The plug-in vehicle sales situation is heating up, and Chevrolet is looking especially good now that its plug-in hybrid Volt has had it best sales month ever. Looks like Bob Lutz knew what he was talking about.
Chevy sold 2,289 Volts in March, up from 1,023 last month and 608 in March 2011. This beats the previous high-sales mark by almost 800 units. In December 2011, Chevy sold 1,529 Volts.
Meanwhile, Nissan sold 579 Leafs in March, up from 478 Leafs in February and just 298 in March 2011. 579 is not a record, though, as the best Leaf sales month ever was in June 2011, when it sold 1,708 units.
Both Chevy's and Nissan's overall vehicle sales for March were up around 12 percent. Official press releases from both companies are available after the jump. Our broader look at monthly green car sales is on the way.
Chevy sold 2,289 Volts in March, up from 1,023 last month and 608 in March 2011. This beats the previous high-sales mark by almost 800 units. In December 2011, Chevy sold 1,529 Volts.
Meanwhile, Nissan sold 579 Leafs in March, up from 478 Leafs in February and just 298 in March 2011. 579 is not a record, though, as the best Leaf sales month ever was in June 2011, when it sold 1,708 units.
Both Chevy's and Nissan's overall vehicle sales for March were up around 12 percent. Official press releases from both companies are available after the jump. Our broader look at monthly green car sales is on the way.
Chevrolet and GMC Drive GM's March Sales up 12 percent
Buick and Cadillac retail sales increase
DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported total March sales of 231,052 vehicles in the United States, up 12 percent year over year. The monthly total includes a record 100,000 cars and crossovers that achieve an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway rating or better.
"The economic recovery and a deep bench of fuel-efficient cars and crossovers have been driving our sales for more than a year, but the combined impact has never been stronger than it was in March," said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. "Since the last time fuel prices spiked, both the economy and GM's product portfolio are undeniably stronger. We're now strong across the board in cars, crossovers and trucks."
Total GM passenger car sales increased 22 percent, with small and compact car sales up a combined 62 percent. Compact crossover sales were up 47 percent and mid-size car sales were up 38 percent. Full-size pickup sales were up 14 percent.
The Chevrolet brand increased its sales 17 percent year over year, and every Chevrolet car line was up. Sales of the Sonic have increased steadily since it launched in August 2011, with March reaching 8,251 vehicles. Volt sales of 2,289 were 50 percent higher than December 2011, which had been the vehicle's best month since launch. Cruze deliveries of 21,607 marked the car's seventh month of sales exceeding 20,000 units and its seventh consecutive month of higher year-over-year sales.
Other March highlights include a 12 percent year-over-year increase in GMC sales driven by strong Sierra and Terrain results, a 34 percent increase in Chevrolet Equinox sales, a 15 percent increase in Cadillac CTS sales, and a very strong month for the new Buick Verano, with sales of 2,497 units.
The company's retail deliveries increased 14 percent compared with March 2011 and accounted for 74 percent of GM sales. Deliveries to fleets increased 6 percent.
Total sales at Buick and Cadillac were down in total for the month, but retail sales were higher. Buick's retail sales were up 6 percent on the strength the all-new Verano and the 36-mpg LaCrosse with eAssist. Cadillac retail sales were up 2 percent on the strength of an 18 percent gain by the CTS and continued strong retail sales of the SRX and Escalade.
GM is continuing to aggressively roll out new products to sustain its momentum. At the New York International Auto Show this week, the company will unveil five new or redesigned vehicles, including 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, Cadillac SRX, Buick Enclave and GMC Terrain Denali crossovers, as well as the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala sedan.
By the end of 2012, GM will have all-new or redesigned cars and crossovers in segments that represent 60 percent of the retail light vehicle industry.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM's brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release and in related comments by our management, our use of the words "expect," "anticipate," "possible," "potential," "target," "believe," "commit," "intend," "continue," "may," "would," "could," "should," "project," "projected," "positioned" or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to realize production efficiencies and to achieve reductions in costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives and labor modifications; our ability to maintain quality control over our vehicles and avoid material vehicle recalls; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, including as required to fund our planned significant investment in new technology; the ability of our suppliers to timely deliver parts, components and systems; our ability to realize successful vehicle applications of new technology; and our ability to continue to attract new customers, particularly for our new products. GM's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q provides information about these and other factors, which we may revise or supplement in future reports to the SEC.
Nissan North America Sets All-Time Single Month Sales Record with March Sales Up 12.5%
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported March U.S. sales of 136,317 units versus 121,141 units a year earlier, an increase of 12.5 percent, and a record for any month in the company's history. Nissan Division sales also set a new sales record, up 14.8 percent for the month at 126,132 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were down 9.8 percent from the prior year, to 10,185 units.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
Nissan Division also posted its best all-time month in March with 126,132 sales, an increase of 14.8 percent over the previous record of 109,854 units set last March.
Sales of the Nissan Altima hit a new monthly record, finishing at 41,050 units, up 27.1 percent over March 2011. The new record comes on the eve of the introduction of the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, which will be unveiled tomorrow at the New York International Auto Show.
Nissan Rogue also set an all-time volume record with March sales of 16,972 units up 19.7 percent over the prior year.
Nissan Juke sales also set a new all-time record, with 4,165 deliveries marking a 1.9 percent increase over March 2011.
Sales of the Nissan Versa set a new March record at 15,587 units, up 40.7 percent over the prior year.
"Our record March sales show that Nissan's combination of quality and value continues to put us at the top of more customers' shopping lists," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "With new versions of five of our highest volume models coming in the next 15 months, including the all-new 2013 Altima, we're going to keep our foot on the accelerator for even better gains in the months to come."
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
Infiniti today reported sales of 10,185 units for March, a decrease of 9.8 percent from 11,287 units a year earlier.
The all-new Infiniti JX 7-passenger luxury crossover went on sale late in March, and had sales of 540 units.
On Thursday, April 5, at the New York Auto Show, Infiniti will unveil a zero emission concept that will preview the stylish, high-performance, electric luxury car that is set to launch in 2014.
NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. March 2012 had 28 selling days, while March 2011 had 27 selling days.
About Nissan Americas
In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
Buick and Cadillac retail sales increase
DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported total March sales of 231,052 vehicles in the United States, up 12 percent year over year. The monthly total includes a record 100,000 cars and crossovers that achieve an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway rating or better.
"The economic recovery and a deep bench of fuel-efficient cars and crossovers have been driving our sales for more than a year, but the combined impact has never been stronger than it was in March," said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. "Since the last time fuel prices spiked, both the economy and GM's product portfolio are undeniably stronger. We're now strong across the board in cars, crossovers and trucks."
Total GM passenger car sales increased 22 percent, with small and compact car sales up a combined 62 percent. Compact crossover sales were up 47 percent and mid-size car sales were up 38 percent. Full-size pickup sales were up 14 percent.
The Chevrolet brand increased its sales 17 percent year over year, and every Chevrolet car line was up. Sales of the Sonic have increased steadily since it launched in August 2011, with March reaching 8,251 vehicles. Volt sales of 2,289 were 50 percent higher than December 2011, which had been the vehicle's best month since launch. Cruze deliveries of 21,607 marked the car's seventh month of sales exceeding 20,000 units and its seventh consecutive month of higher year-over-year sales.
Other March highlights include a 12 percent year-over-year increase in GMC sales driven by strong Sierra and Terrain results, a 34 percent increase in Chevrolet Equinox sales, a 15 percent increase in Cadillac CTS sales, and a very strong month for the new Buick Verano, with sales of 2,497 units.
The company's retail deliveries increased 14 percent compared with March 2011 and accounted for 74 percent of GM sales. Deliveries to fleets increased 6 percent.
| Highlights |
March 2012 Total Sales |
Total Change vs. March 2011 |
March 2012 Retail Sales |
March 2012 Retail Sales Change vs. March 2011 |
CYTD Total Sales |
CYTD Total Sales Change vs. 2011 |
CYTD 2012 Retail Sales |
CYTD 2012 Retail Sales Change vs. 2011 |
| Chevrolet |
173,073 |
16.8% |
118,134 |
16.5% |
448,134 |
7.6% |
301,217 |
0.7% |
| GMC |
34,337 |
12.2% |
30,348 |
13.8% |
91,884 |
1.2% |
79,528 |
(1.7%) |
| Buick |
13,105 |
(16.3%) |
12,642 |
5.7% |
37,336 |
(16.5%) |
35,376 |
(5.3%) |
| Cadillac |
10,537 |
(13.4%) |
10,303 |
1.9% |
30,996 |
(23.6%) |
29,852 |
(14.4%) |
| Total GM |
231,052 |
11.8% |
171,427 |
14.2% |
608,320 |
2.7% |
445,973 |
(1.4%) |
Total sales at Buick and Cadillac were down in total for the month, but retail sales were higher. Buick's retail sales were up 6 percent on the strength the all-new Verano and the 36-mpg LaCrosse with eAssist. Cadillac retail sales were up 2 percent on the strength of an 18 percent gain by the CTS and continued strong retail sales of the SRX and Escalade.
GM is continuing to aggressively roll out new products to sustain its momentum. At the New York International Auto Show this week, the company will unveil five new or redesigned vehicles, including 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, Cadillac SRX, Buick Enclave and GMC Terrain Denali crossovers, as well as the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala sedan.
By the end of 2012, GM will have all-new or redesigned cars and crossovers in segments that represent 60 percent of the retail light vehicle industry.
| Inventory |
Units @ Feb. 29, 2012 |
Days Supply (selling days adjusted) |
Units @ March 31, 2012 |
Days Supply (selling days adjusted) |
| All Vehicles |
667,096 |
80 |
713,008 |
86 |
| Full-size Pickups |
210,463 |
116 |
231,594 |
124 |
| Industry Sales |
March SAAR (est.) |
Q1 2012 SAAR (est.) |
Full Year 2012 (est.) |
| Light Vehicles |
14.3 million |
14.5 million |
13.5 million – 14.0 million
|
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM's brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release and in related comments by our management, our use of the words "expect," "anticipate," "possible," "potential," "target," "believe," "commit," "intend," "continue," "may," "would," "could," "should," "project," "projected," "positioned" or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to realize production efficiencies and to achieve reductions in costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives and labor modifications; our ability to maintain quality control over our vehicles and avoid material vehicle recalls; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, including as required to fund our planned significant investment in new technology; the ability of our suppliers to timely deliver parts, components and systems; our ability to realize successful vehicle applications of new technology; and our ability to continue to attract new customers, particularly for our new products. GM's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q provides information about these and other factors, which we may revise or supplement in future reports to the SEC.
Nissan North America Sets All-Time Single Month Sales Record with March Sales Up 12.5%
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported March U.S. sales of 136,317 units versus 121,141 units a year earlier, an increase of 12.5 percent, and a record for any month in the company's history. Nissan Division sales also set a new sales record, up 14.8 percent for the month at 126,132 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were down 9.8 percent from the prior year, to 10,185 units.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
Nissan Division also posted its best all-time month in March with 126,132 sales, an increase of 14.8 percent over the previous record of 109,854 units set last March.
Sales of the Nissan Altima hit a new monthly record, finishing at 41,050 units, up 27.1 percent over March 2011. The new record comes on the eve of the introduction of the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, which will be unveiled tomorrow at the New York International Auto Show.
Nissan Rogue also set an all-time volume record with March sales of 16,972 units up 19.7 percent over the prior year.
Nissan Juke sales also set a new all-time record, with 4,165 deliveries marking a 1.9 percent increase over March 2011.
Sales of the Nissan Versa set a new March record at 15,587 units, up 40.7 percent over the prior year.
"Our record March sales show that Nissan's combination of quality and value continues to put us at the top of more customers' shopping lists," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "With new versions of five of our highest volume models coming in the next 15 months, including the all-new 2013 Altima, we're going to keep our foot on the accelerator for even better gains in the months to come."
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
Infiniti today reported sales of 10,185 units for March, a decrease of 9.8 percent from 11,287 units a year earlier.
The all-new Infiniti JX 7-passenger luxury crossover went on sale late in March, and had sales of 540 units.
On Thursday, April 5, at the New York Auto Show, Infiniti will unveil a zero emission concept that will preview the stylish, high-performance, electric luxury car that is set to launch in 2014.
NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. March 2012 had 28 selling days, while March 2011 had 27 selling days.
About Nissan Americas
In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
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