GM's business in Iraq is booming

Zach Bowman — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Middle East

Long before the first U.S. soldier laid a boot on Iraq soil in the first Gulf War, General Motors planned to build a manufacturing facility in the country. According to The Detroit News, the years since haven't been entirely kind to the automaker's sales efforts in Iraq. That's no shock given America's reputation in the Middle East nation, but its prospects are beginning to look up. Whereas GM once trailed even Renault in sales, the company managed to move 35,000 vehicles last year. Not bad considering the entire new vehicle market in Iraq totaled just 115,000 in 2011.

GM's sales largely consisted of SUVs and pickup trucks (like the locally available version of the Colorado seen above), though The Detroit News notes that some Chevrolet and Cadillac sedans have sold as well, too. That's particularly impressive given that Iraqi drivers aren't required to have insurance and kidnappers in the country have been known to favor those who drive high-dollar luxury vehicles.

GM's business in Iraq is booming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iraq War vet returns home to four-wheeled surprise

Chris Paukert — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Daimler

Regardless of where readers come down on the Iraq War debate, most can agree to appreciate the sacrifice and courage required to be a soldier in the U.S. Armed Forces. That's what makes a new Associated Press article about a returning car-crazy Indiana National Guardsman so uplifting.

39-year-old reservist Spc. Bob Metcalf, returned from a one year stint in Iraq to a surprise gift from friends and relatives: his basket-case 1967 Plymouth Barracuda restored in gleaming, patriotic style. The once rusty and fenderless musclecar has been reworked featuring a sparkling blue paint job with red and white stripes. In Overhaulin'-esque fashion, volunteers worked for six months to realize "one soldier's dream."

Congratulations and kudos to all involved... and for any readers that come across pics of the Mopar in question, please feel free to tip us off.

[Source: The Associated Press via Fort Wayne News Sentinel, Mountain Gateway Mopars]

(Tip-nod: Starlightmica)

Iraq War vet returns home to four-wheeled surprise originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Mar 2006 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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