GM's Global Third Quarter 2007 Sales

by EVANDER KLUM

General Motor Corporation, an American multinational corporation, recently announced its sales of 2.38 million cars and trucks around the world in the third quarter of 2007. According to preliminary sales figures released, there is a four percent increase compared to last year.

According to John Middlebrook, GM vice president, Global Sales, Service and marketing Operations, ��GM��s record third quarter sales were driven by exceptionally strong demand in emerging markets and our improving competitiveness in developed markets. GM global sales of 7.06 million vehicles for the first nine months of the year reflect solid results and more than 2 percent growth. We��re on tracks to have our second-best annual sales performance in our almost 100-year history.��

��In the third quarter we experienced record sales around the globe including a 22 percent increase in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East �C an all-time quarterly record for that region �C and 16 percent growth in the Asia-Pacific region. We��re also pleased to post a sales gain of 15 percent in Europe where we sold more than 523,600 vehicles and set a Q3 record,�� he added.

Based on preliminary numbers reported, the record third quarter sales outside the United States marked the 21st consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales increases. The Q3 2007 sales outside of the United States at 1.34 million vehicles cover approximately 56 percent of GM��s total global sales. Thus, it is almost 14 percent better compared with Q3 2006, outpacing the industry average growth rate of 10 percent.

In Latin America, Africa and Middle East (LAAM) region, record third quarter sales mounted to 22 percent at 329,400 vehicles. In Brazil, record sales were up by 29 percent for the quarter. Cadillac sales went 45 percent up while Chevrolet grew 27 percent. Saab vehicles (equipped with quality Saab relay) sales increased by 17 percent. HUMMER got a triple-digit increase in the region. In the first nine months of 2007, GM LAAM region overall sales improved to about 20 percent at 893,800 vehicles.

In the Asia-Pacific region, record third quarter sales were 16 percent better at 327,500 vehicles, compared from the previous year��s third quarter. GM China sales, including SAIC-GM-Wuling sales, got over 21 percent sales at 230,000 vehicles, compared with 2006. In fact, GM is on its way to become the first group to sell 1 million vehicles in China annually. Cadillac sales improved to as much as 122 percent, while Chevrolet sales were up 46 percent and Saab with 12 percent in the region. Overall, GM Asia-Pacific region sales are up over 14 percent at 1.05 million vehicles for the first nine months of the year.

In Europe, GM delivered 523,600 vehicles as its third quarter sales, which is 15 percent better compared with last year. By fact, GM got the highest quarterly volume increase among the top-ten manufacturers in Europe. Sales growth in Russia went 75 percent up at 65,700 vehicles. GM��s growth in Russia has been supported by the start of Opel Anatara production in St. Petersburg. GM is on the go to reach selling over 200,000 vehicles in Russia this year. Chevrolet sales went 28 percent up at 113,000 vehicles. Open/Vauxhall sales improved over 12 percent in Europe. Cadillac sales were up 61 percent while HUMMER with 28 percent in the region. GM Europe regional overall sales mounted to more than 8 percent at 1.65 million vehicles for the first nine month of the year.

However, in North America GM has planned to reduce daily rental sales and to soften the U.S. market because of the increasing fuel prices and concerns regarding housing, which resulted in declined sales of 6 percent at 1.20 million vehicles compared to last year. Even if there a competitive U.S. market for full-size pickups, GM persists to show pickup truck segment leadership in the quarter through North America Truck of the Year Chevrolet Silverado and all-new GMC Sierra. In addition, GM achieved gains from: its mid-cars, which include Saturn Aura, Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Impala; and mid-utility crossovers, including GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. The newly-launched 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is in progress of building its momentum as dealer demand in taxing available supply.