GM Runs High in Africa and the Middle East, Dies in the US

General Motors proudly announced today that its Latin American, African and Middle East divisions set a new all-time sales record in 2008 as they managed to deliver more than 1.276 million vehicles. Compared to figures reported one year ago, this represents a 3.2 percent growth rate, with approximately 40,000 more units over 2007. In addition, LAAM's market share increased to 17.1 percent for the year, the American automaker said in a press statement.

“We are pleased to post our fifth consecutive record sales year, with the Chevrolet brand continuing to lead the growth throughout the region,” Maureen Kempston Darkes, GM group vice president and president of GM LAAM said.

Even though the automaker encountered the biggest problems in its history in the North American market, with the economic downturn pushing them close to bankruptcy, General Motors is extremely pleased with the financial results recorded overseas. And according to GM, all-time yearly sales records were set in different countries around the aforementioned markets, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Kenya, North Africa and the Middle East.

“And, for the 2008 calendar year, market share gains were recorded in Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Egypt, Kenya, Israel, Middle East, North Africa, South Africa and Venezuela,” GM mentioned in the press release.

Chevrolet remains a best-seller when it comes to GM brands sold overseas, with Chevrolet Corsa, Celta and Aveo the top three most popular in LAAM. Chevrolet for instance, represents 90 percent of GM sales in these markets, with Brazil the second largest industry for Chevrolet outside the United States. “In 2009, the Chevrolet brand will continue to play a key role as several new products, such as the Camaro, Cruze, Malibu, Traverse will be launched in the region,” GM concluded.