Chevrolet U.S. Sales Up 31 Percent in May, Supported by Increasing Demand for Full-size Trucks

Chevrolet continues to gain momentum with 167,235 total sales in the U.S. in May, up 31 percent year over year. This includes 93,884 retail sales, up 19 percent year over year and the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year retail sales increases. These results can be attributed to increasing consumer demand across Chevrolet’s portfolio of fuel-efficient cars, crossovers, and full-size trucks.

Individuals and businesses purchased a total of 33,690 Silverados in May, an increase of 7 percent year-over-year. Total Silverado sales are up 8 percent year-to-date, indicating growing confidence in the economic recovery, according to Steve Carlisle, GM vice president, U.S. sales operations:

“Pickup trucks tend to be the first segment affected by the economy, and the last to recover.  A year ago, truck sales were down across the industry as businesses and entrepreneurs delayed investing in new equipment because of uncertain economy. Today, the sustained growth in full-size-truck sales shows that businesses – from private landscapers to large construction companies – are beginning to invest as their business forecasts improve.”

Growing consumer demand also helped five Chevrolet models post double-digit retail-sales increases over May, 2009, including:

• 2010 Chevrolet Equinox sales rose 227 percent, the eleventh consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases over the model it replaced.
• 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sales increase 100 percent over May, 2009, its first full month of sales.
• Chevrolet Suburban increased 73 percent.
• Chevrolet Malibu increased 23 percent, the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year increases.
• Chevrolet Traverse increased 11 percent over May 2009.

The growing consumer awareness for the Chevrolet brand is supported by data from Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence. Chevrolet increased 22 points in their Automotive Brand Indicator (ABI) report for the first quarter of 2010 based on increased consumer shopping activity and sales leads generated through 15 million monthly visits to kbb.com, combined with Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence’s Brand Watch™ study of consumer consideration and ratings.

According to the ABI report, Chevrolet posted the largest improvement quarter-over-quarter (from Q4 2009 to Q1 2010) within the top five brands:

-       Chevrolet gained 22 points, to 285
-       Ford gained 11 points, to 294
-       Honda gained four points, to 262
-       Nissan gained 11 points, to 177
-        Toyota fell 35 points, to 293

“Clearly Chevrolet is on a roll,” said Alan Batey, president, Chevrolet sales and service. “We are seeing strong consumer demand across our portfolio of cars, trucks and SUVs. And, we expect demand to grow this year as we introduce the 2011 Silverado HD, the all-new Cruze, and the Volt.”

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About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer  up to 40 miles of electric driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing).  Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.