GM sales up for September

September combined total sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac increased 22 percent to 172,969 units, driven by a combined 39 percent rebound in retail sales compared with last September. Each brand saw retail increases in excess of 21 percent, led by Buick, where retail sales were up 96 percent for the month.

September’s results also reflect an effective and quick model-year transition – a dramatic departure from last year’s changeover. Of GM’s retail sales for the month, 53 percent were new (2011) model year vehicles – almost double last year’s 27 percent. Dealer stock at the end of the month included 75 percent new model vehicles, compared to just 30 percent last year.

“We said our goal for this time of year was to achieve an orderly transition from past model to the new model year, and we’ve achieved that," said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “This helps us lower our overall selling costs and positions us to come out of the gates quickly during the new model year."

Year to date through September, GM’s four brands have sold 79,948 more units than were sold with eight brands through September 2009. The company’s brands also have increased retail sales by 15 percent through September, and have gained market share in each of the first nine months this year.

“September’s results are a continuation of positive momentum for our four brands and demonstrate that our plan is working," Johnson said. “With key products like our heavy-duty pickups, the Buick Regal and the Cadillac CTS Coupe launching now, and expanded capacity for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain hitting dealer lots, we’re ready to run."

Increased sales of crossovers and full-size pickups led GM’s gains in September. Sales of the company’s compact crossovers, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, rose 101 percent, while sales of mid-size crossovers, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave increased 36 percent. The Cadillac SRX, remained the fastest growing luxury crossover, with sales up 41 percent during the month. Year-to-date, SRX sales have increased 319 percent. Sales for GM’s full-size pickup trucks, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra rose 62 percent in September.

Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at about 478,000 units, which is about 26,000 higher compared to August, and about 55,000 higher than September 2009.