourth quarter was $2.4 billion higher than the fourth quarter of 2014.

Overview (in billions except for per share amounts)

		Q4 2015	Q4 2014	CY 2015	CY 2014
Revenue		$39.6	$39.6	$152.4	$155.9
Net income attributable to common stockholders		$6.3	$1.1	$9.7	$2.8
Earnings per share (EPS) diluted		$3.92	$0.66	$5.91	$1.65
Impact of special items on EPS diluted		$2.53	$(0.53)	$0.89	$(1.40)
EPS diluted – adjusted		$1.39	$1.19	$5.02	$3.05
EBIT-adjusted		$2.8	$2.4	$10.8	$6.5
% EBIT-adjusted margin		7.0	6.1	7.1	4.2
Automotive net cash flow from operating activities		$2.2	$3.8	$10.0	$10.1
Adjusted automotive free cash flow		$(0.3)	$1.8	$2.2	$3.1
% Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)		27.2	15.4	27.2	15.4

Segment Results

• GM North America (GMNA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $2.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $2.2 billion in 2014.  Full-year EBIT-adjusted of $11.0 billion and EBIT-adjusted margin of 10.3 percent were both records, and compared to EBIT-adjusted of $6.6 billion and EBIT-adjusted margin of 6.5 percent in 2014. Based on GMNA’s 2015 financial performance, the company will pay profit sharing of up to $11,000 to approximately 49,600 eligible GM U.S. hourly employees. 
• GM Europe (GME) reported EBIT-adjusted of $(0.3) billion in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to $(0.4) billion in 2014.  Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $(0.8) billion in 2015, compared to $(1.4) billion in 2014.
• GM International Operations (GMIO) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $0.4 billion in 2014.  Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $1.4 billion in 2015 compared to $1.2 billion in 2014. Results included China equity income of $0.6 billion in the fourth quarter and
  $2.1 billion for the full year.
• GM South America (GMSA) reported approximately break-even results in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to EBIT-adjusted of $0.1 billion in 2014.  Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $(0.6) billion in 2015 compared to EBIT-adjusted of $(0.2) billion in 2014.
• GM Financial reported earnings before taxes (EBT) of $0.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to $0.1 billion in 2014. Full-year EBT was $0.8 billion, compared to $0.8 billion in 2014.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

For the fourth quarter of 2015, automotive cash flow from operating activities was $2.2 billion, compared to $3.8 billion in 2014. In the fourth quarter of 2015, adjusted automotive free cash flow was $(0.3) billion, compared to $1.8 billion in 2014. For the year, adjusted automotive free cash flow was $2.2 billion, compared to $3.1 billion a year ago.

GM ended 2015 with total automotive liquidity of $32.5 billion compared to $37.2 billion at year-end in 2014.  Automotive cash and marketable securities was $20.3 billion at the end of 2015, compared to $25.2 billion a year earlier.

In 2015 GM returned approximately $5.7 billion to shareholders, including $2.2 billion in common stock dividends and $3.5 billion through the GM common stock repurchase program.

Infiniti to become a technical partner of the new Renault Sport Formula One team from 2016 season

• Technical partner of new Renault Sport Formula One team from 2016 season
• Contributing Infiniti's expertise in hybrid performance
• Leveraging opportunities within the Renault-Nissan Alliance

Infiniti's successful involvement in Formula One enters the next phase. Starting with the new 2016 season, Infiniti will be a technical partner of the new Renault Sport Formula One team. Leveraging its expertise in performance hybrids, Infiniti will contribute engineering resources to the Renault Energy F1 Power Unit's Energy Recovery System (ERS), which incorporates two motor generator units, the MGU-H and MGU-K, and a battery.

This new and enhanced involvement strengthens the Renault-Nissan Alliance and at the same time leverages the opportunities the Alliance provides by creating powerful industrial synergies for its members.

Infiniti's reputation for performance hybrid vehicles is built on the widely acclaimed 3.5-liter hybrid engine. The Q70 sedan – which is equipped with this engine – has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest accelerating full-hybrid car. The same hybrid system is also offered on the Q50 sports sedan. Infiniti's strong expertise will be used by the Renault Sport Formula One team in Viry-Châtillon as a team of Infiniti hybrid specialists move from Infiniti's technical center in Atsugi, Japan to France to support development of the Renault Energy power unit. At the same time, Infiniti will use the experience from the F1 ERS system to further enhance its hybrid powertrains for road cars.

Infiniti began its Formula One involvement in 2011 as partner of the Red Bull Racing team and evolved into the title sponsor of the team as of the 2013 season. Building upon this experience, Infiniti now takes the logical next step forming a technical cooperation with the Renault Sports Formula One team based on a five-year plan.

"At Infiniti, motorsport is an important part of our business strategy," said Roland Krueger, president Infiniti Motor Company. "Forming a technical collaboration and enabling technology transfer road-to-track and track-to-road is the logical next step. The establishment of the Renault Sport Formula One Team by our Alliance partner Renault provides us with an ideal opportunity to enter this next phase of our long-term motorsport strategy."

Infiniti to give Europe a number of Debut's including the premium Active Crossover, QX30.

• Infiniti continues to refresh and grow its product line-up
• Q60 and QX30 have been "designed to perform," inspired by daring concepts
• New models broaden Infiniti's product portfolio at a time of record sales growth

With the European debut of the Q60 sports coupe and the QX30 premium active crossover, Infiniti presents two all-new expressive models at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1, 2016. Joining them will be the further upgraded Q50. All three share Infiniti's iconic design language, innovative technologies and precise driving characteristics.

All-new are the Q60 sports coupe, promising a powerful drive from a highly advanced new V6 twin-turbo engine and the QX30 premium active crossover, with its highly sculpted concept-like exterior, elevated stance and asymmetric cabin design. They will be joined by the refreshed Q50 sports sedan, which features significant performance and dynamic upgrades that deliver a more empowering and rewarding drive experience.

"This is an exciting time for Infiniti, as we have transformed our product line-up and established sales records across the globe and in our region in particular," said Francois Goupil de Bouille, Infiniti vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. 

"The new models set for their European debuts in Geneva highlight our commitment to expanding our product portfolio in new and thrilling directions, based on daring concept cars. This is the Infiniti way, and one that will help us achieve further success in 2016 and beyond."

The bold exterior of the Q60 exemplifies Infiniti's "Powerful Elegance" design language, with distinctive proportions and taut, muscular lines. Innovative drivetrain technologies and power channeled through the rear wheels deliver an exhilarating drive.

The high performance 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine from the new and exclusive VR powertrain family continues the brand's longstanding heritage of advanced six-cylinder powertrains production. The Q60 to be shown in Geneva features the higher-powered V6 engine, providing one of the best power-to-efficiency ratings in the sports coupe class.

Created for a new generation of premium buyers, the all-new QX30 boasts a purposeful, elevated appearance that makes a bold visual statement. Remaining true to the "Powerful Elegance" design approach that guided the original QX30 concept, the car demonstrates Infiniti's design-led approach to product development.

Alongside the Q60 and QX30, Infiniti will also reveal an upgraded version of the Q50, which has played a key role in the brand's sustained global growth in recent years. 

As well as the powerful all-new V6 engine found in the Q60 sports coupe, making its debut in the Q50 is the company's second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering – comprehensively updated from the ground-breaking first-generation system, and Infiniti's new Dynamic Digital Suspension, which gives the new sports sedan an optimal blend of ride comfort and class-leading response and agility.

The launch of these new and upgraded models in Europe comes at a time of rapid growth for Infiniti, and in the midst of an intense global product launch period. Infiniti globally sold a record 215,250 new vehicles in 2015, representing a year-on-year rise of 16 percent. In Western Europe, 7,000 customers bought a new Infiniti last year, an increase of 45 percent over 2014.

CANADIAN SALES JANUARY - Jaguar Land Rover reports it's best ever January ever

• Jaguar Land Rover Canada reports best January ever
• Land Rover Canada reports best January ever
• Jaguar XJ sales up 243 per cent year-over-year
• Jaguar F-TYPE sales up 158 per cent year-over-year
• Range Rover sales up 104 per cent year-over-year

Jaguar Land Rover Canada today reported January 2016 sales totalled 663 units, for a 30 per cent year-over-year increase and the best combined January ever.

"The Jaguar Land Rover brands are off to a fantastic start in the new year, fresh off a record breaking 2015," said Santino Pirillo, Director of Sales, Jaguar Land Rover Canada.  "2016 marks the launch of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the aluminum intensive luxury sedan Jaguar XE, and the first SUV for the Jaguar brand, the Jaguar F-PACE.  

We expect continued record sales momentum in 2016, and we're looking forward to the new models arriving in showrooms in the spring and summer."

CANADIAN BRAND HIGHLIGHTS

Land Rover

This month was the best January ever for Land Rover retail sales with a total of 592 units and a 32 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.  Sales leaders for the month were the Range Rover Sport, with 220 sales - an increase of 3 per cent over the same period last year, followed by the Discovery Sport with 136 units sold, and the Range Rover with 114 sales and a 104 per cent year-over-year increase.

The 2016 model year Land Rover line-up features five models: The Discovery Sport luxury compact SUV, powered by a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0 litre i-4.  The LR4 luxury all-terrain SUV, powered by a 340-hp supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine.  

The Range Rover Evoque luxury SUV, powered by a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0 litre i-4, and Range Rover, the ultimate luxury SUV powered by a 254-hp turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 diesel in the HSE Td6 model, a 510-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8, and a 550-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 in the SVAutobiography model.

For 2016 model year, Land Rover will add two special editions to the Range Rover Sport line up, the Range Rover Sport HST, available in either a 3.0L Supercharged V6 380hp engine or a 5.0L Supercharged V8 510hp engine with added SVR aero package and the 550-hp Range Rover Sport SVR.

Arriving in spring 2016 for the 2017 model year is the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, an exclusive luxury compact SUV joining the Evoque line-up.  The Range Rover Evoque Convertible will be available with a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0 litre i-4 engine in a two-door model with seating for four, starting at $64,990¹.

September marked the start of sales in Canada for the 2016 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport featuring a new 3.0L turbocharged V6 diesel engine.

Jaguar

For the month of January, Jaguar sales reached 71 units, up 20 per cent from the same period last year.  The Jaguar XJ with 24 sales and a 243 per cent increase year-over-year, followed by the F-TYPE with 31 sales and a 158 per cent increase year-over-year.

The 2016 model year Jaguar line-up features four models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by a 340-hp supercharged 3.0 litre V6 in all-wheel-drive, a 470-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 or a 550-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 in the XJR model. The Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by a 340-hp supercharged 3.0 litre V6 in all-wheel-drive, and a 380-hp supercharged 3.0 litre XF S in all-wheel drive. 

The F-TYPE Coupe is powered by a 340-hp supercharged 3.0 litre V6, a 380-hp supercharged 3.0 litre V6, or a 550-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 in the F-TYPE R Coupe.  The F-TYPE convertible is available with three engine variants: a 340-hp supercharged 3.0 litre V6, and a 380-hp supercharged 3.0 litre V6 or 495-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 in the F-TYPE S convertible.

New for the 2016 model year F-TYPE convertible is available with 550-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 in the F-TYPE V8 R.  With the 2016 model year Jaguar F-TYPE, Instinctive All Wheel Drive and manual transmission options are also available.

December will mark the start of sales of the new-from-the-ground-up 2016 model year Jaguar XF sedan, which is based on Jaguar's new aluminum-intensive architecture, and the Jaguar XJ, also benefitting from new all-aluminum body construction and enhanced performance.  

Beginning in the spring of 2016, the Jaguar brand value story further transforms with two new entry luxury vehicles, the 2017 Jaguar XE compact luxury sedan, starting at $45,000¹, and the 2017 Jaguar F-PACE compact luxury SUV, starting at $49,900¹.

¹ All prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $1,375 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for details.

USA RECALL - Various Toyota and Lexus SUV's and Pick-Ups are recalled for possible pre tensioners going off.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 320,000 Model Year 2003-2006 Land Cruiser; 2004-2006 4Runner; 2005-2006 Tundra and Sequoia; 2003-2006 LX 470; and 2004-2006 GX 470 vehicles.

The involved vehicles are equipped with side Curtain-Shield-Airbags (CSAs) which deploy from the roof in the event of certain types of crashes.  Due to improper programming in the airbag control modules, there is a possibility that, under certain specific and limited conditions shortly after startup, the CSAs and seat belt pretensioners could activate when not necessary.  Unexpected activation of the CSAs could increase the risk of injury to the occupant.

All known owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail.  Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the airbag control module with one which has an improved programming at no cost to owners.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time.  For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting 

http://www.toyota.com/recall 

and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site:

safercar.gov/vin.  

For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.

USA SALES JANUARY - Volvo storms up the sales charts with solid growth led by the new XC90, from 38 to 2375

• Continues double digit growth into 2016

Volvo Car USA, LLC, (VCUSA) reported U.S. sales of 4,244 units, an 11.9 percent increase versus January 2015. The top seller for the month was the award winning XC90 luxury SUV with 2,375 units sold.

“This is the seventh consecutive month of double digit growth here in the US,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA. “The XC90 continues to contribute to this growth, and the industry has certainly agreed by awarding it virtually every honor including the 2016 North American Truck of the Year.”

Following an $11 billion investment, the positive momentum has materialized with the first all-new model off the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC90, with world-first safety technologies, a new design language, new powertrain architecture and a range of class-leading connectivity services.