GM Bucks Industry Trend - Total Sales Up, Led by an 11 Percent Retail Increase

[Bruce Nunnally]

GM Bucks Industry Trend - Total Sales Up, Led by an 11 Percent Retail Increase

The Truck Leader - Silverado and Sierra Power 29 Percent Increase in Full-Size Pickups

GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook Drive 97 Percent Retail Increase in Mid-Utility Crossover Sales

Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura Lead 25 Percent Increase in Mid Car Retail Sales

DETROIT - Despite an expected decline in U.S. industry sales, GM reported a 3.4 percent total sales increase, compared with February 2006. The sales gain was due to an 11 percent retail sales increase. Retail and fleet sales by GM dealers in the United States totaled 311,763 vehicles, compared with sales of 301,545 in February 2006. Fleet sales were down 18 percent due to a planned 25 percent reduction in daily rental sales.

"Our pickup, SUV and crossover business was terrific across the board. Our customers are telling us that we have the winning formula - the best products, industry-leading fuel economy and the best value," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North American Sales, Service and Marketing.

February's performance was led by the new GMC Sierra and the North American Truck of the Year Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickups. Silverado had its best February sales month in five years, total full-size pickup sales were up 29 percent and total truck sales were up more than 7 percent compared with last February. The critically-acclaimed new GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook drove a 97 percent retail increase in the mid-crossover segment.

"With GM offering the best coverage in our 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, we believe customers see our vehicles as having outstanding value and quality that is better than the competition. With a less than stellar industry performance, our February sales results stand out," LaNeve added.

The Chevrolet, GMC, Saturn and Pontiac divisions all saw retail increases in February.

Retail truck sales were up 16 percent compared with February 2006 and total truck sales were up 7 percent. Leading the retail sales gains were full-size pickups, up 36 percent compared with February 2006, with positive showings by Chevrolet Avalanche, up 110 percent and Silverado, up 34 percent. GMC Sierra retail sales volume was up 27 percent compared with last February.

Retail increases by the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT, compared with February 2006, pushed GM's large luxury utilities segment up 7 percent compared with last February.

Driven by an increase in Chevrolet Aveo retail sales, GM's economy car segment retail volume was up 17 percent compared with February 2006. A 45 percent retail increase in Pontiac G6 and a 65 percent increase in Chevrolet Impala retail sales, compared with the same month a year ago, pushed GM's mid-car segment retail volume up 25 percent.

In February, GM's mix of total fleet to retail sales continued to improve significantly. Retail sales were 78.5 percent of total sales, compared with 73 percent last February; fleet sales were 21.5 percent, compared with 27 percent last year.

GM February sales reflected the continuing strength of the new product portfolio with competitive incentive spending, balanced with ongoing reductions in daily rental fleet sales.

Certified Used Vehicles

February 2007 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 42,855 units, up nearly 6 percent from last February. Year-to-date sales for all certified GM brands are up nearly 8 percent from the same period last year.

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used brand, posted February sales of 37,840 units, up nearly 7 percent from February 2006. Year-to-date sales are 75,390 units, up 8 percent.

Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles posted February sales of 3,111 units, comparable to last February. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 1,262 units in February, down 11 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 540 units, up 7 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 102 units, up 183 percent.

"GM Certified Used Vehicles posted another strong month in February, with sales up nearly 7 percent from last February," said LaNeve. "We have had two excellent months to begin the year and with upcoming program changes in 2007, we're optimistic sales will continue to grow throughout the year."

Figures by model:

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet...amp;docid=33729

[GreenMachine]

Looking good!