General Motors Sales Decline in November

The "core" issue at GM remains declining overall sales no matter what the brand.

Dealers for General Motors in the U.S. delivered 151,427 vehicles in November, a decline of 2% compared with November 2008. GM retail sales were up 1% for the month.

Total sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac were up 6% compared with the prior year. Retail sales for these “core” brands were up 10%, and now represent 94% of GM’s sales as the Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn brands are phased out.

“We’re working to strengthen our Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands by providing cars, crossovers and trucks with the sales and service experience that our customers deserve,” said Susan Docherty, GM vice president, U.S. Sales. “We have more to do, but we’re committed to earning consideration and future sales by delivering great products in every segment.”

Indeed. Year-to-date GM sales are off 32% — and about the same or both cars and trucks – in a market that is off about 24%. GM continues to underperform on an overall portfolio basis, although recent launches of the Chevrolet Traverse and Camaro, and Cadillac SRX are cited as successes.

The U.S. November 2009 Seasonally Adjusted Selling Rate (SAAR) is estimated to be barely higher than October – about 11.0 million, as the Great Recession drags on in what appears to be an ongoing jobless recovery.

Little wonder that consumer confidence declined in November as the ruling Democratic party looks for a face-saving way to provide “economic stimulus package.2” after the first trillion dollar one enacted earlier this year has clearly failed.