News from GM Europe

In January, GM Europe sales reached a 15-year record for the month, with 165,043 units, 17,631 more compared to January 2006. The company market share reached 9.5 percent, up 0.7 point from the previous January, establishing a 10-year record. These results are even more significant considering that GM continues to reduce short-cycle fleet sales as a continuing strategy to improve contribution margins and residual values for the customer.

“The record market share and sales in January maintain GM’s momentum in Europe. We had a breakthrough year in 2006, selling over two million vehicles for the first time in history. We are growing market share in key segments, while also substantially improving average revenue per vehicle and laying the foundation for sustainable growth by maintaining a healthy balance of investments in new products, selling a better mix of higher equipped vehicles, and cutting back on low-margin fleet sales,” said Jonathan Browning, Vice President GM Europe for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet grow European market share

Accounting for 78 percent of GM’s European sales, Opel/Vauxhall sold 129,610 vehicles in January 2007, growing its market share to 7.5 percent. Chevrolet also had a good performance, with sales of 28,359 units, up 41.5 percent compared to January 2006, and a market share of 1.6 percent, up 0.4 point versus the year ago period.

Saab sold 6,573 cars, with a market share of 0.4 percent. Cadillac, Hummer and Corvette sold a total of 501 units.

“Importantly, we also are launching significant new vehicles such as the New Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, a shooting star that has already numerous awards, and the Opel/Vauxhall Antara. Opel/Vauxhall are also returning to the sport car segment with the new GT,” said Jonathan Browning.

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