January sales: GM up, Toyota down

[zete]

Originally Posted by ronald mcretard

Remember it's just one month though. Toyota could always have a big blowout sale or something to sell more units than GM.

Or they can dump to fleet.

Problem for Toyota is that if they dump to fleet or go mental with a blowout the media will simply point at it as a sign of desperation to be #1. Historically they've been methodical: slowly eating away at GM's lead, inching closer. If they suddenly opt to have a firesale across the board -- like the one for the Tundra in December (and we see the results of that in January with a huge drop in sales) -- I think the media would have a field day.

In the end, Toyota either passes GM this year on regular sales with no funny business or it may well be the end of Toyota's attempt to be #1.

It's all about numbers and percentages now. And with the US in a funk, it's highly likely Toyota can't pass GM in 2008 simply because there's not enough of a buying public to push it up. The recession may be GM's saviour in terms of retaining #1 giving it the breathing room it needs to bring new cars to market and benefit from the reviews those cars are getting.

I also find recessions make people buy local more often figuring money that stays at home helps the economy at home. Again, a blessing in disguise for GM.

[AERO1]

Best News I Have Had All Week!

Sg

[91Saturn]

This is probably the most encouraging GM report in a long time. It's great to see the Malibu and CTS doing so well. The fact that the Aura, G6 and Cobalt are picking up is also a good sign. GM's passenger car business finally seems to be on the upswing.

[rsbaker]

Originally Posted by VCDJ

Aura is up almost 30%. It is about time. but still sales are low for this car. it did not even hit 6k.

Saturn needs a better ad campaign. Many people are just not aware of how much great product Saturn has now as compared to just 18 months ago. Today's Saturn is literally an all new Saturn and I just don't think people know it yet. A few more strategically placed dealerships would probablay help as well.

[bcjohnso99]

Originally Posted by Perian

Hate to ruin your post but -

Remember - Toyota had almost all of its major lines down during Dec-Jan.

Don't think that will have much effect - remember they just announced that they out-produced, but under-sold GM last year so they were definitely stockpiling.

[FierySolstice]

This is awesome.. this is a turnaround in progess!

[FierySolstice]

Originally Posted by rsbaker

Saturn needs a better ad campaign. Many people are just not aware of how much great product Saturn has now as compared to just 18 months ago. Today's Saturn is literally an all new Saturn and I just don't think people know it yet. A few more strategically placed dealerships would probablay help as well.

I agree, when I speak of Saturn you get looks and they still think they are made of all plastic with wide panel gaps. They need to have a better campaign, definitely!

[WishIhadatruck]

It looks really promising, lets hope things keep going this way. Better cars, better sales. Malibu retail sales up almost 200%! Wow.

[GMC-70]

There's a reason for the increase --its called incentives. GM had some incredible incentives this month. I for one took advantage of it and got an 07 leftover HHR for a little over 10,500 plus tax down from a 16,695 sticker (great car by the way). Hopefully it didnt pull ahead sales so February will really tell the tale.

Anyway--GM does have some great product right now and hopefully to the publics eye they will perceive GM's sales increase as a sign that they must have some decent product since they had better sales percentages then anyone else.

[Chaz_23]

Are they going to stop producing the Grand Prix altogether soon? I thought they would continue to offer it along with the G8. But at this rate of decline...

[VibenPontiac]

This isn't happening...
the sun does not rise...
It is not winter...
Hell has not frozen over...(has it?)

I am covering my ears & mouth and closing my ears...GM can not possibly having increasing sales from one January to the next...they are supposed to die remember.

[markusername]

Imagine that! You produce very good class leading cars and you INCREASE sales.

What a concept! Congradulations GM on FINALLY figuring out the secret to being successfull in the market place. It's not about incentives and gimmics, its about producing first rate stuff like the new MALIBU and CADDI.

Keep up the good work - (I just wish GM had figured this out in 1998 instead of 2008). Can you imagine where GM would be today if the 1998 chevy was up to par with the 1998 accord?

[Hurricane]

This is great news!

Wow, Acura sure took a nosedive!

[goatgary]

DTS and Impala are sucking some serious wind.

[GM-Joe]

Great News.

What I thought was strange is that Jeep dropped 6% and the Town & Country and Caravan saw drops of 20% and 56%; I couldn't believe that.