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GM's February Sales Drop 12% Over Last Year
DETROIT -- General Motors dealers sold 309,375 new cars and trucks in February, down 12% compared to year-ago sales. GM's truck sales (179,390) were down 8.5%, and car sales (129,985) were down 17%."The calendar year is starting off slower than expected, for both GM and the industry," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "While our daily rental volume is down significantly compared to last year, we are pleased with growing retail sales of key launch vehicles, including the Pontiac G6, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Cobalt and Equinox, and Cadillac STS. Sales of these products continue to strengthen as production ramps up. In addition, we are introducing 17 new products in 2005, which should add to that momentum."Sales of the new Chevrolet Cobalt, manufactured at the GM Assembly Plant in Lordstown, Ohio, totaled 7,618 units last month, bringing the January and February total to 14,901 units. Sales of the Chevrolet Cavalier, also a Lordstown-built model, totaled 3,635 units last month and 8,750 units year-to-date.Overall, GM's launch products posted strong sales in February. Pontiac G6 had its best-ever sales month, with deliveries 72% higher than January. Additionally, sales were up all across the country, and G6 retail sales are showing an encouraging upward trend. Meanwhile, the newly introduced LaCrosse had its second-best sales month and is contributing to an improving sales mix for Buick. LaCrosse retail sales were up 48% compared to combined year-ago Century and Regal retail sales.While pickups held their own compared to year-ago levels, sales increased in mid-size pickups, small utility vehicles and mid-size vans. GM mid-size pickup sales were up 13% in February, paced by a 45% improvement in Chevrolet Colorado sales and a 52% jump in GMC Canyon deliveries. Solid Chevrolet Equinox sales led an 85% increase in GM small utilities. Mid-size van sales increased 1% compared to year-ago levels, aided by month-over-month sales increases of the all-new crossover sport van Chevrolet Uplander (up 59%) and Buick Terraza (up 22%). Cadillac Escalade ESV posted a 2% sales increase compared to year-ago levels. GMC Sierra was up 9 % compared to last February."February was a great month for GM Certified Used Vehicles, with sales increasing 7% over last February, and year-to-date sales up 2%," LaNeve said. "GM Certified continues to set the pace for the certified pre-owned category, and we expect continued growth through the remainder of this year."In February, GM North America produced 429,700 vehicles (167,300 cars and 262,400 trucks), compared to 434,500 vehicles (172,600 cars and 261,900 trucks) produced in February 2004. Production totals include joint venture production of 22,200 vehicles in February 2005 and 8,500 vehicles in February 2004.GM's revised first-quarter production forecast is 1.18 million vehicles (470,000 cars and 710,000 trucks), down 45,000 vehicles from last month's guidance of 1.225 million vehicles. In the first quarter of 2004, GM North America built 1.345 million vehicles (525,000 cars and 820,000 trucks). Additionally, the region's 2005 second-quarter production forecast is 1.25 million vehicles (431,000 cars and 819,000 trucks). In the second quarter of 2004, the region produced 1.389 million vehicles (543,000 cars and 846,000 trucks)."