Chevrolet has recorded a total of 1.3 million sales in 2010, a 17 percent increase over the first 10 months of 2009. For October, total sales climbed 7 percent over the same month a year ago, driven by increased demand for Silverado, Equinox, and the all-new Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.
“In 2010, Chevrolet has experienced sustained consumer demand across our portfolio of cars, trucks, and utilities,” said Alan Batey, vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. “We are particularly encouraged by the results of the Silverado, Equinox and Cruze, which are poised to strengthen Chevrolet’s presence in three of the most significant segments of the industry.”
Combined, the full-size-truck, compact-car and compact-crossover segments account for more than a third of all vehicle sales in the United States, he said.
Total Silverado sales climbed 8 percent in October, as individuals and businesses continue to invest in new trucks. Demand has been particularly strong for the new Silverado HD 3500. Introduced this summer, the most-capable truck in the Silverado lineup can tow up to 21,700 pounds, or carry 6,635 pounds of payload.
Total Equinox sales increased 62 percent in October, as additional vehicles began to reach dealer lots. Since the Equinox launched in 2009, it has been one of the fastest-selling vehicles on the market. In the U.S., the Equinox averaged just 11 “days to turn”, compared to 29 days for other compact SUVs and 49 days for the industry average.
To meet demand, Chevrolet has increased Equinox production three times. The latest increase, which took effect in September, ships Equinox bodies from the CAMI body shop in Ingersoll, Canada, to the Oshawa Assembly Plant for paint and final assembly. Annually, this program adds capacity to build 60,000 to 80,000 more Equinox and GMC Terrain (also assembled at CAMI) crossovers for the Canadian and U.S. markets.
The all-new Chevrolet Cruze compact recorded 5,048 total sales in October as production continues to increase at the Lordstown Assembly complex in Ohio. With more than 216,000 sold worldwide in 2010, the Cruze is already Chevrolet’s top-selling car, and second only to the Silverado pickup for all Chevrolet vehicles.
In the United States, Cruze starts at $16,995, including destination, offering compact car buyers class-leading standard safety features, including 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system and power rear-door child safety locks. Cruze also offers more convenience features as standard equipment, including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center, and XM Radio with a three-month trial subscription.
Of the Cruze value, About.com summarized: “Who should buy the Chevrolet Cruze? Buyers who want mid-size amenities at a compact-car price. Who should not buy the Chevrolet Cruze? People who prefer to pay more money and get less car.”
