General Motors India’s July 2010 Sales grow by 45%
2010-08-02

New Delhi: General Motors India has registered an impressive growth of 45% in sales in July 2010, compared to the corresponding period last year.

The July 2010 sales comprised 2244 units of the Chevrolet Spark, 1722 units of Chevrolet Beat, 1546 units of the Chevrolet Tavera, 639 units of the Chevrolet Cruze, 375 Units of Chevrolet Aveo, 240 units of Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, 225 units of the Chevrolet Captiva and 133 units of Chevrolet Optra.

The increase in the sales was primarily driven by the response to Chevrolet Beat, Cruze and Spark. Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Cruze have become the industry benchmarks in their respective segments and a winner among consumers in India, with their best-in-class design, performance and other product attributes. Chevrolet Spark continues to register impressive sales, clearly validating it as the one of the most sought after car in its segment in terms of styling, performance and fuel efficiency offering a value for money proposition.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. P. Balendran, Vice President, GM India said, “There were some delivery constraints for certain models in July due to annual maintenance shutdown of the plant. With the operation back to normal, we should be able to clear the backlog this month.”

Chevrolet recently completed seven years of its successful journey after its foray into the Indian market.  Launched in 2003, Chevrolet has become one of the most popular and the fastest growing automotive brands in the country, having sold over 3,00,000 cars in India. With a wide array of products and services, Chevrolet has brought unmatched product quality and unparalleled performance to the Indian consumers.

About General Motors India:

General Motors India has completed 14 years of operation in India. GM India started its journey in 1996 and now offers products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003.  Chevrolet had already emerged as one of the fastest growing automotive nameplates in India. GM India produces the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Tavera for sale in India and operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat and in Talegaon, Maharashtra.

Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac Sales Up 25 Percent in July
2010-08-03

• Steady progress in rebuilding sales one year after launch of new GM
• Calendar-year-to-date sales for GM’s four brands up 31 percent
• Tenth month in a row that GM’s four brands have increased retail and total sales
• Strong Buick and Cadillac sales show balance of GM brand portfolio

DETROIT – July sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac increased by a combined 25 percent to 199,432 units. Buick and Cadillac brands each sold more than twice as many vehicles in July, compared with the same month a year ago.

July marks the 10th straight month in which total and retail sales for GM’s brands increased year-over-year, demonstrating the continued strengthening of each brand in the marketplace as GM continues to rebuild momentum a year after its launch as a new company.

“When we say we want to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles, we’re not talking about just one vehicle, one brand, or one month,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “Our July results again reflect that each of our brands has contributed significantly to our gains.

“The size and scope of the U.S. market demands a strong portfolio of well-targeted brands,” Johnson said. “The success of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac month in and month out, indicates that the new GM’s brand strategy is sound.”

Buick sold 16,799 vehicles in July, a 137-percent increase over last year. Cadillac delivered 14,919 units, up 142 percent over July last year. These are the highest sales totals for the two brands since August 2008. Chevrolet total sales in July increased 12 percent compared to July last year, and GMC total sales were up 27 percent compared with the same month last year.

GM’s newest vehicles including Chevrolet Camaro and Equinox, Buick LaCrosse and Regal, GMC Terrain, and Cadillac SRX, CTS Coupe and CTS Wagon continue to contribute significant sales gains. Total combined sales for these vehicles were up 77 percent in July and are up 211 percent yeartodate.

GM further strengthened its position as the industry leader in crossover sales. Total combined sales in July for the Chevrolet Equinox, HHR and Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Terrain and Acadia, and Cadillac SRX increased 41 percent in July and have risen 73 percent so far this year.

Combined total sales for GM’s full-size pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado and Avalanche, and the GMC Sierra, were up 22 percent during the month, with year-to-date sales 14 percent higher than a year ago.

Year-To-Date Gains Reflect Balanced Contribution of Brands

Year-to-date total sales for GM’s four brands have risen 31 percent to 1,269,009 units, while retail sales for GM’s brands have risen 18 percent – outpacing the industry.

“Our four brands have sold 125,210 more vehicles this year than our former company sold with eight brands during the same period last year,” Johnson said. “This gain has been a result of solid consumer demand across our lineup of cars, trucks, and crossovers.”

Chevrolet has led the increase with total sales 28 percent higher through July, compared to 2009. Retail sales for Chevrolet have increased 12 percent for the year, propelled by the strong retail sales of the Chevrolet Malibu, Camaro, Silverado, Equinox, and Traverse, which are up a combined 33 percent for the year. (READ MORE)

Buick remains one of the industry’s fastest-growing brands, with total sales 60 percent higher than 2009 through July. In the first seven months of the year, retail sales of Buicks have increased 41 percent on the strength of LaCrosse and Enclave which are up 175 and 14 percent, respectively. (READ MORE)

GMC total sales through July are 28 percent higher than 2009. The brand’s retail sales have increased 30 percent yeartodate on the strength of the GMC Terrain, Sierra and Acadia – up 326 percent, 13 percent and 21 percent respectively. (READ MORE)

Total sales for Cadillac are up 46 percent for the year through July. Retail sales for the brand are 32 percent higher this year, with the all-new Cadillac SRX surging 487 percent – leading it to gain the most market share in the luxury crossover segment so far this year. (READ MORE)

Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at about 424,000 units, which is about 15,000 units below June 2010, and about 43,000 lower than July 2009.

July Key Facts and Brand Results:

Tenth consecutive month of total and retail sales gains for GM’s four brands.
Seventh consecutive month that sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac have increased by 20 percent or more.
Tenth consecutive month that GM crossovers have increased by more than 30 percent.
Sixth month in a row of total sales improvement for GM’s full-size pickups.
Fifth consecutive month of double-digit retail sales increases for GM’s brands.
Tenth consecutive month of retail sales increases for GM passenger cars.
Chevrolet: Chevrolet delivered 139,916 vehicles in July, a 12 percent gain year-over-year. Year-to-date total sales are up 28 percent .
Buick: Buick posted a 137 percent sales increase in July compared to the same month last year. Driven by customer demand for the LaCrosse and all-new Regal, retail sales rose 104 percent.
GMC: GMC reported a 27 percent increase in total sales in the month of July, compared to the same month last year. This includes a 29 percent increase in retail sales, marking 10 consecutive months of year-over-year retail sales gains for GMC.
Cadillac: Total sales for July were 142 percent higher than last July. Retail sales increased 123 percent on the strength of consumer demand for the SRX, which posted its best month since it was introduced in 2003.
Fleet sales for GM’s four brands were 50,048 for the month.
About General Motors – General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 205,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 157 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

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Chevrolet Cruze Sales Pass 270,000 as U.S. Introduction Nears
China, Russia Among 60 Countries to Embrace New Compact

DETROIT – Even before the first models reach U.S. dealers, the Chevrolet Cruze is among the fastest-growing nameplates in the world with sales rising an average of 18 percent per month.

Internationally, customers have purchased 140,000 Cruze in the first six months of 2010 and a total of 270,000 since Cruze launched in the spring of 2009 in Europe, followed by other major markets, such as China in summer of 2009.

Cruze is currently available in more than 60 countries, with China, Russia, Mexico, India and Spain as the top five sales markets. Including Holden and Daewoo versions sold in Australia and South Korea, total sales exceed 340,000 vehicles across five continents.

Cruze will begin arriving at U.S. dealerships in September. With U.S. models produced in Lordstown, Ohio, Cruze will be one of the few compact car built in the U.S. for 2011 model year. Production at the Lordstown complex will begin with three shifts, assembling Cruze models around the clock to meet expected customer demand.

“Customers around the world have already made Cruze an international success, setting the stage for it here in the U.S.,” said Margaret Brooks, director of marketing for Chevrolet small cars. “For U.S. customers, Cruze will be priced to compete with compact cars while offering more interior room, more miles per gallon in the Eco model, and more standard safety features.”

In the U.S., Cruze models will start at $16,995 for the LS model, equipped with the most standard safety features in its segment, including 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control and anti-lock brakes.

The Cruze Eco model starts at $18,895, featuring a standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission. With ultra low-rolling resistance tires, and an enhanced aerodynamic-performance package, Cruze Eco is expected to deliver 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

The top of the line Cruze LTZ model starts at $22,695 and features a standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, ultrasonic rear-parking assist, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Buick Sells 100,000th LaCrosse in China
Fastest-growing member of China’s premium upper-medium sedan segment
2010-07-26

Less than a year after its launch in China, sales of the new Buick LaCrosse have reached 100,000 units.

The LaCrosse is the fastest-growing member of China’s premium upper-medium sedan segment. In the first six months of 2010, the LaCrosse 3.0-liter SIDI model accounted for nearly 80 percent of the segment (upper-medium sedans priced over RMB 300,000, or roughly $44,200 USD).

The LaCrosse, which also was introduced as a redesigned model in the U.S. in 2009, has been recognized for its sculpted exterior styling and luxurious interior. It features a suite of advanced personal technologies and safety features that rate among the best in the industry.

In the U.S., LaCrosse offers a standard, fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine in the CX and CXL FWD models. That engine delivers an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city – making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. The 3.6L direct injected V-6 is available on the CXL and CXS models provide 17 city/27 highway fuel economy ratings.

The LaCrosse has received several prestigious awards in China, including 2009 China Car of the Year and 2009 Champion Car of the Year. The version sold in the U.S. received the Top Safety Pick Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Luxury Sedan. It also took top honors in the large car class in Consumer Guide’s 2010 Best Buy and Recommended Awards.

Buick is a modern brand with premium, high-quality vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with personal technologies, and responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning vehicles, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan and Regal sport sedan. A new compact sedan and small crossover will join the portfolio in the next few years. Buick’s sales continue to increase in North America, and it remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at facebook.com/buick.

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Nearly Two-Thirds of Equinox and Traverse Buyers New to Chevrolet
Brand Capturing Owners of Discontinued GM Marques and Non-GM Products
2010-07-30

DETROIT – Nearly two out of three buyers for the Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse have traded in non-Chevrolet vehicles so far this year. In addition, nearly half of buyers traded in a non-GM vehicle.

Cadillac, Buick, and GMC trade-ins account for only 9 percent of purchases for both vehicles. The crossovers are helping Chevrolet retain owners of discontinued GM brands, which were offered in 11 percent of Equinox trade-ins and 9 percent of Traverse trade-ins.

The remaining 45 percent of Traverse buyers and 44 percent of Equinox buyers traded in a non-GM vehicle.

“Equinox and Traverse are attracting owners of competitive vehicles, including Fords, Toyotas, and Hondas to Chevrolet showrooms,” said Alan Batey, vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. “For these buyers, Equinox and Traverse offer the flexibility and fuel efficiency they have been looking for in a crossover, as well as the design, performance and value that define Chevrolet.”

Combined, Chevrolet sold more than 120,000 Equinox and Traverse models during the first six months of 2010 – an increase of approximately 80 percent calendar-year-to-date.

Introduced in late 2008 as an all-new model for 2009, Traverse is equipped with a 3.6L V-6 with direct injection and variable valve timing and six-speed automatic transmission. For front-wheel-drive models, Traverse delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg highway – more than any eight-passenger crossover.

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named Traverse one of the Top 10 Best New Family Vehicles for 2009, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named Traverse a 2009 Top Safety Pick, and Consumer’s Digest named Traverse a Best Buy for 2009 and 2010.

The 2010 Equinox was introduced as an all-new model in the summer of 2009. Equipped with the standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine and six-speed automatic, the front-wheel-drive Equinox delivers a segment-best 32 mpg highway, according to EPA estimates.

Consumer’s Digest named Equinox a 2010 Best Buy, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named Equinox a 2010 Top Safety Pick. Since 2009, Chevrolet has announced three production increases for the Equinox to meet consumer demand.

The growth of Traverse and Equinox sales also solidified General Motors’ position as the leading automaker for crossover sales. Combined crossover sales for Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC increased 81 percent calendar-year-to-date, and have increased more than 30 percent for nine consecutive months.

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