(Data is not adjusted for the difference in selling days; March 2011 had 27 selling days and March 2010 had 26 selling days)
Oshawa, Ontario (April 1, 2011) Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac dealers reported total sales of 24,498 vehicles in March, a 32 percent increase from one year ago. The gain was driven by the best sales month yet for the Chevrolet Cruze, Canadian Car of the Year, which was GMs top-selling vehicle at retail for the month. Across its four brands, GMs retail sales increased 42 percent in March.
The strengths of our fuel-efficient new products and our focus on the customer are continuing to drive strong retail sales performance, said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service and marketing at GM of Canada. Were very excited that our new cars, crossovers and trucks, across our brands, continue to build momentum, win new customers and further enhance the transformation underway at General Motors.
Passenger car sales rose 55 percent in March, with strong performances by award-winning launch products like the Chevrolet Cruze and the Buick Regal, which both posted record monthly results. Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS also posted big gains, up 52 percent and 24 percent respectively.
Customer demand also grew for GMs fuel-efficient crossovers, with the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain both posting their best month since being redesigned for the 2010 model year. Their combined sales increased 43 percent from one year ago, while the Cadillac SRX also continued red-hot, growing sales 41 percent, its fifteenth consecutive monthly increase.
GMs leading truck capabilities continue to be recognized, with the all-new heavy duty Silverado and Sierra recently named Best in Class 2011 Work Truck by Truck Trend magazine, helping drive a 27 percent increase for combined pickup sales in March.
March 2011 Key Facts and Brand Results
- Total sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac are up 32 percent.
- Retail sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac are up 42 percent.
- Chevrolet: Chevrolet delivered 15,694 total vehicles in March, a 38 percent increase year-over-year. Retail sales for Chevrolet rose 44 percent on the best month yet for Cruze, with Equinox and Malibu also posting strong retail gains of 53 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
- Buick: Buick total sales rose 38 percent in March compared to one year ago. This includes a 51 percent rise in year-over-year retail sales, with Regal delivering its best month.
- GMC: GMC reported total sales of 6,867, a 21 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Retail sales were 36 percent higher, spurred by Terrain, Acadia, and Sierra up 28 percent, 11 percent and 53 percent, respectively.
- Cadillac: Cadillac reported a total sales increase of 24 percent compared to last March, with retail sales increasing 33 percent. SRX retail sales were up 48 percent, its fifteenth consecutive month of increases. Retail sales of CTS models rose 28 percent.
Total GM sales (including discontinued brands) increased by 26% compared to last March, with discontinued brand sales decreasing from 938 to 7 units.
GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA SALES
* CORE BRANDS represents sales from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac
About General Motors of Canada Limited
Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs over 10,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing. GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada’s largest automotive dealer network, which employs over 23,000 people dedicated to delivering a top customer experience. GMCL also plays a leadership role in automotive design and engineering, engaging in innovative research and development partnerships with leading Canadian universities and research institutes. In addition, through its Canadian Engineering Centres, GMCL conducts development activities ranging from cold weather testing to the advancement of key electric vehicle and green technologies. www.gm.ca.
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