Damascus, Syria – Buyers are continuing to buy General Motors (GM) vehicles in increasing numbers in Syria, according to figures released today, which show a 13% rise in GM sales during the first half of 2008 compared to the same period last year.

GM’s brands sold in Syria – Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Saab – recorded sales of 1,598 units sold during the first half of 2008. These impressive results come in the same year that GM celebrates its 100th Anniversary.

Chevrolet models still dominate the GM sales charts in Syria with sales up 8%, driven mainly by the Epica, which grew by a staggering 180%, followed by the Captiva, up 14%, and Chevrolet’s best-selling model in Syria, the Optra, which grew by 13%. And now, with the GMC brand entering Syria - under INTRACO Trading - with the compact SUV, Terrain, it’s remarkable to see the brand take off to such a good start with sale of 71 units in less than three months. GM Premium Brands in Syria - Saab and Cadillac -continued at the same levels as same period last year.

At today’s press briefing to announce GM results in the region during the first half of the year, John Passadis, Director of Sales - General Motors Middle East Operations, commented: “The growth that General Motors has registered in Syria during the first half of 2008 should be attributed to few factors. This business is about great products. And, GM offers a unique line-up supported by professional dealer network and a series of unique customer focused programs. It is also down to our strong dealer partners in Syria, INTRACO Trading and Karkour & Company, whose enduring hard work and commitment are reaping rewards in the year of our 100th anniversary.”

“Our vision for the future and role as a responsible corporate citizen, both to the communities in which we operate and to the environment, see us introduce pioneering first of a kind initiatives to the region. This is exemplified by the cooperation with the Dubai Government to operate Chevrolet Hybrid vehicles as Taxi’s. This is the first time that Hybrid vehicles have been brought to the Middle East” he added.

As with Syria, General Motors has experienced record success across the rest of the region in the first half of 2008, with best-ever sales in the Middle East reaching 71,452 units, also up 7% on the same period last year. Growth in the smaller markets has been outstanding.

The GMC brand experienced booming sales in the Middle East during the first half of 2008, with sales of 22,874 units, up 38% on 2007. GMC’s full-size SUVs, the Yukon and Yukon XL, were a major factor behind this success, with combined sales of 14,475 units, up 30% from last year. The luxury Crossover SUV Acadia is still on a roll with 3,359 units sold during the first half of 2008 - one year only after its arrival in the region it is already established among GM’s top ten best-sellers. Growth was further boosted by the arrival of the all-new compact crossover SUV, the GMC Terrain.

General Motors’ Premium Brands – Cadillac, HUMMER and Saab - also have had big percentage increases in sales across the Middle East region with sales of 4,193 units, up 26% from previous year. The award-winning, all-new CTS luxury sedan has proved to be a top-of-mind choice for many premium brand customers, recording a massive 468% year-on-year increase in sales. The Escalade luxury SUV recorded a rise in sale of 22% with 1,178 units sold, while the rugged HUMMER brand experienced positive growth, up 13% to 1,801 units, thanks to the popularity of the H2 and H3 SUVs.

Chevrolet remains GM’s strongest brand by volume, with customers buying 44,120 Chevy’s. Chevrolet’s best sellers, the full-size SUVs – the Tahoe and Suburban – together recorded growth in sales of 15%, with 7,694 units sold. The Aveo sales increased to 7,142 units, making it GM’s second biggest seller. Sales of the Captiva and Epica were also up by 40% and 37% respectively, plus the all-new Avalanche made a significant contribution to Chevrolet sales.

Oman led the way for GM sales in the GCC (up by 45%) with sales of 2,023 units, followed by the UAE (up by 37%) with sales of 11,972 units, then Bahrain (up by 29%) with sales of 1,420 units, followed by Kuwait (up by 20%) with sales of 8,516 units. Saudi Arabia, GM’s biggest market, sold 39,211 units, while Qatar sales were at 3,648 units. The Levant countries had an excellent first half year; Lebanon recorded sales of 1,216 units up by an outstanding 154% growth, while Syria saw sales rise, and Jordan came at 730 units’ sale.

Courtesy: General Motors, Middle East

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Posted by Jigar Gondalia on 21 July, 2008 2:52:17 PM IST #