- Bucking The Industry Trend, 5 Percent Total Sales Increase Led By Full-Size Pickups and All-New Crossovers
- GMC Division Up More Than 21 Percent; Chevrolet Up Nearly 9 Percent
- Market Share Expected To Be The Best of 2007 So Far
DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 388,168 vehicles in August, up more than 5 percent compared with year-ago monthly sales, a strong performance that resulted in an anticipated highest-of-the-year market share of nearly 26 percent. Brisk sales of full-size pickups and crossover SUVs led the increase.
“Bucking the trend in the industry, we were able to post healthy sales results in August. When combining retail sales with our growing commercial business, our sales were up when compared with last August. Importantly, last month was our third-best retail month of the year,” said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “With the double-digit decline in daily rental sales so far this year, and an overall market that remains challenging and competitive, we continue to stabilize our retail share and pricing in the market.”
Customers are also recognizing the quality of GM products. A recent study ranked Buick number one (tied with Lexus) in vehicle dependability. Another customer service survey has every GM brand above the industry average score -better than Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Ford and Land Rover. “The myth of import superiority is being destroyed. In countless independent consumer surveys, blogs and expert reviews, it is becoming increasingly evident that we build the highest quality vehicles and deliver them with world-class service,” LaNeve noted.
Overall incentive spending was flat compared with a year ago. August inventories were down about 34,000 vehicles to approximately 945,000 vehicles.
“August performance shows we’re hitting the sweet spot on truck programs, and our award-winning Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups are making important contributions on the retail side,” LaNeve added. “Importantly, these vehicles contributed a 30-percent increase in full-size pickup retail sales, with Sierra kicking in more than 22,500 retail sales in the month. We are also pleased with the ongoing success of the GMC Acadia, Saturn OUTLOOK and Buick Enclave. They are driving our mid-utility crossover segment growth, which is up more than 400 percent compared with a year ago despite short inventories. As with many of our vehicles, these all-new crossovers offer segment-leading fuel economy, terrific performance and outstanding value.”
The GMC Acadia, Saturn OUTLOOK and Buick Enclave together had retail sales of more than 10,400 vehicles, pushing the significant retail increase in GM’s mid-crossover segment.
GM has 24 vehicles in the 2007 model lineup that achieve an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway or better.
Warranty coverage has increased substantially as a reason consumers cite when buying a new GM vehicle. GM’s 5 Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty continues to be a better choice for customers. GM’s coverage focuses on the complete ownership experience and includes other provisions that competitors do not offer, including transferability to the next owner, more complete coverage of parts, and coverage for new and certified used vehicles. In addition, GM offers superior complementary programs, such as courtesy transportation and roadside assistance. “GM provides the best coverage in the industry and takes care of the vehicle and the owner like no other vehicle manufacturer,” LaNeve added.