General Motors sold 213,387 vehicles in the United States in April 2012 — an 8 percent decrease year-over-year. The drop was primarily a result of a 25 percent decline in fleet sales compared to April of last year, with retail sales staying level.
Notably, GM has raised its full-year sales forecast to 14.0-14.5 million units from 13.5-14.0 million units citing improved economic conditions. In addition, the automaker’s two newest vehicles, the Chevy Sonic and Buick Verano, are selling well: the Sonic sold 6,387 units while the Verano moved 2,989 units; the Volt sold 1,462 units.
Only the GMC brand saw a rise in sales year-over-year, with Chevy, Cadillac, and Buick experiencing declines:
Dissapointing news from GM and Ford, but Chrysler is really coming on strong. After what our country has gone through–economically–during the past few years, I’m surprised we’re not seeing more of a ‘buy American” spirit among our fellow citizens.
Those import buyers may live in the USA but don’t have the “Spirit of America”. They only believe in the American money! If they had to buy those imports with the associated foreign currency, only a few fanatics will do so…
It’s just a deceiving number. Chrysler sales are up 20 percent because they were in the tank last year. GM sales have already been very good in 2011 — so there isn’t that much room for improvement without new product (2014-2016). And no-one wants to sell to fleets because it’s 1) not as profitable and 2) decreases residuals.
Well, GM apparently fixed bad timing for its product cycle- the ATS and XTS as well as upgraded Lacrose can`t come to the market soon enough. As regards to the Regal sales numbers – a relatively high price, a lack of a V6 engine and an optional AWD doesn`t help to gain market share – it`s sad `cause it`s a great car, at least the Verano `s doing well. The biggest problem , however, is with the Cruze. It`s loosing it`s sales to tepid Japanese competition. IMHO it`s caused by a very limited powertrain options – just two engines and only one that`s truly competitive. Why GM don`t follow Ford and Dodge ( Dart ) and won`t add some hi-po version? Why they cannot be a trend setter? Generally speaking they have very limited number of engine choices which doesn` help.
Really not a surprise. Fleet business aside, GM has few ” brand new” exciting products right now. Verano? Sonic? Malibu Eco? OK, nice cars, but not sales leaders.
Cadillac has help on the way with ATS and XTS. Chevy has the remainder of the Malibu line-up, but then a sizeable gap until the Impala and full-size trucks hit? GMC? Needs new Sierra/Yukon. Buick? I am very curious about Buick? I have commented many times about the volumes of Buicks sold in China, but what about here? Certainly 15-16,000 units a month is not acceptable? Or is it? Does it matter?
Comments
Well, so much for selling 3,000 plus Volts per month on average. Sad, it is truly a great car. Went 53 miles on a charge the other day.
Just the beginning 🙂
Dissapointing news from GM and Ford, but Chrysler is really coming on strong. After what our country has gone through–economically–during the past few years, I’m surprised we’re not seeing more of a ‘buy American” spirit among our fellow citizens.
well buy american can mean toyota, nissan, volkswagen and more sooo that doesn’t work.
Those import buyers may live in the USA but don’t have the “Spirit of America”. They only believe in the American money! If they had to buy those imports with the associated foreign currency, only a few fanatics will do so…
I just wonder why now the sales are down…….
Vic did you read the article? Sales aren’t down… fleet sales are.
So I guess it’s good??????
It’s just a deceiving number. Chrysler sales are up 20 percent because they were in the tank last year. GM sales have already been very good in 2011 — so there isn’t that much room for improvement without new product (2014-2016). And no-one wants to sell to fleets because it’s 1) not as profitable and 2) decreases residuals.
They’re waiting for a tax refund that the government already spent.
Well, GM apparently fixed bad timing for its product cycle- the ATS and XTS as well as upgraded Lacrose can`t come to the market soon enough. As regards to the Regal sales numbers – a relatively high price, a lack of a V6 engine and an optional AWD doesn`t help to gain market share – it`s sad `cause it`s a great car, at least the Verano `s doing well. The biggest problem , however, is with the Cruze. It`s loosing it`s sales to tepid Japanese competition. IMHO it`s caused by a very limited powertrain options – just two engines and only one that`s truly competitive. Why GM don`t follow Ford and Dodge ( Dart ) and won`t add some hi-po version? Why they cannot be a trend setter? Generally speaking they have very limited number of engine choices which doesn` help.
Really not a surprise. Fleet business aside, GM has few ” brand new” exciting products right now. Verano? Sonic? Malibu Eco? OK, nice cars, but not sales leaders.
Cadillac has help on the way with ATS and XTS. Chevy has the remainder of the Malibu line-up, but then a sizeable gap until the Impala and full-size trucks hit? GMC? Needs new Sierra/Yukon. Buick? I am very curious about Buick? I have commented many times about the volumes of Buicks sold in China, but what about here? Certainly 15-16,000 units a month is not acceptable? Or is it? Does it matter?