Union problems, soaring gas prices and a faltering economy made April the worst month for new vehicle sales since 1995. Continued production in the face of diminished demand helped maintain the manufacturer's cash flow, but it lead to the inevitable: swollen inventories. In other words, even as U.S. new car sales go down the toilet, the toilet's backing up. Fix the number 60 in your mind (the ideal number of days' supply for a new vehicle on a dealer's lot) and take a look at what's going down at your local automotive emporium.

You'd think GM's production "hiatus"– caused by the American Axle strike– would have reduced the General's truck inventory. Nope. The U.S. automaker ended April with a 109-day supply of trucks, up from the previous month's 98-day supply. The Buick Enclave's and GMC Acadia's low dealer stock (38 and 54 days, respectively) couldn't offset lingering Chevrolet Silverados (122-day supply), Tahoes (125 days), GMC Sierras (122 days) and Yukons (188 days). All four trucks were more abundant than they were during the month previous.

Ford's truck inventory wasn't quite as scarifying. A 39-day supply of Rangers and a 54-day supply of Escapes helped lower their truck inventory average to 80 days by month's end. Meanwhile, the F-Series' dealer inventory jumped from March's 97-day end-of-month supply, to April's 129 days. The Expedition's inventory rose from 67 to 98 days. Even though it's one of Ford's best-selling models, the Edge went from a 69-day to a 107-day supply. 

With Chrysler's plummeting sales, it's no surprise their inventory's up. The lame duck Dodge Ram's inventory jumped from 99 days to a 109-day supply. Dealer stock of the unloved Dodge Dakota ballooned from 73 to 110 days' supply. After starting with an 81-day supply, Jeep ended up with a 102-day stock of Grand Cherokees. The new Dodge Journey was ChryCo's sole bright spot. The CUV started April with a 130-day supply and ended with 57 days' supply on the lots. 

Of the two truck-heavy transplants Toyota fared best. They don't list inventory by model, but they finished the month with a 52-day supply of trucks, up only two days from the end of March. Nissan's numbers represent the nadir. Murano (76 days) and Rogue (82 days) clogged dealers lots the least, while Armada (203 days), Titan (232), Xterra (198) and Frontier (137) were super-abundant. 

No question: 2008 is the year of the car. As consumers left ten-foot pole marks on high profit trucks and SUVs, car inventory numbers were their best in months. The Chevrolet Aveo dropped to 65 days (from March's 113) and Cobalt finished the month at the 52-day level (down from 75). GM dealers started April with a 37-day supply of Malibus; they ended it with a 36-day supply. A 21-day supply of Impala turned into a 22-day inventory. The only real dogs were the Pontiac G6– which went from a 43- to 64-day supply–and Saab. GM doesn't break out their Swedish division's individual models, but the ostensibly Swedish brand started the month with a 77-day supply, and ended at 151.

As you might expect, Ford dealers are moving more small cars than big. The Taurus started the month at 60 days' supply and finished at 73 days. Volvo ended the month with an 88-day supply of 70-series, up 11 days.  FoMoCo stores' supply of Fusions dropped four days, starting at 52 and ending with 48. Their stock of Focus dropped by 11 days, to 43.  The 30-series Volvo ended April at a 94-day level, down from 120 days.

April was a mixed bag for Chrysler. The 300 went from a 61-day supply to 82 days, the Sebring shot from 42 days to 69 ,and Avenger finished at the 51-day level after starting at 35 days. On the other hand, Caliber's inventory dropped from 48 days to 39, Charger went from 58 days to 41 and the reportedly doomed PT Cruiser ended the month at 38 days' supply, after starting at the 50-day level. 

Toyota began April with a 51-day supply of cars and finished up with a 53-day supply overall. Nissan began with the ideal 60-day level of Sentras and ended  with a 59-day supply. Versa's inventory dropped from 53 days to 51. Altima, however, went the wrong direction, finishing at the 71-day level after starting at 48 days. Honda had a 67-day supply of Accord on the lots on April 1; on April 30 they had a 72-day supply. Civic inventory dropped from 52 days to 48 and Fit went from 27 days to 22.

The manufacturers are taking steps to adjust these inventory numbers- GM has even stopped filling orders from dealers for many of their large trucks. However, with sales down it could take months to get things leveled out. In the meantime, look for increased fleet sales and bigger incentives as The Big 2.8 and Nissan do whatever they can to clear the lots. Also look for Toyota to ramp up incentive spending gradually, balancing the need to move the metal against creating incentive-dependent customers.  

Car Magazine reports that Infiniti will be building a convertible version of its G37 coupe as part of Nissan's planned new model blitz. To give its new boulevardier the coupe-cabriolet look that's launched a hundred thousand SLKs, Infiniti will fit the drop top with a folding hardtop. As for drivetrain and handling, I got nothing. The usual rendered speculation is typically conservative, and given Infiniti's rep for, um, restrained styling, it's probably not far off the mark. Look for the G37 convertible to hit the mistress' hot button in February of next year. Meanwhile, Motor Authority reveals that Cadillac has axed plans for a CTS convertible. While noting that the two-door CTS coupe is still FAB, GM has refused to officially comment on the rumored stillbirth. While it's tempting to lambast GM for skipping an opportunity to build a vehicle which could boost The General's image, a half-baked convertible with an insufficient development budget would be disastrous for its premium brand. (Just ask Pontiac how it likes its drop-top G6.) Not as disastrous as, say, an entry-level model below the CTS, but bad. No word on whether there'll be a CTS-V Coupe, but we're reasonably optimistic Caddy's fascination for the Green Hell will continue apace. Literally. 

Autocar UK has the latest details and a rendering of Nissan's updated 370Z sports coupe. The pic reveals an gently evolved version of the current Nissan offering. The Z's proportions, curved roofline and vertical door handles remain virtually unchanged. Other than new LED headlights, you'd be hard-pressed to tell elder and younger Zs apart. From what we can tell, a better-handling shortened wheelbase is the only major cosmetic change. The new sports car's 3.7-liter V6 will make 326hp, up from the 309hp offered by the outgoing 3.5-liter mill. Autocar speculates that the Z's new powerplant will sing a slightly more grunty tune than the G37's engine, thanks to variable valve lift and timing. Expect six-speed manual and seven-speed paddle-equipped automatic transmissions, as well as a welcome diminution of interior and road noise. Autocar suggests a diesel version, but they're going to pull the other one (it has bells on it).

Conventional wisdom says never buy a car the first year it's on the market, whether it's a brand new model or a redesign of an existing one. TrueDelta's latest quarterly results say… it depends from whence cometh the car. The 2008 Honda Accord, Nissan Rogue and Mercedes C-Class, for example, all boast a better than average repair rate. On the other hand, GM. Last year, the GMC Acadia and Saturn's Aura and Outlook showed higher than normal repair rates. So far this model year, they're lower than average rates. The cycle is repeating for the 2008 Cadillac CTS (2.5 times the average repair rate) and Saturn Vue (1.5 times the average). TrueDelta developer Michael Karesh sums it up thus: "For GM, rough launches appear to be the rule rather than the exception." So the next time GM CEO Rick Wagoner and Co. feel like mouthing-off about the "perception gap" supposed afflicting their narrow-minded non-customers, they should visit TrueDelta (and/or TTAC) for some cold, hard truth. if we don't say so ourself. Which we do. 

Chrysler's finally seen the light. After years of building versions of everything they build to sell under every brand they sell, they've canceled the Chrysler version of the Dodge Journey CUV. Co-prez Jim Press stopped by the passive construction site to explain that "resources have been deployed to basically support" development of the small car to be manufactured by Nissan. "It's a segment we are not competing in now." (What was his first clue?) Bloomberg reports that this move means Chrysler will only be introducing three new models for the 2009 model year: the Journey, the Challenger and a redesigned Ram. That leaves Chrysler looking toward the magic year 2010, when they hope to have their new compact ready to go along with new versions of the Grand Cherokee and Durango (no mention of the Aspen, though) and a redesigned Charger and 300. Will it be a case of too little, too late? We'll have to wait a couple of years to find out — if Chrysler lasts that long.

In a direct homage to Glorious Communist Plans of Stalin and Mao, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has announced his employer's latest five-year plan. The New York Times reveals the catchy name: GT 2012 (G for Growth, T for Trust). Trust? "In our industry, the companies that are performing best are the ones that have established a high level of trust with the different stakeholders.” So no American Axle, Plastech troubles for them, then. Anyway, amongst Carlos' goals: improved quality control, expansion of the Infiniti lineup into Europe, mo' and mo' better entry level cars , increased sales in the BRIC and Middle East, and something about profit (per-share dividend of 42 yen for '09'10, the rest TBA). Oh, and electric vehicles in the U.S. market within two years (yes 2010) and globally ever after. Just remember: they chose to do it. "Nissan decided to accelerate  development of battery-powered vehicles because of high gasoline prices and environmental concerns, not just because of the need to meet stricter fuel-economy standards." The conflict being? And in a dig at another electric vehicle, Carlos proclaims "We're not interested in some Stars Wars prototype." Tough talk for a man who says "“We’re talking about hundreds of [electric] vehicles first."

The Detroit News, internationalists that they are, report that Renault/Nissan is entering into a joint venture with India's Bajaj motors to take on the ultra-cheap Tata Nano (a.k.a. the one lahk car). Bajaj will own fifty percent of the joint venture, with Renault and Nissan splitting the rest. Together, they'll build a new factory in Chakan, India, Starting in 2011, the facility should eventually bang-out some 400k entry-level rides per year, heading for both the Indian and Chinese new car markets. No details are available about the powertrain or standard equipment (wheels? side mirrors? doors?). Whether this sudden craze for inexpensive mass market motors becomes a cash cow or a money pit remains to be seen; the challenge represents one of Nissan/Renault's most ambitious international projects. Still, Renault found plenty of karma with their first forray at the bottom of the market with the [formerly Dacia] Logan. The Indian version, built with Mahindra and Mahindra was a big hit for all concerned. The Iranians also build a version, but that's a story for another day.

Nissan's GT-R recently raised some eyebrows by lapping the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in a tidy 7 min 29 seconds, just barely missing the record held by the Pagani Zonda F. And now Cadillac, once known for its bewinged boulevardier behemoths, has stepped into the Green Hell. Caddy's 542 hp CTS-V emerged with a 7 min 59 second lap time, a feat claimed as the best ever for a production four-door car. Of course, everyone knows production-spec cars are strictly for suckers. So what's the fastest four-door to ever lap the 'ring? According to Wikipedia's list of Nordschleife times, it's a BMW X5 LM: a limited edition sport ute with a Le Mans racer V12 shoved under the hood. Back in 2005, that bad boy clocked a 7:50 lap. For reference, the CTS-V's 7:59 is the same as a Viper SRT-10, Carrera 997S, R33 Skyline GT-R, and STi Spec C. Quite what all this has to do with luxury cars is not clear, but it's good to be King. Isn't it?

Well friends, tomorrow is the big race (my birthday as it turns out). Yesterday, Speed:Sport:Life's own Jack Baruth and I assisted our lead mechanic Dave (aka Hellhammer) put the final touches on the V8olvo. And I'm proud to report, she's beautiful. So beautiful in fact that we simply had to take it down to an every-other-Thursday type car show to let the vintage domestic aficionados know what some seriously grim and frostbitten Gothenburg steel looks like. Surprisingly, they loved it. Actually, it's not so surprising. I mean, what's not to love about a 1984 Volvo 244 stuffed with a Ford 302 and a five-speed? Plus a radiator from a 560SEL. Springs and sway bar from Thunderbird. Oh, and fans. Lots and lots of fans. We figured we might as well show our LeMons racer off to the public before it gets t-boned by a Corrado and appears less, um, shapely. Sigh. Wish us luck, we're going to need it. Or not (evil laughter goes here). Check back here Saturday and Sunday for updates on the LeMony action!

After reading Wilkinson's GT-R review, I sent him an email expressing how much I enjoyed his take on Godzilla. And how I'm humbled by his wordsmithery. More importantly, I agree with his impression of the baddest ever Nissan. Are we driving cars or driving computers? Several of TTAC's Best and Brightest (however) highlight the fact that the ex-Car and Driver editor didn't grow up playing video games. He can't possibly "get" the car. (Which is a polite way of calling him old.) One commenter asked to hear Stephan's 28-year-old daughter's take on the car, assuming her age would make her take more relevant. While I'm older than his daughter, I'm in the demo that came of age with a joystick in hand [Ee: so to speak] First of all, what kind of a car is only enjoyed by a single age range? A bad one. Look– a friend of mine in his late 50s says that selling his '65 GTO was the dumbest thing he's ever done, I get it. I get it, big time. Just like he gets my WRX– although he thinks it looks stupid. But you know something? It does look stupid. It's a station wagon with a spoiler– it's supposed to look stupid. Oh right, the question. Do certain cars only work for certain age groups? 

Pistonheads (PH) reveals that the Nissan GT-R that pushed aside Porsche's Nurburgring record is not– as previously reported— a current production car. Nissan's 'ring-er was a modified Japanese GT-R: a better-handling version GT-R that's headed for the U.S. and European markets. Allegedly. More specifically, PH says the record holder had a "number of tweaks that are intended for its European launch… Nissan is understood to be including three harder engine mounts and a stiffer transaxle mount for the US version, resulting in an even finer tuned suspension and powertrain. The European GT-R will be enhanced further with a recalibrated rear diff and slightly revised steering, although this will be signed off in September." Bottom line: it's unclear if the GT-R that lapped the Green Hell in 7:29 is/will be the exact same car that will go on sale… anywhere. Not that TTAC GT-R reviewer Stephan Wilkinson could give a shit.

Loooooook. Loook at the new FX! According to the PR people (who invented the Dark Side), Infiniti FX buyers are what they call “progressive independents:” consumers who like trendy styles and show a rebellious “hint of the dark side” in their personalities. Yeah, yeah. While the suits blow were busy blowing smoke up their own Powerpoint presentation, WardsAuto.com reports that Nissan's engineers tackled everything we didn't like about the old model— and more. Hard ride? Gone; [allegedly] banished by a more "refined" four-wheel independent suspension with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link. Sneaker styling? Toast; [supposedly] macho-ed by with a lowered, stretched platform with more forward front wheels, a longer hood and shorter overhangs. More complex toys that can break? Got 'em; especially a lane departure warning system. Some kind of compelling reason not to buy the smaller but almost equally-horsed variant? Done; FX50 gets 21" wheels, a 5.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive; the FX35 "makes do" with a 3.5-liter V6 with optional AWD. As for that dark side thing, the FX is this writer's first choice for SUV/CUV on-road hoonery. I look forward to putting the FX50 through its paces come June. The force is strong with this one.  

The GT-R is the blind date everybody’s been telling you about for months: incredible body, second in her class at Harvard, fabulous conversationalist, star athlete. Then you meet her. Yes, she has obvious “assets,” but nobody mentioned the halitosis. She graduated with a B.A. in accounting. She’s a great conversationalist, but her voice sounds like run-flat tires with three-inch sidewalls running over a concrete-aggregate rumble and tar-strip slap. She's an athlete, but a grunting shot-putter, not a Sharapova. In short, the GT-R is SO not a supermodel.

Autoca reports that the new-to-Europe Infiniti brand wants to compete with the BMW 1-series and the Audi A3s of the world in the hot "premium compact" segment. But don't expect a carbon-copy of the German whips, as Autocar hints that Nissan's luxury marque will unleash an entirely unique model on the segment. Speculation has centered around a baby-SUV model (rendered here) that would slot under the new EX35, currently the smallest Infiniti model. But wait, it might be a coupe-cabriolet with a folding hardtop. Actually, Autocar has no idea what the model will look like. But they do know that it will launch in 2010 (as will everything) at a price point around $40k. We'll be checking out forthcoming Infiniti concept cars for hints at the final design of the "Infant-iti." And here's hoping it's not a "small, high-end SUV crossover." 

Once upon a time, Americans didn't drive around in Kleenex-mobiles designed to be dis-car-dead after an obligatory three to four years. OK, they actually fell apart in that time. But the thrill of the new– what came to be known as planned obsolescence– wasn't always the industry's main selling point. A lot of folks bought the Model T or an early Buick because the cars were built to last. Outside of pickup trucks, I can't remember the last time I saw a car company advertising the longevity and mechanical quality of their products. Sure, there's some noise about "precision engineering" and "legendary reliability" (e.g. the new, more epically epic Toyota Sequoia). But when was the first/last time you heard a manufacturer claim that "our cars are built to last?" Well then, I guess it's time to rethink Nissan. The Japanese automaker has decided to tout the durability of its cars– especially the Altima– in TV ads and on the web. They're talking quality testing and "years of durability." Yes, an upgraded warranty would have placed currency in their oral cavity, but I think it's fantastic that Nissan is actually suggesting that you buy a car for more than 20 minutes. In these days of tanking vehicle sales, how long before someone nabs Patek Phillipe's strapline (so to speak): choose once, choose wisely?