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Chevrolet Europe's first-quarter results boosted by strong March

2011-04-08

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In the first quarter of 2011, Chevrolet sold 112,285* cars in total Europe, equivalent to a market share of 2.2 percent. Chevrolet sales were up 7 percent, or 6,908 cars, compared to the same period in 2010 (Q1 2010: 105,377; 2.2 percent).  In the first quarter, Chevrolet achieved market share gains in nine European markets. In the month of March, Chevrolet sold 49,717 cars in Europe, up from 42,849 cars in March 2010, an increase of 16 percent.

"March was a very promising month for Chevrolet. The all-new Chevrolet Orlando is now in our dealerships and we are already seeing a positive impact on our sales figures," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "Orlando's crossover-styling, its car-like ride and handling, and the generous interior space for seven passengers make it a very good value proposition," Brannon continued.

The all-new Orlando sold 3,824 times in March, its start-up month, with orders clearly above expectations. The new Captiva will hit the showrooms later this month, followed by Aveo this summer and Cruze hatchback and Camaro in the fall. The Volt electric car with extended-range capability will go on sale in November.

In the first three months of 2011, Chevrolet sold 31,508 Cruze, Lacetti and Nubira compact cars, 28,892 Spark mini cars and 19,363 Aveo small cars.

In the first quarter of 2011, Chevrolet sales in Denmark (a record 3,282 cars or +128 percent) and Turkey (+115 percent) more than doubled, while sales in France rose by 80 percent and in Russia by 51 percent. Sales improvements were also achieved in the Netherlands (+26 percent), Poland (+25 percent), Switzerland (+13 percent) and Austria (+15 percent).

In Q1 2011, Chevrolet's top five markets in terms of sales were Russia (31,003 cars), Uzbekistan (27,465 cars), Italy (8,112 cars), France (7,155 cars) and Germany (5,866 cars). Chevrolet continues to be a top-selling non-domestic brand in Russia, with a market share of 6.2 percent. France, Denmark and Switzerland achieved record sales in March.

* all figures are preliminary registration figures

European auto industry sales in Q1 were up 5 percent at 5,008,391 vehicles and in March, industry sales were up 1 percent at 2,136,702 vehicles. For the industry, France – with 769,942 registrations - became the second biggest car market in Q1 behind Germany.

Chevrolet is the fourth biggest automotive brand in the global industry, in terms of annual sales, with a market share of 5.8 percent. Chevrolet is also General Motors' best-selling brand, accounting for more than 50 percent of the company's global sales. Chevrolet continues to grow particularly fast in the world's emerging markets. In 2011, more than 60 percent of Chevrolet's global sales are expected to be outside of the U.S.A.

Prices for Chevrolet models (sample prices from France) start at €6,490 for the Spark mini car, €6,990 for the Aveo small car, €13,990 for the Cruze compact car, €15,990 for the Orlando 7-seat family van and €23,990 for the Captiva SUV.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 4 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet cars combine passion, bold design and practicality. They provide outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2010, Chevrolet grew its market share in Europe to 2.5 percent, selling 477,194 cars. Chevrolet has a network of more than 2,700 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the Spark city car, the small Aveo, the compact four-door Cruze, the Captiva SUV and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet is launching seven new cars: the all-new Orlando family van, the new Captiva SUV, the Corvette Grand Sport Coupé, the all-new five-door and four-door Aveo, the five-door Cruze, the Camaro coupé and convertible and the award-winning extended-range Volt electric car. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Turkey. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is celebrating its centenary in 2011. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.