GM's worldwide sales top 9 million vehicles for first time in 27 years

[dindak]

One has to think the demise of GM is just a bit premature

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/060116-6.htm

[mgescuro]

Good news indeed.
However, as the global sales pie is expanding, it means GM's share is consquently shrinking. IT also means global competition is expanding, which just means a tougher and more cutthroat marketplace.

Just imagine if GM wasn't in such a crap hole in teh NOrth American market.

[Joevette]

Diesel H3's for overseas sales, what about something for North America?? wtf is wrong with car companies and not selling thigns people want in our own country but having it available for people around the world?

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by dindak

One has to think the demise of GM is just a bit premature

I agree, but the press really won't take note of it. They'll say "Yeah, that's nice, but they're falling apart" rather than actually giving GM credit.

Global sales of Chevrolet increased 4.4 per cent to 4.37 million units, compared with 4.18 million in 2004, and was fueled in part by exceptionally strong sales in Central and Western Europe (up 26 per cent) and in China, where sales exceeded 100,000 units. Chevrolet was also the top-selling automotive brand in the U.S.

This is exceptionally good news. I hope that the new products GM is coming out with will only help to keep that upward pace going for Chevrolet in Europe. I'm happy to see they did well in China too, but Europe is the real test for Chevrolet. China is not as mature of a market and GM can get away with selling some older products there for awhile yet. But in Europe, tastes run more refined and the market is mature -- GM carving a niche with their low priced offerings is a real test. I know that some, like KiteBoy, have said that some folks in the UK just appreciate the badge, the price and warranty -- and perhaps this is all they need for the time being to make more of a name for themselves. I don't expect them to take 10% of the market anytime soon, but I certainly expect them to move upwards.

If I were GM I'd be advertising the Chevy logo everywhere I could. I know that Mazda has had some success sponsoring soccer teams like AC Roma (or was it Lazio?) -- GM should follow suite and sponsor a team to get their logo on some Jerseys. I know that they said Chevy seems to do better in the Southern European countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece -- and in Eastern Europe. Perhaps they should look there to sponsor a team?

[86fleet]

This proves that GM will survive. (though maybe not as the largest in the world)

[Gm786]

Excellent news! Congragulations GM!

[Cortazzo]

We don't get those cool diesels here because our regulations force new diesels to be as clean in all respects to gasoline engines. Honestly, diesels aren't all that fabulous. They are expensive and will be more so to meet US regulations. A better solution IMO is using smaller displacement direct injection and forced induction gas engines. Instead of a 3.5 v6, use a 2.0 turbo 4 making the same power. When you're off the turbo, you get great mileage, when you need the power, it's there for you to use. Less expensive than a turbo diesel without the headaches of meating difficult emissions standards utilizing the existing infrastructure. A really neat addition would be turbo plants that run flex fuel with ethanol like the saab biopower. You can run higher compression with ethanol im pretty sure.

[mbukukanyau]

I Say Take Pontiac Global too...

[327]

Originally Posted by Joevette

Diesel H3's for overseas sales, what about something for North America?? wtf is wrong with car companies and not selling thigns people want in our own country but having it available for people around the world?

seems to happen a lot doesnt it. I think most of the holden RWDs shouldve been here for pontiac Buick and Chevy!

[vanshmack]

Originally Posted by Joevette

Diesel H3's for overseas sales, what about something for North America?? wtf is wrong with car companies and not selling thigns people want in our own country but having it available for people around the world?

We never get the best stuff.

[MCGARRETT]

We never get the best stuff.

Is there a car anywhere within the GM empire that tops the Z06 Corvette?

[paul3230]

Originally Posted by MCGARRETT

Is there a car anywhere within the GM empire that tops the Z06 Corvette?

Very true!

[asim]

Whoo good news!

[Toto]

Originally Posted by MCGARRETT

Is there a car anywhere within the GM empire that tops the Z06 Corvette?

In which direction? Driving dynamics? No. Consumption? Many. j/k

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by MCGARRETT

Is there a car anywhere within the GM empire that tops the Z06 Corvette?

No, but we lack quality Mid Size FWD/RWD cars. See Europe (Opel) for the former, and Australia (Holden) for the latter.