Chevrolet February Retail Sales Climb 69 Percent
Chevrolet sold a total of 142,919 vehicles in the United States in February, a 43-percent gain over the same month a year ago. In addition, retail sales surged 69 percent as the brand’s fuel-efficient cars, trucks and crossovers continued to attract new customers to Chevrolet.
In February, 46 percent of Chevrolet retail sales were four-cylinder models, up from 40 percent a year ago. Chevrolet offers fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines in seven vehicles, including the Volt, Cruze, Equinox, Aveo, Colorado, HHR, and Malibu.
“With almost half of our buyers choosing a four-cylinder, clearly Chevrolet’s combination of fuel efficiency and performance resonates with today’s car-shoppers,” said Alan Batey, vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. “Consumers’ demand for more fuel-efficient cars, trucks and crossovers helped Chevrolet record our sixth consecutive month of sales gains.”
Four of the brand’s largest gains were recorded by the Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox, Traverse and Silverado. The Cruze, Equinox and Traverse each offer the best fuel economy in their segments, while the new Silverado HD offers 32 percent more capability and 11 percent better fuel economy.
The Cruze recorded a total of 18,556 sales in February, the best monthly sales total since its US introduction in late 2010. Year over year, Cruze retail sales were 212 percent higher than the car it replaced, the Chevrolet Cobalt.
According to EPA estimates, Cruze LS, LT, and LTZ models deliver 36 miles per gallon on the highway, while the Cruze Eco model delivers 42 miles per gallon on the highway – making it the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered car in the United States.
The Cruze also offers the most standard safety features in its class, including 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and a unitized body structure that incorporates high-strength steel in key areas. As a result, Cruze was the first compact car to earn the best-possible crash test ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rating system implemented for the 2011 model year.
Total sales of the Chevrolet Equinox climbed 91 percent over February 2010, marking the sixth consecutive month of total sales gains for the compact crossover.
The Equinox comes standard with a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, delivering an EPA-estimated 32 miles per gallon – more than any vehicle in its class, including the Ford Escape Hybrid. Equinox recently was named the best compact crossover in a test of nine vehicles by USA Today, Motorweek, and Cars.com. One reviewer wrote, “The Equinox is the clear winner in my book, seemingly belonging to a completely different category of cars: the luxury category."
Total sales of the Chevrolet Traverse climbed 62 percent over February, 2010, recording its best February sales ever.
The Traverse is equipped with a 3.6L V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission, delivering an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon highway – more than any 8-passenger crossover. Recently, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named the Traverse one of their Top 10 Family Cars for 2011, citing its “abundant cargo space, impressive fuel economy and a five-star overall crash rating from the NHTSA, attractive exterior styling and surprisingly nimble handling.”
Total sales of the Chevrolet Silverado climbed 60 percent over February 2010, marking the 13th consecutive month of total sales gains for the fullsize pickup.
Much of that increase can be attributed to the new Silverado HD, introduced in 2010. The 2011 Silverado HD is available with a more powerful, more efficient Duramax diesel engine that delivers 397 horsepower and 765 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine contributed to a 32-percent increase in maximum towing capacity for the Silverado HD, to 21,700 pounds, while delivering 11 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor.MotorTrend named the Silverado HD the MotorTrend Truck of the Year, noting that, “Chevy engineers focused on three key areas – powertrain, frame, and suspension – to deliver a truck with significantly improved capability and more refinement.”
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About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 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. 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 Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. 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 can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
