Buick-GMC Sales Increase 54 Percent in March, Leading a 43-Percent Gain for GM Brands

These results are evidence that the company’s plan to create sustainable and profitable growth is on track, according to Susan Docherty, GM vice president of marketing. “Our March results show continued progress toward our growth plan. By investing in our brands and remaining disciplined in our approach to the U.S. market, we posted solid results,” said Docherty. “Our new vehicles, like the Chevrolet Equinox, Buick LaCrosse, GMC Terrain, and Cadillac SRX, are being well-received by customers for many good reasons, including quality, safety, excellent fuel economy, and higher resale values.”

March Key Facts:

* Chevrolet: total sales up 41 percent;  retail sales up 24 percent; Chevrolet Equinox retail sales increased 225 percent; Camaro recorded its highest level of retail sales (8,267) since it was launched 12 months ago

* Buick: total sales up 76 percent; retail sales up 34 percent; Buick LaCrosse retail sales rose 144 percent

* GMC: total sales up 45 percent; retail sales up 43 percent; GMC Terrain retail sales were up 425 percent (compared to the Pontiac Torrent – the vehicle it replaced)

* Cadillac: total sales up 42 percent; retail sales up 18 percent; Cadillac SRX retail sales were up 508 percent

* Crossovers for GM’s four brands doubled sales in March compared to last year CYTD Sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac are up 36 percent.

* Combined Total and Retail sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have increased year-over-year for six straight months.

February Combined Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Sales Up 32 Percent

*Combined Retail Sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Increase 7 percent
*Fifth Consecutive Month of Year-over-Year Retail Sales Gains for GM’s Four Brands
*Combined Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, Cadillac SRX Retail Sales Up 198 Percent

2010 GMC Terrain

DETROIT – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers in the U.S. reported sales of 138,849, up a combined 32 percent compared to February 2009. These results were driven by the continued strong growth of new GM crossovers and passenger cars.

GM’s Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands continue to build momentum in the marketplace, according to Susan Docherty, GM vice president, Sales, Service and Marketing. “Although we’ve been operating as a new company with four brands for just seven months, our February results demonstrate that our long-term plan is already paying dividends,” Docherty said.

Retail sales for GM’s four brands were up 7 percent for the month, driven by strong consumer demand for GM’s crossovers. February retail sales of GM’s newest crossovers – Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX – were up 198 percent compared to the vehicles they replaced. This was the seventh month in a row that retail sales of these vehicles were up more than 100 percent.

“We’ll earn every sale by delivering the value customers expect, in the vehicle they want,” said Docherty. “Our sales results for the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX show these vehicles have what customers are looking for today – style, fuel efficiency, quality and the safety and security of OnStar.”

Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at 420,000, which is 30,000 higher compared to January 2010, and 361,000 lower than February 2009. 

2010 GMC Terrain

Other Key Facts:

*Chevrolet: total sales up 32 percent;  retail sales up 1 percent; Chevrolet Equinox retail sales increased 121 percent

*Buick: total sales up 47 percent; retail sales up 18 percent; Buick LaCrosse retail sales rose 100 percent

*GMC: total sales up 26 percent; retail sales up 25 percent; GMC Terrain retail sales were up 303 percent (compared to the Pontiac Torrent – the vehicle it replaced)

*Cadillac: total sales up 32 percent; retail sales up 13 percent; Cadillac SRX retail sales were up 490 percent

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Retail Sales Up 3 Percent – Total Sales for These Brands Up 30 Percent GM Total Sales Increase 14 Percent

2010-02-02

Fourth Consecutive Month of Retail Sales Gains for GM’s Four Brands-Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX Retail Sales Up 161 Percent. Fleet Sales Comprise 29 Percent of Total Sales

DETROIT – U.S. dealers for GM’s brands – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac – reported retail sales of 102,420, up 3 percent compared to January 2009, and 145,098 total sales (up 30 percent).  These results were driven by the continued strong growth of new GM crossovers and passenger cars. For the month, GM dealers reported 146,825 total sales (including other brands), representing a total sales increase of 14 percent from the previous year.

“This is the fourth month in a row that Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have shown a collective year-over-year retail sales increase,” said Susan Docherty, GM vice president, Sales, Service and Marketing. “Our long-term plan to continue to focus and strengthen our brands is delivering results.”

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac comprised 98 percent of the company’s retail sales in January, compared to 85 percent a year earlier. Retail sales, including other brands, in the U.S. were 104,122 during the month. This represents a 10 percent decline from a year ago, driven by other brand sales – Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and HUMMER – that were 90 percent lower. GM dealers delivered 42,703 fleet vehicles, comprising 29 percent of total deliveries for the month.

Susan Docherty : GM's January 2010 Sales Figures

GM Reports 151,427 Total Sales in November

Retail Sales for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC Up 10 Percent

2009-12-01

DETROIT – GM dealers in the U.S. delivered 151,427 vehicles in November. While this represents a decline of 2 percent compared with November 2008, GM retail sales were up 1 percent for the month. Total sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac were up 6 percent vs. the prior year. Retail sales for these brands were up 10 percent vs. the prior year, and currently represent 94 percent of GM’s retail sales

performance.  

“Consumer interest in our launch vehicles remains solid,” said Susan Docherty, GM vice president, U.S. Sales. “We’re working to strengthen our Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands by providing cars, crossovers and trucks with the sales and service experience that our customers deserve. We have more to do, but we’re committed to earning consideration and future sales by delivering great products in every segment.”

November quick facts:

• Combined retail sales of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC represented 94 percent of GM retail sales, up from 86 percent in November 2008
• Total GM retail sales increased 1 percent when compared with the prior year
• Retail sales for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC increased 10 percent for the month compared with November 2008
• Retail sales of our six launch vehicles comprised 22 percent of total GM retail sales, more than one out of five retail sales, and volume was 6 percent higher than last month
• Retail sales of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC Crossover launch vehicles were up 140 percent vs. a year ago compared with the vehicles they replace
• Combined retail sales of crossovers and cars were 60 percent of GM retail sales for the month, compared with 46 percent in November 2008 – the eighth month at this level in 2009
• Total sales for GM full-size pickup trucks were down 24 percent for the month, compared to November 2008
• Fleet sales declined 9 percent vs. November 2008

Management Discussion of November Sales Results

 “We continue to be encouraged by the latest information which shows the U.S. economy strengthening,” said Mike DiGiovanni, executive director, Global Market and Industry Analysis. “For example, we estimate that housing starts will probably rise to about 600,000 to 650,000 by the end of 2010, which will have a positive effect on the economy and will also help support improvement in light-duty pickup truck sales.”

U.S. Economy

·         Credit spread has returned to normal levels. However, consumer credit continues to contract – reflecting both weak credit demand 

and cautious bank lending

·         Consumer confidence fell slightly in November, but remains much improved from the trough in February

·         Manufacturing sector is increasing output due to depleted current inventories

·         Job losses continue to slow, however employment levels continue to be a concern

·         Housing starts, new and existing home sales, and home prices are beginning to stabilize

U. S. Auto Industry

·         The U.S. November 2009 SAAR is estimated to be slightly higher than October – approximately 11.0 million (total industry estimate)

·         Industry inventory levels are anticipated to increase moderately through Q4 to support modestly rising industry sales

SOURCE: 

Henderson's team is under pressure to reverse a long slide in U.S. market share

Keep it up Fritz!

GM must reverse sales and market share losses. Key to that will be changing buyer perceptions so they can look beyond the bankruptcy and consider GM models.

The job security of GM CEO Fritz Henderson may depend on the automaker's performance. Henderson's team is under pressure to reverse a long slide in U.S. market share.

GM needs hot products. While sales increased 4 percent in October, the automaker is bracing for a drop in global industry volume this quarter -- from 67.8 million to 65.4 million vehicles -- and executives forecast U.S. sales could fall from 11.7 million to 10.7 million. Next year, however, executives expect a modest recovery in the U.S.

GM's global market share is climbing despite the bankruptcy, rising 0.3 percentage points to 11.9 percent in the 80 days following bankruptcy compared to the first half of 2009. U.S. market share in the period stayed flat at 19.5 percent, but GM gained share in the U.S. in October for a third straight month and early indications suggest November could continue the trend.

Chevrolet Cruze in Paris; coming soon to U.S.

source: 

Susan Docherty: "We’re Not Declaring Victory … But We’re Here to Report Progress."

We’re Not Declaring Victory … But We’re Here to Report Progress

Vice President, US Sales                                                                                                                                                                                  

Today, we reported October sales for the new GM of 177,603 units, up four percent from last October – our first US sales gain in 21 months. Retail sales were up 15 percent for the same period. So, while no one is declaring victory … we are seeing signs of progress.

Our estimated share of the US market for October was 21 percent.   That was better than September and significantly better than last October. With 95 percent of our retail sales for the month attributed to Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac, our sales mix is healthier than it was with eight brands.  Importantly, our six newest products (Equinox, Camaro, Traverse, LaCrosse, Terrain, and SRX) are off to a great start, showing improvement in traffic and sales compared to the models they replaced.  Camaro has outsold the Ford Mustang five months in a row; Equinox and Terrain are gaining share in the crossover segment; LaCrosse is bringing younger buyers to Buick; and SRX had the best month in its history.
We know we have a lot of work to do to earn consumer trust, change perceptions about our company and products, and strengthen relationships.  And, while we’re encouraged by consumer acceptance of our new vehicles and our October results, no one is celebrating.
We will continue to work hard every day to make our customers our top priority – and that means offering cars and trucks they “gotta have,” and giving them the service they deserve.
Stay tuned, and let us know what you think of our new products.
SOURCE: 

 NOVEMBER 3, 2009-BY JOHN KELL

October U.S. Sales Rose at GM, Ford Chrysler's Fell 30% While Toyota Sales Were Flat

U.S. car sales posted strong results in October, with Ford Motor Co. maintaining its recent standout performance with a 3.3% increase and General Motors Co. seeing 4.7% growth, its first since January 2008.

But laggard Chrysler Group LLC continued to struggle, with October sales falling 30%. Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co., meantime, said sales for the month were marginally higher.

U.S. auto sales last month delivered more concrete signs the economy is on the mend. Excluding July and August, when sales were boosted by cash-for clunkers rebates, October sales hit the highest rate of 2009—the mid 10-million range ...

WSJ Chart Published End Of Sept.09

The Badge

Great news. “May the best car win” campaign working. Dearly hope this very trend in sales will continue and GM will be able put back the ‘GM/Mark Of Excellence’ badges on its great products, leaving no doubts in the minds of consumers. Fascinating job done by all  in the new management. Congratulations… Talking about the 'badge', I had to go back in time and fetch a few facts that are worth to keep in mind. Some may even trigger a smile while reading iff you would care to go thru...CLICK 4 more... /MT

                                                            

GM seen posting sales gain

For the first time in 21 months, General Motors is on track to see its first monthly sales increase compared to the same time period a year ago, the company said today.

“We’re really having a good October,” he said. 

DiGiovanni added that about 95% of the sales for the month are coming from the company’s four core U.S. brands — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. A year ago, those brands comprised about 85% of the company’s sales. 

GM is in the process of winding down Pontiac and Saturn and selling off Hummer and Saab after emerging from bankruptcy in July. 

“We’re clearly getting behind us the brands we’re phasing out,” he said. 

He predicted U.S. light vehicle sales for October will rise to an annual rate of 10.5 million, up dramatically from September's 9.2 million. He said the U.S. auto market is not out of trouble yet but is showing signs of recovery.

VIA:

GM market share will grow in October

Acording to Edmunds.com, things are looking up for General Motors in the month of October. If preliminary figures hold up, The General's market share should come in at 22.4 percent, a notable gain from the 19.1 percent share the automaker averaged throughout the third quarter of 2009. Driving this newfound marketplace success is thought to be GM's recent abundance

of new product launches, which include  important models like the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX along with the Equinox and Camaro from Chevrolet. GM has received mostly favorable reviews on each of these vehicles and has invested money into advertising and media campaigns.Still, maintaining the measure of success seen over the last month and continuing to grow that momentum in the long term won't be easy, and GM isn't likely to recapture its position as the dominant player in America that it once was any time soon. 
Source: Edmunds/AutoObserver-Michelle Krebs, Senior Analyst and Editor at Large- October 16

COMMENT: Great analysis for us who feel attached to the hope for GM's recovery.The new management, as it seems, is walking the talk. BUT how come GMC's new Terrain was not mentioned in this article as its been well accepted by the consumers? Lets not leave one out of the left(only) 4 core brands which is contributing to the over-all progress. Edmunds.com has been quite factual and sometimes even skeptic on GM's post-bankruptcy attempts which i like to follow with an open mind. Do criticise as an important online medium so that they wont fail again./MT

2010 GMC TERRAIN : LAST UPDATE: 19-10-2009/http://www.leftlanenews.com/gmc-terrain.html

General Motors added the Terrain crossover utility vehicle to its GMC brand's
lineup for the 2010 model year onward. Positioned below the full-size Acadia, the Terrain shares its Theta architecture with the new Chevrolet Equinox. The model replaced the Pontiac Torrent and GMC Envoy.
"The new Terrain brings GMC's history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today's buyer," said Susan Docherty.
The Terrain is offered with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive in SLE and SLT trim levels.
GMC Terrain is produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario with pricing starting in the low $20,000 range.