GM Reports 263,654 November Deliveries; Retail Car Deliveries Up

[Bruce Nunnally]

* Chevrolet Malibu Retail Sales Up 40 Percent; Chevy Cars Up 15 Percent

* All-New CTS Drives 15 Percent Cadillac Car Sales Increase

* Enclave, OUTLOOK and Acadia Crossovers Post Strong Retail Sales

* Dealer Inventories Down 97,000 Vehicles Year-Over-Year

* Planned Daily Rental Sales Reduction of 28.5 Percent

DETROIT - After three consecutive monthly increases, GM dealers in the United States delivered 263,654 vehicles in November, down 11 percent compared with a year ago, reflecting continuing reductions in daily rental sales and softening industry demand.

GM's retail car deliveries increased, based on the strength of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu, 2008 Cadillac CTS and fuel-efficient Chevrolet Aveo, Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and G6.

"Integral to our strategy is to grow our share in the key car segments. The retail performance, especially from the new Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, demonstrates the enthusiasm customers have for these outstanding new vehicles," said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "The recognition of the 2008 CTS as Motor Trend's Car of the Year reinforces what we are hearing from customers about this phenomenal car. And, not to be outdone, the new Malibu is flying off dealer lots."

There were several bright spots in retail deliveries, led by brisk sales in the economy, small, mid and luxury car segments and mid-utility crossovers. Chevrolet retail car sales were up more than 15 percent, Cadillac retail car sales, driven by a 48-percent increase in CTS sales, were up more than 13 percent and Pontiac retail car sales were up more than 8 percent. Total retail deliveries were down 9.7 percent, largely due to reduced availability of 2007 models after a strong sell-down in September and October.

"The Malibu, CTS and Enclave have some of the fastest turn rates in the industry," LaNeve added. "We've added production capacity at our Orion Assembly plant for Malibu to keep up with growing demand and dealer orders."

Together, GM's mid-utility crossovers (Buick Enclave, Saturn OUTLOOK and GMC Acadia) sold nearly 13,000 vehicles at retail. Saturn retail truck sales, driven by the OUTLOOK, were up more than 35 percent. Chevrolet HHR retail sales were up 60 percent.

The Pontiac and GMC divisions showed retail sales increases.

GM continued to reduce sales to daily rental fleets, down more than 14,000 vehicles, or almost 29 percent compared with a year ago. Total fleet sales were down 16 percent.

Retail sales for the month, as a percentage of total sales, showed an increase of more than one percentage point (to 74 percent of total sales) compared with a year ago.

Vehicle inventories were down 97,000 vehicles compared with year-ago levels and stood at about 993,000 vehicles at the end of the month.

Quality, reliability and durability (QRD) remain key factors for customers when purchasing a new vehicle. "GM provides the best coverage in the industry. We take care of the vehicle and the owner like no other manufacturer," LaNeve added. An increasing number of consumers cite GM's willingness to stand behind its quality as a reason to buy a new GM vehicle. GM's new 5 Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty continues to make GM a better choice for customers. GM's coverage focuses on the complete ownership experience and includes other provisions that competitors do not offer, including transferability to the next owner, more complete coverage of parts, and coverage for new and certified used vehicles. In addition, GM offers superior complementary programs, such as courtesy transportation and roadside assistance.