BOOM! Chevrolet of Europe Sales Up 42% in January

[Ming]

Technically this is a repost, but I think we missed the real story (or did GM Europe just downplay it?). Chevy of Europe is surging. Its market share jumped 25% in one year. On a heavy, sometimes all-Daewoo product lineup. Similar story reflected in Suzuki USA sales, thanks in large part to the GMDAT sourced Forenza. And GM Daewoo continues to do well in its home country and abroad elsewhere. So "value packed" with crisp, frequently updated styling does count for something after all...

GM Europe Chevrolet sales up 41.5 percent compared to January 2006; GM Europe January Sales Reach 15 Year Record


* GME January sales up 17,631 units from same month last year
* GME January market share up 0.7 point to 9.5 percent, a 10 year record
* Quality sales improve with reductions in short-cycle fleet sales
* Opel/Vauxhall share up 0.3 point to 7.5 percent
* Chevrolet share up 0.4 point to 1.6 percent

Zurich, 2007-02-07 -- In January, General Motors (GM) Europe sales reached a 15-year record for the month, with 165,043 units*, 17,631 more compared to January 2006. The company market share reached 9.5 percent, up 0.7 point from the previous January, establishing a 10-year record. These results are even more significant considering that GM continues to reduce short-cycle fleet sales as a continuing strategy to improve contribution margins and residual values for the customer.

Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet grow European market share
Accounting for 78 percent of GM’s European sales, Opel/Vauxhall sold 129,610 vehicles in January 2007, growing its market share to 7.5 percent.

Chevrolet had sales of 28,359 units, up 41.5 percent compared to January 2006, and a market share of 1.6 percent, up 0.4 point versus the year ago period.

Saab sold 6,573 cars, with a market share of 0.4 percent. Cadillac, Hummer and Corvette sold a total of 501 units.

“Importantly, we also are launching significant new vehicles such as the New Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, a shooting star that has already numerous awards, and the Opel/Vauxhall Antara. Opel/Vauxhall are also returning to the sport car segment with the new GT,” said Jonathan Browning.

Source: http://www.autospectator.com/modules...p?storyid=7956

Chevrolet UK Website: http://www.chevrolet.co.uk/models/la...t0_index_0.htm

[BusyBody]

Great news. It seems like GM is up everywhere but the US. What is wrong with Americans that they cannot bat for their home team?

[asim]

This is great. I hope that GM can even out their North American losses with gains in other places in the world. But with the new products coming out here in NA, GM could turn around this market as well.

[HEVguy]

Excellent news... but I am not suprised. From the first time I heard that GM was selling GMDAT as Chevy in the EU, it made perfect sense... Keep the 'growth brand' (i.e. imported Korean car brands) going in the EU, BUT give it a well established name and automatically a good image! Win-win IMO.

[Ming]

This was a pretty frightening find on one of the Chevrolet Europe web sites where in addition to the GM Daewoo lineup they also offer the Trailblazer, Tahoe, aaaand....(drum roll please) :

http://www.chevroleteurope.com/portal/sw/index.htm

[DanCBJMS1988]

That has to be Russia. Chevy Trans Sports died out years ago, along with the Chevy Alero.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by Ming

It will teach those Europeans a lesson for sure.

[HoosierRon]

501 Cadillacs, Hummers and Corvettes combined? For the entire continent?

[ZvetteGuy]

Originally Posted by BusyBody

Great news. It seems like GM is up everywhere but the US. What is wrong with Americans that they cannot bat for their home team?

if everyone batted for their home team like you suggest... then GM Europe wouldn't be doing as well as it is... the Europeans would be buying their own makes and models and wouldn't give GM a second look...

Great job GM in doing business elsewhere!!! I hope that you can bring the success in America now!

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

501 Cadillacs, Hummers and Corvettes combined? For the entire continent?

You know most Benz/BMW sales in Europe do not qualify as luxury sales in US.
4 banger, cloth seats... E200, or C180 and BMW 318i....s...

would anyone in the US other than Acura buyers even consinder a 4 banger Sedan Luxury?

[Mikkoo]

Originally Posted by BusyBody

Great news. It seems like GM is up everywhere but the US. What is wrong with Americans that they cannot bat for their home team?

When it comes to cars, Americans are not nationalistic like the French or Germans. Perceptions die slowly, but the new crop of GM cars like the 08
Malibu and CTS will change perceptions in a positive way. In today's
competitive market it comes down to design that is the great equalizer.
GM is showing that passionate design is again a very important selling
point that can differentiate it from it's competitors.

[SimonDavid]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

501 Cadillacs, Hummers and Corvettes combined? For the entire continent?

No diesel engines - which is 60% of the large car market in Europe

Tiny dealer network - set up by Lutz

Terrible interiors

No 3 series competitor - SAAB covers that area

Too big for European roads

I think the Corvette is actually their best seller, it's been getting quite favourable reviews in Germany as a 911 competitor

[Butz]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

501 Cadillacs, Hummers and Corvettes combined? For the entire continent?

What's wrong with that?
Cadillac aint a volume brand, you don't see them selling cheap ugly A-Classes or 1-Series'

[commodorecoops]

Originally Posted by DanCBJMS1988

That has to be Russia. Chevy Trans Sports died out years ago, along with the Chevy Alero.

Wasn't the Alero an Oldsmobile? Did they sell it overseas as a Chevy? Or isn't it the same vehicle?

[FISH]

Originally Posted by Butz

What's wrong with that?
Cadillac aint a volume brand, you don't see them selling cheap ugly A-Classes or 1-Series'

Well the Caddies are not cheap, though they are still ugly.