General Motors dealers sold 2,416,028 vehicles globally during Q1 an increase of 2% compared with a year ago. GM’s global market share was 11.1%, down two-tenths of a point from last year.
GM sales were down in North America (-16,000 to 745,000), South America (-24,000 to 211,000) and International Operations (-10,000 to 203,000). However, Opel/Vauxhall gained market share in 10 European markets, including Germany.
GM also gained market share in China (+13% or 103,000 vehicles to 919,000, a record) because of the ongoing success of Buick and Wuling, as well as the growth of Cadillac. GM has now retaken the Number One sales spot in China from Volkswagen Group. GM’s sales in China are now about 50% greater than its sales in the United States.
“We are very encouraged by our results in China, where we outperformed the industry, and in Europe, where Opel’s sales and the economic outlook are improving at the same time,” said GM President Dan Ammann.
“We continue to be optimistic about the United States because our award-winning new products are performing well and we have more on the way. South America continues to be challenging for Chevrolet, where we face currency and other challenges, especially in Venezuela.”
GM Q1 Highlights compared to 2013:
- In Europe, GM’s improving market position comes from the Opel Mokka and the new Insignia flagship sedan. Cumulative Mokka orders have surpassed 215,000 units since it was launched in fall 2012, while Insignia has topped 85,000 units since it was launched in fall 2013.
- GM sales in China set a record in the first quarter. In addition, 2014 deliveries surpassed 1 million units in early April. This is the earliest sales have reached the seven-figure range.
- Buick, which celebrated the best year in the brand’s 110-year history in 2013, posted a 14% global sales increase.
- Cadillac’s global sales were up 9% and sales in China more than doubled to 15,357 units. GM’s global market share was 11.1%, which is down two-tenths of a point from a year ago.
