4.2.2004
GM reports January sales down 2%

GM dealers sold 299,050 new cars and trucks in January, down 2 percent compared to January 2003. GM's truck sales (174,597) were up 13 percent. Car sales (124,453) were down 17 percent.

"January sales results were below expectations. While we had good results in some divisions with sales increases at Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac, a new industry record in sport utility sales and strong truck sales overall, car sales and sales in certain regions were disappointing," said John Smith, group vice president of GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "However, we're beginning our launch of 29 new vehicles this year, including the Chevrolet Equinox, Cadillac STS, Saturn ION Coupe Redline and Pontiac G6, and we expect these vehicles to further build on the momentum we achieved during the second half of 2003."

GM Truck Sales - GM's industry-leading truck lineup posted healthy sales in January. Total truck sales were up 13 percent, and sales of sport utility vehicles (89,965) were up 27 percent, setting a new January record.

GM Car Sales - GM's overall car sales declined 17 percent in January, although key luxury models continued to perform well. Cadillac CTS had 3,278 deliveries, up 12 percent and a monthly record. Chevrolet Corvette sales (2,986) were up 96 percent. Additionally, key new products such as the Cadillac XLR, Chevrolet Malibu, SSR and Aveo and Pontiac GTO are continuing to ramp up.