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Chevrolet sells 2.35 million vehicles and sets record first-half global sales

2011-07-20

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DETROIT – Chevrolet sold 2.35 million vehicles globally in the first six months of 2011, the best half-year performance in Chevrolet's 100-year history.

"Founded in the United States by a Swiss émigré, Chevrolet was created with a global focus," said Joel Ewanick, GM global chief marketing officer. "One hundred years later, Louis Chevrolet's roots continue to shape our company, and enable Chevrolet to offer great products and service to customers in more than 120 countries around the world. We will continue to work at bringing new customers to the Chevy family – no matter where they live."

Chevrolet sold 286,499 more vehicles in the first half of 2011 than the same time period of 2010, representing a 14 percent increase year over year. In addition, Chevrolet set record first-half sales in many countries, including the key markets of: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, South Africa, and Turkey.

For the first half of 2011, Chevrolet recorded sales gains in all of its top five markets, including:

• The United States, where sales are up 16 percent following nine consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases

• Brazil, where sales are up 0.4 percent over the best-ever-sales pace set in 2010

• China, where sales climbed 15 percent to set the brand's best first-half results ever

• Russia, where sales were up 54 percent as the brand continues to be the best-selling global brand in the country

• Canada, where sales climbed 8 percent, and has more than doubled the pace of industry growth for the past 18 months

The potential for Chevrolet's continued growth is demonstrated in the emerging markets of Brazil, Russia and China, which are three of the brand's top five countries. Chevrolet's combined sales strength in the "BRIC" countries, including India, is unmatched.

Chevrolet's New Products Set the Pace

Much of Chevrolet's global growth can be attributed to the wave of new models, such as the Chevrolet Cruze compact car, Spark mini car, all-new Aveo/Sonic small car, and Orlando MPV. They will soon be joined globally by the all-new Chevrolet Malibu midsize car, and the all-new Colorado compact pickup, which will go on sale later this year.

Chevrolet sold more than 330,000 Cruzes worldwide during the first half of 2011, a 132‑percent increase over the same time period a year ago. Much of that growth came in China and the United States, where Cruze was the best-selling passenger car in the country in June.  Since introduction in early 2009, Cruze has sold more than 800,000 units worldwide, and is on track to exceed 1 million before the end of 2012.

"The success of the Cruze illustrates what is possible when you listen to your customers," said Mary Barra, senior vice president, GM Global Product Development. "By offering drivers more than they expected in a compact car, the Cruze has redefined the global segment and is on track to bring a million new customers to Chevrolet. We are applying that same customer-focused approach to all of our global introductions, including Orlando, Colorado, Malibu, Spark, and Aveo/Sonic."

Chevrolet sold more than 220,000 Spark minicars worldwide since it was first introduced in December 2009. That includes more than 100,000 Sparks sold during the first half of 2011 – a 110 percent gain over a year ago – driven primarily by consumer demand in South Korea, Mexico, and Uzbekistan.

Chevrolet sold more than 150,000 Aveo compact cars in the first half of 2011, including the all-new Aveo (which will be called the Sonic in some markets). Introduced in South Korea in March of this year, the new Aveo/Sonic is currently on sale in nearly 30 countries.

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.