WASHINGTON – The American Bankers Association testified today before the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, expressing strong support for bipartisan legislation that would provide critical balance and transparency to the bank examination process.

ABA Chairman Albert C. Kelly, Jr., testified that the Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act (H.R. 3461) introduced by Subcommittee Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Ranking Member Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) would help address some examiner decisions that unnecessarily reduce capital available for lending — particularly to small businesses.  Kelly is also chairman and chief executive officer of SpiritBank, headquartered in Bristow, Okla.

“This bill takes a major step toward a more balanced and transparent approach regarding how, and on what basis, decisions are made by regulatory agencies in the examination process,” he said.  “We strongly urge its enactment, which would increase banks’ ability to help local businesses grow and create jobs.”

Although no single piece of legislation could address the wide range of concerns bankers have about today’s supervisory environment, Kelly testified that H.R. 3461 takes a major step toward restoring this balance.

“It is rooted in fundamental principles of accountability, transparency and quality assurance regarding regulators’ decision-making during the examination process,” he said.  “The bill would confirm clear exam standards based on long-established interagency policy and create an independent FFIEC ombudsman to ensure the consistency and quality of all examinations.  It provides mechanisms that guard against overly conservative examinations and provides a meaningful path for appeal by banks when there are legitimate concerns that the examination decisions have gone too far.”

While the banking industry and its regulators both desire a strong banking system that meets the needs of customers in a safe manner, Kelly noted that precisely how that’s achieved can make an enormous difference.

“Because the U.S. banking system is vital to the health of our nation, the manner in which it is regulated has a direct impact on the country’s economic growth and vitality,” he said.  “Overly conservative examinations translate into less credit in local communities, which means businesses grow more slowly and create fewer jobs.  There is no question that the regulatory pendulum has swung too far in reaction to the financial crisis.”

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For a copy of Kelly’s full testimony, please click here.

About American Bankers Association
The American Bankers Association represents banks of all sizes and charters and is the voice for the nation’s $13 trillion banking industry and its two million employees. The majority of ABA’s members are banks with less than $165 million in assets. Learn more at aba.com.

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Driven by an increase in sales of the all-new 2012 Camry and Camry hybrid, the Toyota Division posted January sales of 112,266 units, an increase of 9.0 percent compared to the same period last year. The Lexus Division reported sales of 12,274 units, down 4.6 percent from last January.

“This month’s results show that the all-new Camry is a hit, attracting both new and loyal customers with its class-leading performance and value,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Our focus on delivering the best new products will continue as we enter the most aggressive launch of new vehicles in Toyota’s history.”

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded sales of 67,602 units, up 20.1 percent over January 2012. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid with combined sales of 28,295 units, an increase of 55.9 percent over the year-ago month. Monthly sales of the Prius family increased 8.7 percent with combined sales of 11,555 units. Avalon recorded monthly sales of 3,219 units, up 79.3 percent. Corolla posted January sales of 17,988 units.

Toyota Division light trucks posted January sales of 44,664 units, a decrease of 4.4 percent year-over-year. The RAV4 compact SUV led light truck with January sales of 9,819 units. The Tacoma mid-size pickup reported an increase of 24.6 percent with sales of 8,898 units, which helped push total Toyota pickup truck sales up 8.9 percent in January. The Tundra full-size pickup posted sales of 5,512 units, and the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 6,856 units for the month. The 4Runner mid-size SUV reported sales of 2,919 units.

Scion posted January sales of 3,535 units, an increase of 7.9 percent versus January 2011. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 1,309 units, while the xB urban utility vehicle recorded January sales of 1,200 units. The xD reported sales of 652 units, up 4.2 percent over the year-ago month. Currently on sale in specific regions, the iQ premium micro-subcompact posted sales of 374 units.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 6,069 units, up 9.1 percent over January 2011. The ES entry luxury sedan led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 2,410 units, an increase of 8.8 percent. The IS luxury sports sedan reported combined sales of 1,810 units.

Lexus light trucks recorded sales of 6,205 units, a decrease of 15.0 percent compared to the same period last year. The RX luxury utility vehicle led Lexus light truck sales with posted combined monthly sales of 5,038 units. The GX mid-size luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 878 units.

TMS Hybrids
TMS posted January sales of 16,065 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 19.8 percent. Toyota Division posted sales of 14,102 hybrids for the month, up 15.7 percent year-over-year. Lexus Division reported monthly sales of 1,963 hybrids, an increase of 60.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

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3. Ford Motor Company U.S. Sales Increase 7 Percent in January; Focus, Escape, Explorer Drive Growth

Download Full Sales Release (With Tables)

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 1, 2012 – Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 136,710 vehicles in January, a 7 percent increase versus year-old levels. The Ford brand totaled 131,589 vehicles in January, making it the best January sales month for the Ford brand since 2008.

“January started off with solid sales versus year-ago levels,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford saw the same solid month, with smaller vehicles in higher demand. Escape continued its record-setting run, and Focus set the pace for car sales in California, Texas and the Southeast.”

Ford brand grew small car, utility and truck sales in January versus a year ago. Focus small car and Escape utility combined provided 49 percent of Ford Motor Company volume growth in January. With 17,259 Escape vehicles sold, it was another best-ever January for Escape, topping last January by 24 percent.

Sales of the Ford Explorer totaled 9,966, a 36 percent gain versus strong year-ago results.

The Ford F-Series, America’s top-selling vehicle for the past 30 years posted January sales of 38,493 vehicles, representing an 8 percent increase. EcoBoost-equipped F-150s represented 42 percent of retail sales in January, providing Ford a retail F-150 V6 engine mix (EcoBoost V6 and Ford’s 3.7-liter V6) of 54 percent for the month.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

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2012-02-01

DETROIT – General Motors remains the No. 1 innovator for the fourth-consecutive quarter among 183 companies ranked by The Patent Board in its quarterly automotive and transportation industry scorecard.

GM was granted 1,123 U.S. patents in 2011 applied to global product engineering, global powertrain engineering, global research and development and OnStar organizations.

The Patent Board is the leading independent provider of best practices research tools and metrics for patent analysis and intellectual property investment.  It tracks and analyzes innovation and patents across 17 industries on a global basis.

Among recent technology patents:

Quiet Brakes – A friction-damped disc brake design that uses a thin metal ring embedded in the brake rotor to absorb vibrations and mute the squeal. The quieter brake is expected to be available on some cars and trucks within two to three years.

OnStar Voice Recognition – OnStar’s speech recognition method can identify the location of the speaker within the vehicle and adjusts its microphone pick-up pattern or magnitude to respond to location-specific commands.

eAssist Thermal Management – Vehicles with engine shut-off capability, such as Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, use an innovative thermal management system that maintains occupant comfort during engine-shut off, and prevents engine shut-off if comfort will be lost, such as during extremely cold or hot weather conditions.

“We are in the midst of redefining the automotive DNA, and these efforts are driving our people to reinvent every subsystem on the vehicle” said Alan Taub, GM vice president of Global Research and Development. “Being the recognized leader in innovation is important, because it tells our customers and shareholders that we are working on the leading edge of technology.”

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

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2012-02-01

DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported total sales of 167,962 vehicles in the United States in January, down 6 percent compared with a very strong January 2011.

“Chevrolet drove our performance once again and sales of our fuel-efficient new cars were especially good,” and Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations.  “The strength that the economy and the auto industry showed in the fourth quarter carried into January, so we believe the year is off to a good start.”

Chevrolet passenger car sales increased 13 percent. GM’s total passenger car sales increased 3 percent in January, led by a 30-percent increase in sales of fuel-efficient small and compact cars, which include the new Chevrolet Sonic, the consistently strong-selling Chevrolet Cruze and the new Buick Verano.

In addition, the Buick LaCrosse, which now offers the 36-mpg highway eAssist powertrain as standard equipment, posted a 6 percent year-over-year increase, and the Chevrolet Camaro was up 20 percent.

GM’s crossover sales decreased 18 percent and sales of trucks, which include full-size pickups, vans and SUVs, decreased 6 percent.

Retail deliveries declined 15 percent compared with the same month a year ago and accounted for 70 percent of GM sales.

“In 2012, we will strengthen our position with more new products, an even better dealership experience and reinforce the disciplined ‘go to market’ strategy that helped us grow profitably in the United States in 2011,” said Johnson.

GM has an aggressive new product plan for 2012:  Production of the new 2013 Buick Verano is ramping up.  In January, the company began production of the 37-mpg 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, with four-cylinder and turbo powertrains launching in the summer, about the same time the new 2013 Chevrolet Spark arrives in showrooms.

In late spring, Cadillac will launch its new XTS large sedan and in late summer, its new ATS luxury sports sedan.  Late in 2012, Buick will launch the new Encore crossover, which made its debut at the North American International Auto Show.

At the Chicago Auto Show, GMC will introduce a new Acadia, which will go into production in late 2012.  Other new products will be announced at major U.S. auto shows and other events throughout the year.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this press release and in related comments by our management, our use of the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” “believe,” “commit,” “intend,” “continue,” “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “projected,” “positioned” or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to realize production efficiencies and to achieve reductions in costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives and labor modifications; our ability to maintain quality control over our vehicles and avoid material vehicle recalls; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, including as required to fund our planned significant investment in new technology; the ability of our suppliers to timely deliver parts, components and systems; our ability to realize successful vehicle applications of new technology; and our ability to continue to attract new customers, particularly for our new products. GM’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q provides information about these and other factors, which we may revise or supplement in future reports to the SEC.

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“Our investment in GM’s Arlington plant is one more example of GM strengthening the economy and creating jobs throughout the many U.S. communities where GM does business,” said GM Manufacturing Manager Larry Zahner.

Currently, Arlington receives stamped components from several GM plants, with some parts coming from more than 1,000 miles away. The new facility, which comes on line in 2013, will save about $40 million a year in logistics cost.  The new facility is in addition to a $331 million investment to purchase tooling and equipment and expand the Arlington Assembly Plant that was announced along with 110 additional jobs in May 2011.

“Today’s announcement is further evidence that the U.S. auto industry is back.  An important goal for the UAW is to increase the number of manufacturing jobs in the United States and we are pleased that General Motors has decided to make this investment in Arlington,” said Joe Ashton, vice president of the UAW representing the GM department.  “We look forward to more good news in 2012 as our workers continue to build the world’s best vehicles.”

Tuesday’s announcement is the first manufacturing investment by GM in 2012. Since June 2009, the company has announced more than $6.9 billion of investment to upgrade or expand operations in 12 states, creating or retaining more than 17,600 jobs.

“This investment is possible because of the teamwork among GM, the UAW, the Arlington community and the great State of Texas,” said Zahner. “We truly appreciate the support we have enjoyed from the Arlington community over the years.”

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

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PARK RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – On January 10, 2012, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) participated in the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference, and presented a web cast overview of the business and investment considerations. The Company also provided certain 2012 revenue assumptions at the conference, which included 9% to 10% worldwide revenue growth for its equipment rental business.  Today, it clarified that the 9-10% growth will be driven by an estimated 14% increase in its U.S. operations. Additionally, on January 17, 2012, the Company announced the acquisition of Cinelease, the U.S. market leader in lighting and grip rentals for television production. At that time, Hertz estimated the acquisition would add an incremental 3% to global equipment rental revenue this year, which equates to at least 17% U.S. growth.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110810/NY50373LOGO )

The Company intends to provide 2012 full year guidance in late February, during its fourth quarter and year-end earnings conference call.

The Company is issuing this clarification on a one-time basis only and undertakes no duty to update or revise any forward-looking assumptions for its equipment rental business.

About Hertz

Hertz is the world’s largest general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,500 locations in approximately 150 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 94 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold®, NeverLost® customized, onboard navigation systems, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Company’s Adrenaline, and Green Traveler Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. In 2008, the Company entered the global car sharing market and now operates in Berlin, London, Madrid, Miami Beach, New York City and Paris. Hertz also operates one of the world’s largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, as well as new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers from approximately 320 branches in the United States, Canada, China, France, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, as well as through its international licensees. Hertz also owns Donlen Corporation, based in Northbrook, Illinois, which is a leader in fleet leasing and management services.

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RSIG contends that NAMS is the only technology solution that can provide direct communication with the repossession agency and field rep, as well as ensure that every account is afforded insurance protection through the Recovery Specialist Insurance Group insurance policy.

“Gone are the days of having to sort through numerous insurance certificates and coverages,” RSIG director Jim Clark declared.

“NAMS offers one place where repossession insurance is standardized across the board, and there’s no doubt of who’s covered and who’s not,” Clark continued.

As a result, Clark pointed out RSIG is working with Allied president George Badeen to extend NAMS availability to members of Allied Finance Adjusters.

“Over the years, Badeen and other previous presidents of Allied Finance Adjusters saw the value in careful membership screening and open membership growth, becoming a strong force in the repossession industry,” Clark explained.

“They looked to the RSIG underwriting model as a way to continue to improve its membership processes in terms of background checks, facility inspections and education requirements. This proactive approach by Badeen and Allied Finance Adjusters made them a natural partner as NAMS continues to expand its presence to lenders nationwide,” Clark went on to say.

Industry relationships involving NAMS haven’t been limited to Allied.

RSIG mentioned US Tracers — a public records company focused on developing tools and data products to locate and verify information — recently selected NAMS as its industry partner to integrate RepoBoost.

“The use of RepoBoost within NAMS makes more vital information available to lenders and repossessors, which leads to a more efficient repossession process,” Clark noted.

“Repossessions happen faster, and repossessors and lenders are armed with better more current information. This robust product is only integrated within NAMS,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Clark indicated several lenders are in training or using NAMS already, as well. He expects several lenders within the next 60 to 90 days to adopt the solution, and RSIG will go through the approval processes with these lenders’ corporate offices, collection, legal and tech departments.

“Lenders are excited about the NAMS program because of the ease of use of the system and extraordinary security measures employed by the system,” Clark stressed.

“The NAMS program has been a long time in the making, but when striving for an efficient and effective solution for both repossessors and lenders, shortcuts were not an option,” he continued. One California credit union who recently trained on the system says, ‘I love this system and can’t wait to use it more.’”

For more information about RSIG or NAMS, visit website www.rsig.com or call (703) 365-0199.

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DETROIT (Feb. 1, 2011) – As the auto industry continues on a path of steady recovery and customers return to showrooms, dealers are taking advantage of lease training being offered by Ally.

In 2011, more than 7,700 dealership personnel completed lease training offered by Ally either via online instruction, in-dealership training or classroom setting at a centralized location.

“With growth predicted in the industry in 2012, dealers want to ensure their staffs are knowledgeable on all the vehicle leasing and purchase financing options available to consumers,” said Kathy Ruble, Ally’s director of Alliance Sales, Performance & Development. “We continue to get very positive feedback from dealers who’ve attended our lease training sessions.”

Attendees of Ally’s lease training sessions learn about the complete value proposition of leasing and how it can meet unique customer needs. The training also provides dealers with tools to teach them how to improve customer retention and loyalty.

NADA selects Ally

To further assist dealers in educating their staffs on the key elements of leasing, Ally will be conducting classroom training sessions at the upcoming National Automobile Dealers Association Convention (NADA) in Las Vegas in February. Training will be offered at three separate times to provide flexibility and accommodate dealer schedules while they are at NADA.

“We’re excited to offer our lease training at the NADA Convention, as it provides us with another opportunity to engage directly with the dealers, demonstrate our expertise and show them how we can add value to them and their business,” said Ruble.

About Ally Financial

Ally Financial Inc. (formerly GMAC Inc.) is one of the world’s largest automotive financial services companies.  The company offers a full suite of automotive financing products and services in key markets around the world.  Ally’s other business units include mortgage operations and commercial finance, and the company’s subsidiary, Ally Bank, offers retail banking products.  With approximately $182 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2011, Ally operates as a bank holding company.  For more information, visit the Ally media site at http://media.ally.com.

Contact:

Steve Kinkade
Ally Financial Inc.
313-656-3672
steven.kinkade@ally.com

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NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Ally Financial Inc. (Ally) has scheduled the release of its fourth quarter and full year 2011 financial results for Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012.  The press release will be issued at 8 a.m. EST via PR Newswire and on the Ally Media Center website (http://media.ally.com).

Ally Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Carpenter, Senior Executive Vice President of Finance and Corporate Planning Jeffrey Brown, and Chief Financial Officer James Mackey will host a conference call at 9 a.m. EST to review the company’s performance.  The call will include a review of the results, followed by a question and answer session. The call is expected to last approximately 60 minutes.

Conference Call Information: Dial 1-866-783-2145 (or +1-857-350-1604 for international access) at least 10 minutes prior to the start time and enter the participant code 38148711.

The conference call will also be webcast live on Ally’s Investor Relations website in the Events & Presentations section (http://www.ally.com/about/investor/events-presentations/index.html).

The presentation and financial supplement will be posted in the Events & Presentations section of Ally’s Investor Relations website on Feb. 2, 2012, at approximately 8 a.m. EST.

Archive: A taped replay of this call will be made available from 11 a.m. EST on Feb. 2, 2012, until Feb. 9, 2012.  Please dial 1-888-286-8010 (or +1-617-801-6888 for international access) and enter participant code 71984407 to access the taped replay. A replay of the webcast will also be made available on the Ally Investor Relations website.

Contacts:
Sarah Comstock
313-656-6954
sarah.n.comstock@ally.com

Chris McNamee
646-781-1010
christopher.mcnamee@ally.com

SOURCE Ally Financial

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