4.11.2003
GM reports October sales

GM dealers sold 363,043 new cars and trucks in October in the U.S., down 7 percent compared to strong year-ago levels. GM's overall truck sales (220,374) were down 8 percent over a year ago. Car sales (142,669) were down 6 percent.

GM dealers sold 363,043 new cars and trucks in October in the U.S., down 7 percent compared to strong year-ago levels. GM's overall truck sales (220,374) were down 8 percent over a year ago. Car sales (142,669) were down 6 percent.

"GM's sales in October fell short of our objectives, partially due to a smaller industry than expected and in part due to a slight hangover from our very strong performance in the third quarter," said John Smith, group vice president of GM Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

Despite the decline, there were several sales standouts. Large (23,980) and extra-large utilities (20,056) again posted strong sales, each up more than 26 percent over October 2002. While total utilities (105,640) were down overall, this was the sixth time in the last seven months that sales of GM utilities surpassed 100,000 units.

Sales of GM entry-level cars improved 23 percent, led by the Chevrolet Cavalier (22,499) with a 55 percent improvement, and the Pontiac Sunfire (3,586), up 33 percent. The Saab 9-3 sold 2,357 units, a 181 percent improvement. The majority of GM brands - including Cadillac, GMC, Saab and HUMMER - saw calendar-year-to-date improvement. With the increasing availability of new GM vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac SRX, Smith said he anticipates that GM will have a strong finish to the year.

GM Certified Used Vehicles had strong October sales of 34,614 units and continued its positive sales momentum with calendar year-to-date sales of 337,851 units, up 25 percent from the year-ago period.