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August 02, 2006

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GM's Global Brand Sales Grow as U.S. Market Stabilizes

  • Saab Sets Record for First Half of Year

  • Chevrolet Global Sales Continue to Grow


Photo: GM

Chevrolet Corvette

DETROIT - General Motors reported second quarter global sales (April - June) of 2,400,000 vehicles - an 8.7 percent increase over first quarter 2006 - 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.

Chevrolet, GM's foundational brand recorded year-to-date sales increases in Asia Pacific (40 percent), Latin America (15 percent), Middle East (12 percent) and Europe (12 percent).
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Most encouraging is Chevrolet's growth in emerging markets such as Brazil up 13 percent (20,000 units), China up 81 percent (30,000 units), India up 47 percent (6,000 units) and Russia up 47 percent (14,000 units). Second quarter Chevrolet global sales are up more than 128,000 units, a 13 percent increase over first quarter results. 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 (1,300 units) and the United States, up 89 percent (15,000 units) 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 set a new record for the first half of the year. The largest growth was in Europe where sales increased 24 percent compared to 2005. In Sweden, the Saab 9-5 was once again the number one 'green vehicle' sold. 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. Sales in the United States are expected to further stabilize in future months with increased availability of the Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT, Escalade ESV, and SRX with an all-new interior.

(July 28, 2006)

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