GM dealers in the United States delivered 349,867 vehicles in March, a reduction of 7.7 percent on a sales day-adjusted basis (down 4.2 percent non-adjusted), compared with 365,375 total sales a year ago. Fleet sales were down 11.8 percent due to continuing reductions in daily rental sales. GM's March retail sales were down 6.2 percent compared with year-ago levels on a sales day-adjusted basis (down 2.8 percent non-adjusted).
For the first quarter of 2007, GM delivered 909,094 vehicles, a decline of 5.6 percent, driven by reductions of almost 60,000 daily rental vehicle sales. For the first quarter of 2007, GM retail sales were up 0.5 percent. The reductions in fleet sales have resulted in a significant improvement in the retail/fleet mix.
"As we continue to build upon our strategy of focusing on value, lowering daily rental sales and increasing residual values, we were able to grow retail sales for the quarter, posting year-over-year increases in 19 vehicle lines. That's very good news. In March, we saw continued strength and stability in our retail business led by gains in mid-cars, crossovers, economy cars and luxury SUVs," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North American Sales, Service and Marketing. "The Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Acadia and Saturn Outlook are exceeding our expectations and confirm that when you offer the best product, value, segment-leading fuel economy and the best warranty coverage in the industry, customers respond."
GM March sales reflected the continuing strength of the new product portfolio with competitive incentive spending, balanced with ongoing reductions in daily rental fleet sales.
Chevrolet Aveo, Impala, Equinox, HHR, Suburban and Avalanche; Pontiac G6; Saturn Sky; GMC Yukon XL; Cadillac SRX, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT all had March retail sales increases compared to a year ago. Pontiac G5; Saturn Aura and Outlook and the GMC Acadia are newly-offered products and continue to contribute retail sales momentum. The GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook drove a 235 percent retail increase in the mid-crossover segment.