Larry P. Vellequette

Subaru posted a 0.7 percent gain in June against the beginning of last year's inventory crisis, even as second-quarter sales stayed fairly flat from the first quarter. Through the first half, Subaru volume is off 18 percent.

Volkswagen sales fell 34 percent in the second quarter on continued supply issues. Audi sales dropped 28 percent in the second quarter for similar reasons.

Ongoing production and supply issues left Toyota Motor's U.S. sales down 23 percent in the second quarter, including an 18 percent decline in June, leaving the Japanese automaker well back of GM for the year.

Audi plans to introduce 20 new EV and ICE-powered models by 2025, and 20 new EV models are coming to market in 2023-27.

By 2030, VW expects half of its global sales to consist of EVs, and 100 percent by 2040.

Toyota has committed $70 billion to produce 30 EVs for global markets by 2030. But the company insists that it won't rush into the EV market until its customers are ready to make the switch themselves.

Former Tesla execs Matt Renna and Dustin Krause had been with VW since 2018, joining as the automaker prepared to sell EVs in the U.S. They departed in spring for jobs with EV startups as the German automaker begins producing ID4s in the U.S. for the first time.

Volkswagen Group of America CEO Scott Keogh told attendees at the Automotive News Congress in Washington that rising interest rates and potential recession shouldn't be worrying for dealers or automakers.

Bentley will introduce a bespoke S version of the Flying Spur sedan, featuring special sporty styling, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The freshened 2023 Subaru Ascent three-row crossover will arrive in U.S. dealerships this fall, featuring new styling and enhanced safety and infotainment systems.

U.S. inventory levels continued to bounce along at just over 1.1 million vehicles and roughly a 35-day supply, where they have stayed for much of the year.

Bob Carter, head of sales for Toyota Motor North America since 2017, retires at the end of June. Dealers said he's been a tireless, passionate champion for their cause and for close dealer-factory relations throughout his career.

Volkswagen's lab will initially study and validate the lithium ion battery packs being used to power locally produced ID4s and other EVs built on VW's global electric architecture. Other emerging battery technologies will be tested and validated for automotive use in the future.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia has been redesigned and receives a standard hybrid powertrain with improved fuel economy and towing, as well as technology upgrades.

The moves are part of a number of executive changes being made at Toyota Motor North America.