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Chevy Cruze Sales Climb 70% During Month of July
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Cruze continues to be the dominant passenger vehicle in the automaker's lineup, as sales of the small car climbed 70% in July compared to the same period last year.
"Since it's introduction, Cruze continues to grow with the market. It's just a tremendous product that more and more people are starting to become aware of," said Don Johnson, vice president of Chevrolet sales and service.
GM reported Thursday that 25,447 new Cruzes were sold versus 14,954 sold during the same month last year. It's the best July sales ever for the small car, which is manufactured at GM's Lordstown Complex.
About 350 of those Cruze sales were the new diesel version, Johnson said, which was launched in select markets in June. To date, between 500 and 600 diesel models have been sold, and the version should be available in dealerships nationwide by September, he said.
GM has reported the Cruze diesel is the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid passenger car on the market today, averaging 46 miles per gallon.
"We're seeing three types of customers right now," Johnson said. The first type is the customer who is looking for a fuel-efficient Chevrolet and is not familiar with the diesel version. Upon test-driving the car, that customer's opinion may change as it relates to diesel vehicles.
"The other kind of customer is a true diesel intender, who maybe bought a Volkswagen in the past," Johnson said. And the third customer segment is the consumer who owns a Chevrolet diesel truck and wants to purchase a passenger car with the same technology. "They're attracted to it because they know about diesel and they know about the Chevy brand."
GM reported its sales rose 23% last month on sales of 234,071 new cars and trucks.
Chrysler Group also reported strong sales for the month, netting an 11% gain compared to July 2012, the company said.
And, Ford Motor Co. reported Thursday sales of new vehicles also rose 11% on stronger demand for trucks.