General Motors Company : Chevrolet Cruises to U.S. Passenger Car Leadership

Chevrolet Cruises to U.S. Passenger Car Leadership

2012-01-06

DETROIT -Chevrolet led all automakers in U.S. passenger car sales in 2011 and posted its largest year-over-year retail sales increase in 35 years, due in large part to strong sales of the Cruze compact sedan. Chevrolet compact car sales almost doubled compared with 2010.

"Leading the U.S. industry in passenger car sales in our centennial year proves that we have transformed the Chevrolet product lineup and are delivering the high-quality, fuel-efficient, expressively designed cars that more and more people want," said Alan Batey, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service.

"We are confident we can continue to build on the momentum with the new Sonic and the new Malibu Eco arriving in dealer showrooms in the coming weeks."

Cruze sales in the United States totaled 231,732 in 2011, contributing to the car's global success. Cruze is the best-selling Chevrolet nameplate around the world with more than 1 million sold since its launch in 2009.

The segment-leading Camaro is winning the race with automotive enthusiasts. Camaro sales rose 8 percent to more than 88,000 units in 2011. 

And the all-new Sonic subcompact posted a 52 percent increase year over year compared with the vehicle it replaced. Sonic is quickly winning a legion of fans, with more than 200,000 "Likes" on Facebook.  In its first five months on the market, Sonic has steadily increased its sales month to month, finishing among the segment's leaders in December.

The 2011 sales momentum extended to crossovers and trucks. Total sales for the Equinox crossover were up 28 percent; the Silverado full-size pickup gained 12 percent, and the Suburban full-size SUV rose 9 percent.

New passenger car offerings in 2012 include the 2013 Spark minicar and the new Malibu sedans as Chevrolet's lineup continues to become more global with more than half of its sales outside the U.S. home market. 

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year.  Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at .