Buick and GMC sales increase 54%

Buick and GMC dealers in the U.S. reported sales for those brands in March that were 54 percent higher than March 2009. This led to an overall gain of 43 percent for the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands in the U.S. Total combined sales for GM’s four brands were 185,406 during the month. This represents a 34-percent increase from February 2010.

These results are evidence that the company’s plan to create sustainable and profitable growth is on track, according to Susan Docherty, GM vice president of marketing. “Our March results show continued progress toward our growth plan. By investing in our brands and remaining disciplined in our approach to the U.S. market, we posted solid results," said Docherty. “Our new vehicles, like the Chevrolet Equinox, Buick LaCrosse, GMC Terrain, and Cadillac SRX, are being well-received by customers for many good reasons, including quality, safety, excellent fuel economy, and higher resale values."

Buick sales rose 76 percent and were led by the Buick LaCrosse, with an increase of 236 percent for the month. Year-to-date, sales of the LaCrosse have increased 197 percent.

GMC sales increased by 45 percent for the month, led by sales of the GMC Terrain, which were up 331 percent for the month versus the vehicle it replaced. For the year, sales of the Terrain are up 245 percent.

Chevrolet dealers reported sales of 133,165 – 41 percent higher than March 2009. The Chevrolet Equinox continued to sell at a brisk pace, with sales up 194 percent, compared to last year. Year-to-date, sales of the Equinox have more than doubled.

In order to meet growing customer demand for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, GM announced plans to add additional production capacity last week.

Cadillac March sales increased 42 percent on high demand for the Cadillac SRX. March sales of the SRX were 550 percent higher than a year ago, and are up more than 425 percent for the year.

Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at about 428,000 units, which is about 8,000 higher compared to February 2010, and about 338,000 lower than March 2009.

March Key Facts:

Chevrolet: total sales up 41 percent; retail sales up 24 percent; Chevrolet Equinox retail sales increased 225 percent; Camaro recorded its highest level of retail sales (8,267) since it was launched 12 months ago
Buick: total sales up 76 percent; retail sales up 34 percent; Buick LaCrosse retail sales rose 144 percent
GMC: total sales up 45 percent; retail sales up 43 percent; GMC Terrain retail sales were up 425 percent (compared to the Pontiac Torrent – the vehicle it replaced)
Cadillac: total sales up 42 percent; retail sales up 18 percent; Cadillac SRX retail sales were up 508 percent
Crossovers for GM’s four brands doubled sales in March compared to last year
CYTD Sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac are up 36 percent.
Combined Total and Retail sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have increased year-over-year for six straight months.