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GM Sales Drop 13% In February
GM dealers in the United States delivered 270,423 vehicles in February, a decrease of 13 percent compared with an unusually strong February last year.
"Our new launch vehicles, including the award-winning Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, had a sensational month, as did the Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Aura, and the Pontiac G6," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "Most importantly, despite tough market conditions, we anticipate our total retail vehicle sales share to have remained flat for the first two months of the year compared to 2007. We are encouraged by our performance in the key passenger car categories, and while the overall market for trucks is challenging, we anticipate holding our share for full-size pickups and utilities." Truck sales declined 20 percent compared with a year ago.
GM's fuel-efficient cars saw strong growth. Chevrolet Cobalt total sales were up 56 percent with retail up 24 percent; Pontiac G6 was up 50 percent total and 6 percent retail; and Buick LaCrosse total sales were up 12 percent compared with February 2007.
The Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook together accounted for more than 11,000 vehicle sales in the month, an increase of 94 percent compared with the same month last year. Outlook sales were up 15 percent; Acadia sales increased 39 percent; and there were more than 3,800 Buick Enclaves sold.
Also of note, the Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover utility had total sales of more than 8,600 vehicles for a 15 percent increase, and a retail sales increase of 8 percent compared to a year ago.
"Our sales increase at Cadillac shows the power of new products to attract consumers - even in a tough market," LaNeve added. "Additionally, Saturn Outlook had a 15 percent total sales increase, illustrating that vehicle's contribution to the mid-utility crossover segment performance. We remain focused on offering vehicles that have industry-leading value, great fuel economy and the best warranty coverage of any full-line automaker."
Certified Used Vehicles
February 2008 sales for all certified GM brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, were 42,305 vehicles, down 1 percent from last February. Year-to-date sales are 79,974 vehicles, down 7 percent from the same period last year.
GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling certified brand, posted February sales of 37,716 vehicles, equivalent to last February's results. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 3,270 vehicles, up 5 percent from February 2007. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 706 vehicles, down 44 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 458 vehicles, down 15 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 155 vehicles, up 52 percent.
"Certified sales are off to a solid start in the first quarter. February sales for GM Certified Used Vehicles were up 13 percent from last month, but equivalent year over year to a strong sales performance in February 2007," said LaNeve. "Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles posted a 5 percent sales increase over last February, while Hummer Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles rose 52 percent."
In February, GM North America produced 350,000 vehicles (129,000 cars and 221,000 trucks). This is up 1,000 units or less than 1 percent compared to February 2007 when the region produced 349,000 vehicles (130,000 cars and 219,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 22,000 vehicles in February 2008 and 20,000 vehicles in February 2007.)
The region's 2008 first-quarter production forecast remains unchanged at 965,000 vehicles (357,000 cars and 608,000 trucks). Additionally, GM North America's initial 2008 second-quarter production forecast is set at 1.08 million vehicles (408,000 cars and 672,000 trucks), down 62,000 units or 5 percent from second-quarter 2007 actuals. In the second-quarter of 2007 the region produced 1.142 million vehicles (402,000 cars and 740,000 trucks).