Chevy and Buick Help Make GM Fastest Growing Automaker in March
The 2017 Buick Encore at the Chicago Auto Show
General Motors has announced that it succeeded in growing its retail sales faster than any other full-line automaker this past March, repeating a feat it managed for the whole of 2016. The American automaker also gained retail share in the first quarter of 2017.
“The economy is strong and we see more growth ahead for our brands,” said Kurt McNeil, US vice president of sales operations. “More people are working, consumer confidence is at a 16-year high, fuel prices are low and Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have a wave of new crossovers to compete in the industry’s biggest and hottest segments.”
Buick was one of the brands driving the success, with its crossovers expected to account for more than 75% of retail deliveries in 2017, representing a 66% increase from 2016. The Encore, Envision, and Enclave were the highest-selling models for the brand.
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GMC also did its part, achieving the highest average transaction prices (ATPs) of any non-luxury brand. The brand will launch its all-new 2018 Terrain in late summer. GM is also bullish on Cadillac, which it believes will benefit from a full year of production of the new XT5 crossover, which is currently the second best-selling vehicle in its segment.
Chevrolet, the industry’s fastest-growing brand in 2016, is also expected to accomplish very big things. The bowtie brand had its best March and first quarter retail sales since 2007.
“Chevrolet will have the industry’s broadest and freshest lineup of utility vehicles led by the all-new 2018 Equinox and Traverse, plus we have a unique three-truck pickup strategy and a dominant position in large SUVs,” McNeil said. “We also have a first-mover advantage in many segments. It will be years before key competitors are able to launch rivals to the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Colorado and Trax.”
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