GM Reports April Sales of 213,387 Vehicles, Increases 2012 Sales Outlook
General Motors
May 1, 2012
DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported April sales of 213,387 vehicles in the United States. Retail sales were essentially equal to April 2011. GM’s fleet sales declined 25 percent due to the timing of rental customer deliveries, as previously indicated. As a result, total sales were down 8 percent.
Based on higher than expected first quarter industry sales and expectations that the U.S. economy will continue to grow, GM is increasing its full-year light vehicle sales forecast to 14.0 million – 14.5 million units from 13.5 million – 14.0 million units.
“We expect gradual improvement in the economy going forward,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “Over time, strength in the manufacturing sector and strong retail sales will lead to more job creation. That will help more consumers put the recession behind them, gain even more confidence and drive vehicle sales higher for both the industry and GM.”
GM’s two newest vehicles, the Chevrolet Sonic and the Buick Verano, continue to perform well. Chevrolet Sonic sales were 38 percent higher than the vehicle it replaced. Buick Verano sales reached 2,989 units and have increased each month since it went on sale in late November 2011. In addition, Chevrolet Volt sales of 1,462 units were strong nationally but limited by availability of vehicles in California, where GM is launching a model that qualifies for high-occupancy vehicle lane access.
Other highlights include a 7 percent year-over-year increase for the Cadillac CTS sedan, a 20 percent increase for the GMC Sierra, a 9 percent increase for the GMC Terrain, a 5 percent sales increase for the Chevrolet Silverado and a 7 percent increase for the Chevrolet Equinox.
On a selling-day adjusted basis, GM total sales were up 3 percent and retail sales were up 12 percent. On the same basis, Chevrolet retail sales were up 13 percent, Buick retail sales were up 8 percent, GMC retail sales were up 17 percent and Cadillac retail sales were essentially equal to a year ago. There were three fewer selling days in April 2012 than a year ago.