Opel/Vauxhall Astra Is GM Europe's Top Seller in September

• GM Europe Q3 sales up 66,730 cars and LCVs, or 14.6 percent
• GM Europe YTD share up 0.3 points, at 9.5 percent
• GM Europe YTD sales 123,725 vehicles ahead of last year
• YTD: Opel/Vauxhall grows 4 percent, Chevrolet up 32 percent
• GM Russia sales grow 98 percent, to market share of 9.3 percent

2007-10-08, Zurich -- In the first three quarters of 2007, General Motors (GM) Europe sold a record 1,652,082* vehicles, up 123,725 units or 8.1 percent from the same period last year. The resulting market share of 9.5 percent constitutes a growth of 0.3 points. It is the highest market share for the group since 1999. In September, GM Europe sold a record 205,497 cars and LCVs, a plus of 20,950 vehicles or 11.4 percent. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra was Europe’s best-selling car in September.

“Records for September, the third quarter and the calendar year to date demonstrate GM Europe’s sustained sales momentum. Our sales grew by 14.6 percent and led to an all-time sales record for the third quarter of 523,590 vehicles. Our market share for September was 10.1 percent. GM’s European growth this year is fueled by increases in both the Chevrolet and Opel/Vauxhall brands. This is a result of having great cars and aggressive growth plans in Central and Eastern Europe,” said Jonathan Browning, GM Europe Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

GM Russia sales in the first nine months almost doubled from last year (+98 percent), with Chevrolet contributing 61 percent and Opel 37 percent. GM’s market share in Russia grew by an outstanding 3.2 points, to 9.34 percent. This is the highest market share increase of any manufacturer group in any of the world’s fastest-growing markets. The U.K., Italy and Greece were the main contributors to GM’s growth in Western Europe.

Opel/Vauxhall sales grow 12 percent in third quarter; Astra tops sales charts
The Astra was Europe’s best-selling car in September, with 49,268 cars registered. Together with the new Corsa, that sold 347,800 this year, an increase of 52 percent, and segment-leaders Meriva and Zafira, Opel/Vauxhall’s best sellers led to a strong sales increase of 12 percent for the brand in the third quarter and 4 percent for the first nine months of the year. Opel almost tripled its sales in Russia (+281 percent) in the third quarter and successfully grew sales in Southern Europe as well as in the South Eastern Europe markets.

Vauxhall sold 306,078 cars and LCVs in the first three quarters this year, an increase of 8.8 percent, leading to a market share of 13.7 percent. In September, Vauxhall achieved second place in the market and a sales growth of 13.1 percent. Vectra and Zafira were the best selling cars in their respective segments, Astra was first in fleet sales.

Chevrolet becomes a major player in Europe
With 112,800 cars sold in the third quarter of this year, constituting a growth of 28 percent, Chevrolet reached a record market share of 2.05 percent, an improvement of 0.3 points. “Chevrolet’s August and September market share for total Europe of above 2 percent and cumulative sales of 328,300 cars confirm Chevrolet as a major player and the fastest growing volume brand in Europe,” Browning said.

Saab growing in Southern Europe, Central and Eastern Europe
Saab sold 64,580 cars in the first three quarters of this year. While experiencing a slight decrease in sales overall, the brand is growing in Southern Europe as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.

Cadillac, Corvette and HUMMER
Cadillac sales of 3,390 for the calendar year in Europe grew by 30.7 percent, with strong growth in Russia, Austria, Denmark, Spain and Italy. Corvette sold 1,034 cars and HUMMER sales increased by 11.5 percent to 1,520 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 date will be January 7.

Source: GM

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