2.8.2006
Global brand sales grow as U.S. market stabilizes

GM reported second quarter global sales (April - June) of 2,400,000 vehicles powered by sales of Chevrolet and Saab. GM’s year-to-date sales of 4,600,000 vehicles are down 2.3 percent compared to the same period a year ago. This decline is largely attributable to last year’s highly successful employee discount incentive program in North America and lower fleet sales in Europe.

“We are encouraged by the stabilization of our sales in the United States and the continued strength of our four global brands (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Saab and Hummer) outside of our home market,” said John Middlebrook, Vice President, Global Sales, Service and Marketing. “Our global market share grew each month of the quarter, concluding at 14.5 percent share performance in June.”

Chevrolet recorded year-to-date sales increases in Asia Pacific (up 40 percent), Latin America (up 15 percent), Middle East (up 12 percent) and Europe (up 12 percent). Most encouraging is Chevrolet’s growth in emerging markets such as Brazil (up 13 percent), China (up 81 percent), India (up 47 percent) and Russia (up 47 percent). Second quarter Chevrolet global sales are up more than 128,000 units. Further growth for the brand is expected with the third quarter introduction of the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup truck in the United States, and the expanded availability of the Captiva sport utility in Europe and Asia.

HUMMER sales remain strong with year-to-date sales up 104 percent compared to the same period a year ago. The Middle East (up 531 percent) and the United States (up 89 percent) are the leading markets for the brand. HUMMER sales should continue to strengthen with the production of a right-hand drive version of the H3 for markets outside of North America, at GM’s South Africa assembly plant later this year.

Saab global sales increased 11 percent compared to year-ago levels, helping the brand setting a new record for the first half of the year. The largest growth was in Europe where sales increased 24 percent compared to 2005. The brand also experienced solid sales performance in Australia, up 51 percent compared to last year, making the island continent the brand’s third-fastest-growing market.

Cadillac sales outside of the United States grew 13 percent compared to year ago levels. In China, where the brand was introduced only two years ago, calendar year-to-date sales are up 93 percent. In Europe, the launch of the Cadillac BLS helped sales grow 30 percent.