10/23/07

General Motors Sets Global Sales Record

Unlike struggling US rivals Ford and Chrysler, GM is a global success. Although North American sales saw a 6% decline year over year, worldwide third quarter 2007 sales volume set a record.

GM products did 2.38 million units last quarter.

Chevrolet Aveo, Corsa, and Celta spearheaded a 22% increase in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

GM moved a record 523,600 vehicles in Europe for 3rd Q, a 15% annual increase. After cutting rental fleet sales, the General did only 1.2 million units in North America.

Rising gas prices and a looming recession will keep 2008 stateside car demand soft.

The restyled 2008 Malibu is expected to boost GM's US volume, and the car sure looks like a winner. Critics say it will just steal Impala sales.

GM has a long way to go to catch Toyota/Honda, but they are making a valiant effort.