Not only did General Motors and its Chinese joint ventures set a new June sales record in the country, but they also set a sales record for first half of the year (January-June).
In total, GM and partners’ sales in China rose 10.6 percent from last year’s previous record to 1,567,392 units for the first half of 2013. Domestic sales in June were also up 10.6 percent from a year ago, setting the bar to 236,207 units.
First-Half Record Sales
With the first half broken down, Shanghai GM’s sales in China were up 16.2 percent on an annual basis to 742,889 units, SAIC-GM-Wuling’s sales in China increased 6.3 percent to 792,675 units, and FAW-GM’s sales in China rose 1.9 percent to 29,729 units.
Buick sales in the domestic market increased 16.9 percent from the first half of 2012 to 401,327 units, led by record demand for several models, including the original Excelle family, Excelle XT and GT, Regal and Encore. Chevrolet sales in China rose 6.1 percent to 321,904 units, fueled by strong sales of the Sail, Cruze, Malibu and Captiva. Cadillac sales in the domestic market were up 34.5 percent to 19,658 units, with record demand for the SRX and a strong start for the XTS.
Wuling mini-commercial vehicle sales in China increased 8.8 percent on an annual basis to 747,424 units, supported by record sales of the Hong Guang and the continued popularity of the Sunshine. Sales of the Baojun passenger car brand in China increased 22.0 percent to 45,251 units.
In addition, GM’s joint ventures exported a record 47,406 vehicles to other emerging markets in the first half, an increase of 24.5 percent from the first six months of 2012.
June Record Sales
Shanghai GM’s domestic sales in June rose 11.7 percent on an annual basis to a record for the month of 121,921 units, SAIC-GM-Wuling’s sales in China were up 9.9 percent to a June record 110,321 units, and sales by FAW-GM in China were down 0.2 percent to 3,349 units.
Buick’s domestic sales rose 9.5 percent on an annual basis to an all-time June high of 62,430 units, led by the original Excelle, which sold 22,483 units, and the Excelle XT and GT, which generated sales of 14,532 units. Chevrolet sales in China were up 7.0 percent to an all-time June high of 55,247 units, led by the Cruze (at 19,965 units) and Sail (at 19,674 units). Cadillac sales in China set a June record as well, rising 69.3 percent to 4,244 units, as sales of the SRX reached 2,359 units and sales of the XTS totaled 1,665 units in the model’s first June on the market.
Wuling sales in China were a June record-setting 104,113 units, an increase of 10.3 percent from the previous June, as the brand benefited from demand for the Sunshine surpassing 40,000 units. Baojun experienced sales growth of 54.6 percent to 6,208 units for its 630 and Le Chi models.
Comments
Tim Lee continues to prove to everyone that he deserves serious attention for the CEO’s office when Mr. Akerson decides to retire. Ruess may be the typical car guy favorite but he simply is not ready. His time will come. Lee may be the most intelligent most respected executive in the industry.