autoevolution
 

GM Sees Slow Sales in Most Markets

General Motors today published the third quarter 2008 figures, unveiling decreasing sales in most markets around the world. Chevrolet sold by far the biggest number of vehicles, with 1.083 million units sold in Q3 2008 compared to 1.181 cars in Q3 2007. Opel/Vauxhall comes second in global sales, with approximately 330,000 units in the third quarter of 2008, showing a decrease of 16.3 percent from the Q3 2007 sales.

In North America, GM recorded lowered sales for most brands, with GMC, Pontiac, Cadillac, Buick and Saab dropping by 20 and 30 percent. Opel is the only company to get improved sales when compared to the third quarter of 2007, with an increase of 26.6 percent.

European sales showed the same decreasing trend, with Opel losing ground and selling a total of 326,844 units in the third quarter of 2008, compared to 388,686 cars sold in Q3 2007. Chevrolet's sales also grew 2.47 percent in Europe, with no less than 116,250 units sold in Q3 2008.

General Motors sold 2,114,760 units in the whole world in the third quarter of 2008, compared to 2,387,611 in the same period of the last year. This means that GM had reduced sales by 11.4 percent, with the company's officials pointing to the global economic crisis.

"The recent challenges in the global financial markets, including credit tightening and the drop in commodity prices, have negatively impacted market demand. However, our sales performance shows that we are continuing to take advantage of new emerging market opportunities and are meeting customer needs with fuel-efficient products that offer compelling design and great value," Jonathan Browning, vice president, global sales, service and marketing, said today.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories