As it continues to bounce back from the doldrums of 2008 and early 2009, General Motors (GM) has established a new January sales record in one of the most important emerging automotive markets in the world – China.
The company and its joint ventures sold 219,192 vehicles in the country during the month topping the 200,000 unit sales mark for the first time. The total sales represented a 97 per cent increase compared to the first month of 2009.
Leading the way were sales by Shanghai GM, which jumped 150.1 per cent on an annual basis to 90,202 units. Sales of both Buick and Chevrolet models also reached all-time highs with Buick sales leaping by 90.6 per cent to 46,853 units; and Chevrolet sales rising by 206.8 per cent to 49,475 units. The Buick sales boost was prompted by demand for the new LaCROSSE, which surpassed 9,000 units for the second consecutive month, as well as the launch of the Excelle XT coupe. Chevrolet meanwhile, was boosted by strong sales for both the Lova and Epica, as well as the new Chevrolet New Sail small car, which got off to a solid start selling 6,924 models during its first month. The Chevrolet Cruze however, continued to be the brand’s most popular model with more than 17,000 units sold.
It was a good month too for SAIC GM-Wuling, which recorded January sales of 119,969 units, representing a year on year increase of 59.6 per cent; while FAW-GM enjoyed its best monthly sales figure since its establishment last August with demand for its light duty commercial vehicles totalling 8,795 units.
Cadillac also made a strong start to the year with sales rising by 167.1 per cent, boosted primarily by demand for the new SLS which rose by more than 500 per cent.
