13.1.2006
GM sells more than 9 million vehicles for the first time in 27 years

GM sold 9.17 million cars and trucks around the world in 2005, up 2 percent from the 8.99 million vehicles sold in 2004. It marked only the second time the world’s largest automaker has sold more than 9 million units in a calendar year.

“GM had some notable sales successes as we continued to expand in key growth markets around the world in 2005,” Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said. “While we tackle the significant challenges in North America , the growth initiatives we have undertaken around the world in recent years are paying off and bode well for the company’s future. Our initiatives to globalize our manufacturing and product development functions, for example, are transforming GM into a stronger, leaner and faster-moving company.”

Sales of GM vehicles exceeded 9 million units for the first time since 1978 on strong results in GM’s three regions outside North America. The Asia Pacific region was up 20 percent, the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region increased 19 percent, and Europe posted a 1.1 percent gain in one of the most competitive markets in the world.

The expansion of GM’s four global brands – Chevrolet, HUMMER, Saab and Cadillac – is showing concrete signs of success.

Global sales of GM’s value brand, Chevrolet, increased 4.4 percent to 4.37 million units, compared with year-ago sales of 4.18 million. That growth was fueled in part by exceptionally strong consumer acceptance of Chevrolet cars in Europe (up 26 percent) and in China, where sales exceeded 100,000 units. Chevrolet also performed well in Latin America and the U.S., both traditionally strong markets. Chevrolet also was the top-selling automotive brand in the United States.

HUMMER sales nearly doubled globally in 2005 (61,000 vs. 31,000), paced by the launch of the midsize H3. While much of this growth was in the United States (up 93 percent), HUMMER also saw significant expansion in Mexico, Canada and Saudi Arabia. HUMMER’s distinctive SUVs are now sold in 33 national markets around the world.

Saab had its highest sales volume ever in Europe and recorded increases in the United States and Canada. While Saab’s global sales were flat last year, the brand is in the midst of its most aggressive product expansion in its 58-year history.

Cadillac posted a 42 percent increase in sales outside of North America last year, thanks to strong sales in China, the Middle East and Europe.

Several of GM’s regional brands also experienced notable growth in 2005.

In Europe, Opel and Vauxhall grew share in their respective home markets: Opel’s share of the total German market climbed from 9.9 to over 10 percent. In the passenger car market, the brand reached a market share of 10.5 percent, taking back the second position. Vauxhall increased to a 13.1 percent share of the United Kingdom market, up from 12.6 percent in 2004.

Saturn sales in the United States and Canada grew by nearly 2 percent, largely on the popularity of the redesigned 2006 Saturn VUE. Saturn expects significantly stronger sales in 2006 as it launches three key new vehicles (Aura midsize sedan, Sky roadster and Outlookt crossover). In addition, Saturn will launch the affordable VUE Green Line hybrid SUV.

Although GM Holden sales were slightly lower last year, the brand strengthened its second-place position in Australia as the Commodore remained that country’s best-selling car for the 10th consecutive year.

In the record sales year of 1978, GM sold 9.55 million cars and trucks globally. GM’s global sales have steadily increased in each of the past three years: 2002 – 8.48 million units; 2003 – 8.62 million units; 2004 – 8.99 million units; 2005 – 9.17 million units.