DETROIT – Chevrolet sold 1.2 million vehicles globally in the third quarter, the best July-to-September results in the brand’s 100-year history. In the first nine months of 2011, Chevrolet sold 3.6 million vehicles globally, positioning the brand for its best-ever calendar-year sales.
“Nine months of record sales is a great testament to the strength of Chevrolet’s products and service,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet global marketing and strategy. “That success would not be possible without first connecting with new customers individually – no matter where they live – listening to their needs, and then welcoming them to the Chevrolet family.”
That customer-focused approach is best illustrated by the successful U.S. launch of the Cruze compact sedan. Chevrolet sold more than 175,000 Cruzes worldwide in the third quarter of 2011, fueled by U.S. and China sales growth. More than 970,000 Cruzes have been sold since it was introduced in early 2009, and the 1 millionth Cruze is expected to sell by the end of October.
“One million people have chosen a Cruze in less than three years,” said Perry. “That success was made possible by offering customers around the world more than they expected in a compact car. We are applying that same customer-focused approach to every new Chevrolet car, truck, MPV and utility vehicle.”
The Cruze is part of a wave of new models from Chevrolet, including the Spark mini car, all-new Aveo/Sonic small car, and Orlando MPV. They will soon be joined globally by the all-new Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan and the all-new Colorado compact pickup, which go on sale later this year. The 2013 Malibu began production this week in Korea and the Colorado earlier this month in Thailand.
Chevrolet posted double-digit sales gains for the third quarter in 20 markets throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
The strength of Chevrolet’s global presence has helped the brand significantly outpace the rest of the global industry. Chevrolet’s third-quarter sales were up 13.8 percent over the same period a year ago, more than tripling the 3.9 percent gain for the industry. Chevrolet also tripled the industry growth rate for the first nine months of the year: Chevrolet sales were up 14.4 percent compared to a 4.5 percent gain for the industry.
Market | Q3 Chevrolet Sales Change |
Ukraine | 70.8% |
Russia | 64.0% |
Thailand | 57.9% |
South Africa | 50.9% |
Vietnam | 50.3% |
Malaysia | 47.9% |
Philippines | 45.5% |
Argentina | 44.1% |
Poland | 33.8% |
Israel | 33.2% |
France | 30.4% |
Slovakia | 28.2% |
Slovenia | 24.1% |
Germany | 23.3% |
India | 21.3% |
Mexico | 21.2% |
Colombia | 19.4% |
Chile | 18.6% |
China | 18.4% |
United States | 14.2% |
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high-quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.