Autoblog

Volkswagen subsidiary Automobili Lamborghini is carving out a bigger niche in the exotic car market now that it's under the wing of VW's Audi brand. The automaker has seen sales in the first half of 2006 jump 45 percent, from 655 to 952 units, on strong sales of its new Gallardo Spyder, expansion of its dealer network, and a growing international market for exotic automobiles. Sales in the key U.S. market are up 68 percent so far this year.

CEO Stephan Winkelmann confidently predicted that 2006 will set a new sales record for the company, with both the Gallardo Spyder and the Murcielago LP640 models sporting 12 month backlogs.

The company has expanded into new markets in Asia and Eastern Europe, as it increased its worldwide dealer network 35 percent in the first six months of 2006. Winkelmann is shooting for 100 dealers by year-end.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

In its report on first-quarter worldwide sales, General Motors made a point of highlighting the success of HUMMER and Saab as part of its 4.4 percent growth overall. The two brands have attracted criticism in recent months, notably from board member Jerry York who suggested in January that the company dump both marques.

HUMMER sales grew 202 percent over last year, largely on the strength of the new H3. While most of the growth occurred in the U.S., the company reported strong results in Canada and the Middle East, with further growth in overseas sales expected with the availability of a right-hand drive H3 later this year.

Saab sales set an all-time record, up 23.2 percent worldwide over last year, boosted by the launch of its 2.8-liter V6 turbo powerplant and its 9-5 BioPower (Sweden's best-selling ethanol vehicle). With its model lineup undergoing expansion over the last couple of years (9-7x, 9-2x, etc.) that's somewhat predictable, but still welcome news. Now, if they could just make a profit.

[Sources:Tradingmarkets.com, GM]