ots.CorporateNews: General Motors (GM Europe) / GM records highest 2007 volume growth in ...

Zurich (ots) - - GM sets all-time record with sales of 2,182,000 units in Europe, market share up to 9.5 percent - GM records highest volume gain in European auto industry, with 179,000 units above 2006 - GM doubles sales in Russia, with market share up to 9.6 percent - Opel/Vauxhall sales up 4.3 percent, Chevrolet up 33.6 percent and Cadillac up 30.9 percent General Motors (GM) sets all-time sales record in Europe in 2007, with 2,182,000* vehicles, up 179,000 units or 8.9 percent from 2006. The resultant market share of 9.5 percent constitutes a growth of 0.3 point. It is the highest market share for the group since 1999. In the forth quarter of 2007, GM sold a record 528,723 cars and LCVs in Europe, 53,900 vehicles or 11.3 percent above the same period in 2006. "GM is celebrating an all-time sales record in Europe as the result of successful teamwork. Our multi-brand strategy is beginning to make an impact, as is an aggressive strategy for growth in Eastern and Central Europe. Importantly, these results show how quickly GM has embraced growth in the new markets of Europe," said Carl-Peter Forster, GM Europe President. "Leading the manufacturer growth chart is a credit to all of GM's dealers across Europe. We have an attractive portfolio of cars and vans and we have teams throughout Europe who know how to make the most of the growth opportunities," said Jonathan Browning, GM Europe Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. GM achieved the highest volume gain in the industry in Europe, outpacing all competitors with 179,000 units above 2006. The U.K., Russia, Italy, Ukraine and Greece were the main contributors to GM's growth in 2007. GM doubles sales in Russia GM sales in Russia were up 95.2 percent in 2007, by far outpacing industry growth in the country (of 33.5 percent). GM sales volume reached 258,835 units. Market share was up 3.0 points to 9.6 percent. "GM's strong performance in Russia is a reflection of our strong portfolio of brands, with Opel and Chevrolet showing great progress, plus a highly professional and growing dealer body," said Browning. Opel/Vauxhall sales grow 4.3 percent Strong performance of the new Corsa, Astra, Meriva and Zafira led Opel/Vauxhall sales to 4.3 percent growth in 2007. Corsa sales were up 45 percent to 454,047 units. Meriva was the leading model in the small monocab segment in Europe and, together with the Zafira, also led the combined monocab segment. Opel had an outstanding performance in Russia, with sales up 232 percent and market share increasing from 1.5 to 2.5 percent. In Germany, Corsa established itself as the market leader in the small car segment. Vauxhall sold 384,387 cars and LCVs in the U.K. in 2007, an increase of 10 percent, leading to a market share of 13.7 percent. In December, Vectra and Zafira were the bestsellers in their respective segment. Chevrolet becomes major player in Europe With 457,224 cars sold in 2007, up 33.6 percent, Chevrolet reached record market share of 2 percent, an improvement of 0.4 point. "Chevrolet kept up its stunning growth with a strong performance across all models. The new Captiva and Epica, but also the addition of diesel engines to the Lacetti and the Nubira were very well accepted by customers. The brand demonstrated its strength by growing particularly strong in Central and Eastern Europe, but also achieved growth of almost 10 percent in Western Europe. Chevrolet is the number one non-domestic brand in Russia. These results confirm Chevrolet as a major player and the fastest growing volume brand in Europe," Browning said. Saab is Europe's leading brand for E-85 cars Saab sold 84,930 cars in 2007, keeping its market share of 0.4 percent. While experiencing a slight decrease in sales overall, the brand is growing in Southern Europe as well as in Central and Eastern Europe. With the extension of the BioPower offer to the 9-3 range, Saab is the leading brand for E-85 vehicles in Europe. Cadillac sales up 31 percent Cadillac sales were up 31 percent in 2007 to 4,508 units, with strong growth in Russia, U.K., Austria, Denmark, Spain and Italy. Corvette sold 1,257 cars and HUMMER sales increased by 18 percent to 2,292 vehicles. *** General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2006, motorists bought nearly 9.1 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. In Europe, GM sells its Opel, Vauxhall, Saab, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Corvette and HUMMER ranges in over 30 markets. It operates 10 production and assembly facilities in seven countries and employs around 60,000 people. More information on GM can be found at http://media.gmeurope.com and http://www.gmeurope.com. GM Europe publishes its sales press releases on a quarterly basis. The next dates will be April 9, July 9, and October 9. In between these dates, individual questions regarding sales may be directed to Nelson Silveira (+41-44-828-2515). *all figures are preliminary registration figures for total Europe Originaltext: General Motors (GM Europe) digital press kits: http://www.presseportal.de/pm/59428 press kits via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_59428.rss2 Contact: Nelson Silveira Office Phone: +41 44 828 2515 Mobile Phone: +41 79 834 1858 E-mail: nelson.silveira@ch.gm.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires

   January 09, 2008 09:31 ET (14:31 GMT)- - 09 31 AM EST 01-09-08