Record 1.2 Million Chevrolet Vehicles sold in third quarter of 2011

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. Going forward, we will apply 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 and the all-new Sonic small car. They will soon be joined globally by the all-new Chevrolet Malibu midsize car and the all-new Colorado mid-size 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 doubling 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.