GM scores third straight monthly sales gain
November 1, 2007
By KATIE MERX
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER
General Motors Corp. reported its third consecutive month of light vehicle sales increases, with a 3.4% increase in U.S. sales in October compared with a year ago, despite an expected decline in overall industry sales.
GM reported sales of 307,408 cars and light trucks in October, up 10,007 vehicles from a year earlier. Light trucks consist of minivans, SUVs and most pickups.
GM reported 229,294 retail sales, led by sales of full-size SUVs, crossovers, the Cadillac CTS and the Chevrolet Aveo, Cobalt and HHR. Retail sales of Saturn vehicles were up 7%, the company said.
Cadillac had its best month this year, with retail sales up about 9%, the company said. Sales of the new CTS were up 75% from a year ago.
"Our strong market share performance and our ability to outpace industry trends on volume demonstrates the consumer acceptance of our new products," said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president of sales, service and marketing. "Over the past two years, our new products including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac CTS, full-size utilities, and mid-crossovers have all gained retail share following launch. Our committed dealer team has really stepped up to the plate, pushing all of GM's brands above the industry average in the recently released J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index."
GM said its market share has increased more than 1 point to 25.1%, compared with the same period last year.
Contact KATIE MERX at 313-222-8762 or
kmerx@freepress.com.