7.9.2006
GME reports strong August sales
With strong sales in August, GM has strengthened its position in the European car and truck market. Last month, GM sold 116,134 vehicles in Europe, up 7,401 units compared to August 2005, for a market share of 8.6 percent (2005: 8.1 percent). The biggest sales increases versus last year’s August were achieved in an overall shrinking German market (+10.5 percent), Austria (+31.8 percent) and France (+11.6 percent). In Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and the Ukraine, GM had a record sales increase of 7,855 units in August which is 85 percent over August 2005. (For more information about GM's sales success in Russia, please see "Focus on…" at the end of this story).
In the first eight months of 2006, GM sold 1,342,713 vehicles in Europe’s total car and truck market, up 6,356 units (+0.5 percent) compared to the same period in 2005. GM’s market share for that period was 9.2 percent (2005: 9.4 percent). "Thanks to our strong August sales, we have improved our position in the European market. The Chevrolet brand, with an outstanding performance particularly in the Russian market, has underlined its potential. And with the new Corsa hitting the showrooms in October, we are confident of increasing our volumes for Opel/Vauxhall. Initial feedback about the car from media and dealers is very encouraging”, said Jonathan Browning, GM Europe Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.
Saab growth continues
Saab continued to grow in Europe where 61,074 cars were sold in 2006 through August, a plus of more than 20 percent compared to the same period last year. Strongest European market for Saab is the U.K. with 17,249 units, followed by Sweden with 16,847 units. In Saab’s home market, the brand sold 5,522 more cars from January to August than in the same period in 2005 and increased market share to 7.82 percent (same period 2005: 5.64 percent). One of the highest growth rates was seen in Spain, with 306 cars sold in August – the best month ever for the Swedish brand.
Opel/Vauxhall’s sales rise
In August 2006, registrations of Opel/Vauxhall passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Europe totaled 84,909 units (2,716 units more than in the year-earlier month). The positive trend was driven by successful sales in Opel’s home market. In Germany, Opel sold 24,104 cars, compared to 21,727 vehicles in last year’s August. Strong August sales were also reported from Austria (+48 percent) and France (+16 percent). Russia (+82 percent) and the Ukraine (+166 percent) were also strong markets for Opel. Vauxhall continued its success in the U.K. with strong August sales of 12,309 vehicles compared to 12,001 in August 2005. August market share was 12.6 percent compared to 11.7 percent in August 2005.
Chevrolet with record market share in August
Chevrolet had another strong month, selling 27,131 vehicles. compared to 22,284 units in August 2005. The 21.8 percent growth was mainly driven by the Eastern European countries. Outstanding results were recorded in Russia, the Ukraine and the countries of Southeast Europe. August market share in Europe was at a new record high of 2.0 percent (August 2005: 1.7). From January to August 2006, Chevrolet sold a total of 216,549 vehicles, increasing its European sales volume by 11.9 percent compared to the same period last year.
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Focus on…
Best month ever for GM in Russia
With 12,679 units sold, August was the best month ever for GM in Russia. Compared to August 2005, sales climbed 102.7 percent. Last month's market share was at a record level of 7.1 percent (vs. 4.2 percent in the year-ago period).
More than 11,000 Chevrolet cars were sold last month. This is an increase of 106.8 percent compared to 2005. Chevrolet's market share in Russia climbed from 3.61 to 6.2 percent. Opel sales in August reached 1,567 units (+82.0 percent vs. the year-earlier month) resulting in a market share of 0.9 percent (+51.4 percent).
On a year-to-date basis, GM sales climbed by 59.9 percent to 77,228 units. GM's market share in the first eight months of 2006 was 6.0 percent (up from 4.6 percent in the same period last year). All GM brands were able to increase their sales: Cadillac +83 percent (from 149 to 273 units), Opel +65 percent (from 6,362 to 10,510), Chevrolet +59 percent (from 41,512 to 66,122 units), Hummer +46.3 percent (from 82 to 120 units) and Saab +9.1 percent (from 186 to 203 units).