GM January 2012 Sales Down 6%, 167,962 Units Sold

[FenwickHockey65]

GM’s U.S. Sales Down 6 percent in January
Link to Press Release

February 1, 2012

DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported total sales of 167,962 vehicles in the United States in January, down 6 percent compared with a very strong January 2011.

“Chevrolet drove our performance once again and sales of our fuel-efficient new cars were especially good,” and Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “The strength that the economy and the auto industry showed in the fourth quarter carried into January, so we believe the year is off to a good start.”

Chevrolet passenger car sales increased 13 percent. GM’s total passenger car sales increased 3 percent in January, led by a 30-percent increase in sales of fuel-efficient small and compact cars, which include the new Chevrolet Sonic, the consistently strong-selling Chevrolet Cruze and the new Buick Verano.

In addition, the Buick LaCrosse, which now offers the 36-mpg highway eAssist powertrain as standard equipment, posted a 6 percent year-over-year increase, and the Chevrolet Camaro was up 20 percent.

GM’s crossover sales decreased 18 percent and sales of trucks, which include full-size pickups, vans and SUVs, decreased 6 percent.

Retail deliveries declined 15 percent compared with the same month a year ago and accounted for 70 percent of GM sales.

“In 2012, we will strengthen our position with more new products, an even better dealership experience and reinforce the disciplined ‘go to market’ strategy that helped us grow profitably in the United States in 2011,” said Johnson.

GM has an aggressive new product plan for 2012: Production of the new 2013 Buick Verano is ramping up. In January, the company began production of the 37-mpg 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, with four-cylinder and turbo powertrains launching in the summer, about the same time the new 2013 Chevrolet Spark arrives in showrooms.

In late spring, Cadillac will launch its new XTS large sedan and in late summer, its new ATS luxury sports sedan. Late in 2012, Buick will launch the new Encore crossover, which made its debut at the North American International Auto Show.

At the Chicago Auto Show, GMC will introduce a new Acadia, which will go into production in late 2012. Other new products will be announced at major U.S. auto shows and other events throughout the year.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Isn't the beginning of the calendar year typically rough for the Industry being in the dead of winter and all?

[Stew]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Isn't the beginning of the calendar year typically rough for the Industry being in the dead of winter and all?

Well, I don't know Ford was up 7% and Chrysler was up 44%.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Isn't the beginning of the calendar year typically rough for the Industry being in the dead of winter and all?

Doesn't matter when you're comparing January 2011 to January 2012 though.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

Doesn't matter when you're comparing January 2011 to January 2012 though.

True. Fair enough.

[Scrappy Doo]

Originally Posted by Stew

Well, I don't know Ford was up 7% and Chrysler was up 44%.

Wow.

[Silverlsinva]

I do see alot of new chargers now so i can believe the chrysler 44% thing. But its good that the camaro was up 20 %