Chevrolet sold one vehicle every 7.4 seconds in 2010

Chevrolet sold 4.26 million vehicles globally in 2010, an average of one every 7.4 seconds. As a result, Chevrolet’s share of global vehicle industry sales grew by 0.35 points as the brand accounted for about 5.8 percent of all vehicles sold worldwide in 2010. Of the top five global vehicle brands, only Chevrolet grew its total market share last year.

Building on its strong global sales performance in the first three quarters of 2010, Chevrolet sold more than 1.14 million vehicles in the fourth quarter:

• In October, customers purchased 361,236 Chevrolet cars, crossovers and trucks worldwide, an increase of 16 percent on an annual basis.
• November topped that performance with 368,103 vehicles sold, up 27.1 percent over November 2009, making it the best November ever for Chevrolet globally.
• December concluded the year with 416,826 global sales, marking the 15th consecutive monthly increase and best December ever for Chevrolet.

“Chevrolet’s dedication to compelling designs, quality, durability and great value is a winning formula that resonates with consumers around the world,” said Joel Ewanick, GM global chief marketing officer. “We will continue to listen to our customers and do our utmost to deliver what it takes to bring them into the Chevrolet family.”

Increased sales performance in key growth markets
Major contributors to Chevrolet’s strong sales performance in 2010 were the BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China. They were responsible for about 33 percent of the brand’s sales, an increase of 2 percentage points over 2009. Chevrolet’s combined strength in these strategically important growth markets is unmatched by any competitor.

• In Brazil, Chevrolet set an all-time record of 657,697 vehicles sold in 2010. Chevrolet has enjoyed year-over-year sales increases in Brazil for five consecutive years. With about 365,000 sales just five years ago, the bow tie brand grew an impressive 78 percent.

• In Russia, 116,233 Chevrolets were sold, up from 104,398 vehicles in 2009. Chevrolet remained the most popular global brand and the Chevrolet Niva one of the most popular products from a global manufacturer sold in Russia.

• In India, Chevrolet sales surpassed 100,000 units for the first time. Sales for the year reached 110,350 vehicles, up 60 percent from the previous year. The milestone was achieved primarily by the positive customer response to the Beat and Spark mini-cars and Cruze compact car.

• In China, Chevrolet experienced unprecedented sales growth of 63 percent in 2010 to 543,700 vehicles. Leading the way was the Cruze, with sales of nearly 190,000 vehicles. Demand was also strong for the New Sail small family car, which generated sales of more than 125,000 vehicles following its introduction in January.

The potential for Chevrolet’s continued growth is demonstrated by the fact that eight of the brand’s top 10-selling countries in 2010 were emerging markets – Brazil, China, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Russia, India, Argentina and Colombia. With the United States and Canada, these 10 countries accounted for 85 percent of all Chevrolet sales.

In Europe, Chevrolet increased its share in 21 countries, resulting in a best-ever overall market share of 2.5 percent for the bow tie brand. Chevrolet sold more than 477,000 vehicles in 2010, an improvement of 12 percent over 2009.

In the United States, Chevrolet’s largest market, the brand represented more than 70 percent of GM’s overall sales. In 2010, Chevrolet sales in the U.S. grew 16 percent, to 1.57 million vehicles.

New cars, crossovers and trucks in 2010
Major new Chevrolet product introductions in 2010 included the Volt extended-range electric vehicle, Cruze compact car and Silverado heavy-duty, full-size pickup in the United States; New Sail small car and new Spark mini-car in China; Viva pickup in Brazil and Orlando compact minivan in Europe.

While the start of Volt sales positions Chevrolet as a technology leader, Cruze continues to play a significant role in the global growth of Chevrolet. Since its initial introduction in the first half of 2009 in Europe and China, global sales have surpassed the half-million mark. In 2010 alone, Chevrolet sold 334,976 Cruzes, making it the best-selling passenger car nameplate for the brand. With sales just beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010, the United States is expected to become one of the largest markets for Cruze.

The five best-selling Chevrolet nameplates in 2010 were:

1.     Silverado full-size pickup truck, 435,269 units
2.     Cruze compact car, 334,976 units
3.     Aveo small car, 322,234 units
4.     Malibu midsize car, 221,550 units
5.     Impala full-size car, 183,551 units

Reflecting the worldwide expansion of the brand, Chevrolet will issue global sales releases consolidated on a quarterly basis. Beginning with the fourth quarter and full-year 2010 review, the releases will be available about two weeks after the end of each quarter when final numbers are available.