General Motors’ global sales declined in the first half of 2006 compared to a year ago.
The automaker said that, although second quarter global sales were up 8.7% to 2,400,000 vehicles compared to the first quarter, year-to-date sales of 4,600,000 vehicles were down 2.3% year on year.
GM said the decline was largely due to last year’s successful employee discount incentive programme in North America and lower fleet sales in Europe.
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“We are encouraged by the stabilisation of our sales in the United States and the continued strength of our four global brands outside of our home market,” said John Middlebrook, vice president of global sales, service and marketing.
“Our global market share grew each month of the quarter, concluding at 14.5% share performance in June.”
Chevrolet (now mostly GM-Daewoo-made models outside North America) recorded year-to-date sales increases in Asia Pacific (40%), Latin America (15%), Middle East (12%) and Europe (12%).
The company said it was encouraged by Chevrolet’s growth in emerging markets such as Brazil (up 13% to 20,000 units), China (up 81% to 30,000 units), India (up 47% to 6,000 units) and Russia (up 47% to 14,000 units).
Second quarter Chevrolet global sales were up more than 128,000 units, a 13% increase over first quarter results.
“Further growth for the brand is expected with the third quarter introduction of the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup truck in the United States, and the expanded availability of the [GM-Daewoo] Captiva sport utility in Europe and Asia,” the company said.
Hummer sales were up 104% year on year. The Middle East, (up 531% to 1,300 units) and the US (up 89% to 15,000 units) were the brand’s top markets.
Hummer sales should continue to strengthen with the production of right-hand drive H3 models for markets outside North America, at GM’s South Africa assembly plant from later this year,” GM noted.
Saab global sales increased 11% year on year, helping the brand set a new record for the first half of the year. The largest growth was in Europe where sales increased 24% . The brand grew 51% year on year in Australia, now its third-fastest-growing market.
Cadillac sales outside the US grew 13% compared to year ago levels, boosted by the availability of the Saab-built BLS sedan in Europe (with diesel engine option) which helped sales there grow 30%. In China, where the brand was introduced two years ago, calendar year-to-date sales were up 93%.
