The automotive industry strengthened in 2010; there was a mix of huge incentives with unbelievable financing rates on some vehicles, while on others, multi-month waitlists at full MSRP. The premium brands are doing particularly well; driven by the recovering US market and China, with the top three; BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi all investing heavily to increase manufacturing capacity to meet record demand.

Toyota struggled in North America due to product recall issues; a testament to the power of the media; but globally their sales were up 8% and they remain the top selling auto manufacturer in the world for the third year running. General Motors, the former world leader and a close second, saw global sales increase by 12%. Volkswagen AG, the third largest manufacturer saw sales increase 14% globally. No surprise, China is the primary engine of automobile sales growth.

Innovation continues in the areas of efficiency, performance, electronics (parking and lane guidance, night vision, etc), media management and safety. Although we are advocates for the simplicity and lower cost of gasoline and diesel propulsion, Hybrid and Electric technologies are becoming more mainstream; models either available or coming from all major manufacturers - even Porsche has begun race testing their hybrid technology. Watch for many new models throughout 2011, segmenting the market finer and finer to more specifically target individual requirements.

For DreamFleet, it was another record year.
Thank you for your business and all the best for 2011.

Edmond Helstab
President - DreamFleet Inc.

	Events - 2010 Design Exchange Gala
	DreamFleet Top 10
	Automobiles

EVENTS

2010 Design Exchange Gala
THE BIG PARTY

What a fantastic evening!
A number of you came out to the Design Exchange's 2010 Gala - a fundraising event to support Youth Design Education. Each year the Design Exchange recognizes a leader in Canadian Design; last year it was Research in Motion, this year it was Bruce Mau Design.

Everything at the event had a creative twist. Theatrical mime's greeted you behind glass as you entered the main lobby. The event sprawled over several floors and included exhibits, a silent auction (DreamFleet Membership was one of the items), great food and fine drink available most everywhere. Multiple musical and dance troops entertained. Many of us couldn't resist indulging in the fine food stations (Toronto's best) or sample delicious food bites from the many roving servers. The 'Mau' signature cocktail was a hit, as well as the Scotch Bar. One of the more popular desserts was the cheese cake 'lollypops'.

The Bedouin theme on the Main Floor was complete with Fortune Maker, Belly Dancing performances and friendly Boa Constrictors! The old Stock Exchange Floor was transformed into an amazing party room (the BIG party); complete with massive hanging ice chandeliers that absorbed the heat as the night progressed, a bar that consumed the center of the floor, a stage at one end, private spots at the other, and four gourmet food stations distributed along the sides. The quality of the food, beverages and entertainment was outstanding.

Those that participated in the floor raffles were very, very lucky; and we all left carrying our DX Gift Bags. The Design Exchange certainly knows how to throw a party.

I've got a hunch we'll be attending again in 2011.

View a gallery of images on our website.

Connoisseur's Program 3 - 2010 DreamFleet Reserve
"Niagara's best Bordeaux style vintage - in decades"
Stay tuned

Exceptional offers on the most desirable vehicles - click here or contact DreamFleet for details.

Auto Show Watch

2012 Audi A7
Audi's 4-door coupe entry. 3.0 Supercharged V6 and another benchmark interior. Expected - April 2011.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
The next generation of this compact hardtop roadster; more conventional front end; optional variable opacity roof. Expected - Spring 2011.

BMW X1:
Only slightly smaller than the current X3 with reduced fuel consumption. Expected - Summer 2011.

2012 Audi A6
A design evolution from the current generation; larger and lighter for more comfort and improved economy. Expected - September 2011.

2012 BMW 6-series Cabriolet
The cabriolet is out first; wait for the Coupe - it'll be a stunner.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe
An elegant Coupe rounds out the C-class family. Expected - Fall 2011.

Porsche 918 RSR Coupe:
Hybrid technology LeMans racer - an evolution of the legendary 917 race car - a glimpse at what Porsche is capable of stylistically and technologically.