GM Sets New Sales Record in China

Even though General Motors is experiencing what seems to be the toughest period in its history in the United States, sales around the world are doing pretty well, as the company announced in a statement released to the press. GM's Chinese division managed to set a new sales record in the domestic market, with 1,094,561 vehicles sold last year, representing the second consecutive year when sales reached 1 million units. GM is still one of the main automotive companies in China for the fourth straight year, the automaker proudly said.

“We are pleased with our sales growth in 2008, which occurred despite an overall market slowdown,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “A series of natural disasters and an increase in fuel prices earlier in the year exacerbated the impact of the global economic downturn in China.”

According to figures given by General Motors, Chevrolet is one of the fastest-growing brands owned by the American companies, with a 15.7 percent Chinese sales increase and 199,155 sold units. The Wuling brand comes second with a growth of 17.4 percent and 606,499 cars delivered to Chinese customers.

“Over the next two to three years, we will roll out five or more new products under both of our volume brands, Buick and Chevrolet. These models are being engineered in China for the domestic market by our Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint venture,” said Wale. “Our four other brands (Cadillac, Opel, Saab and Wuling) will also bring out new and upgraded models to meet the rapidly changing needs of vehicle buyers nationwide.”

Without taking in consideration all those pessimistic forecasts claiming that 2009 is gonna be one of the worst years when it comes to new car sales, General Motors says it is confident that Chinese sales will remain on an ascending trend, with the American company to remain “aggressive”. “While we expect vehicle sales in China to remain steady in 2009, we anticipate China remaining the world’s fastest-growing major market over the next decade. GM will stay aggressive to ensure we continue to be a leader in this key market for our company,” Wale explained.

In addition, General Motors said it will continue its Chinese expansion plans using the help of local partners, including the new engine plant in Qingdao, the proving ground in Anhui province and the GM Asia Pacific and GM China Headquarters and Center for Advanced Research and Science in Shanghai.