“GM had some notable sales successes as we continued to expand in key growth markets around the world in 2006,” said John Middlebrook, GM vice president of global sales, service and marketing operations. “In 2006, we saw 18 percent growth in the Asia/Pacific region and 17 percent growth in the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region. We’re also seeing improving results in Europe where we sold more than two million vehicles for the first time.”
Polk manufacturer loyalty award given to GM
General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner recently accepted the Overall Manufacturer award on behalf of GM from R.L. Polk and Co. during the Automotive News World Congress. This is the seventh consecutive year that GM has taken Overall Manufacturer honors. GM also secured five additional loyalty awards, including segment honors for the Chevrolet Impala, Corvette and Tahoe, as well as the Saturn Ion and Vue.
Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak was on hand to accept the awards for Saturn, while Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper picked up the Chevy awards.
“GM customer loyalty increased at least three percentage points in each winning category,” said Stephen R. Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk and Co.
The Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards are based on actual model-year purchase or lease activity and recognize manufacturers for superior performance in customer retention, a critical aspect of building and maintaining market share. The award is the only one in the industry based on consumer loyalty.
GM sells more than 9 million vehicles globally
Preliminary sales figures show that General Motors sold more than 9 million cars and trucks in 2006, marking the third time (2006, 2005 and 1978) the world’s largest automaker has sold more than 9 million vehicles in a calendar year.
“GM had some notable sales successes as we continued to expand in key growth markets around the world in 2006,” said John Middlebrook, GM vice president of global sales, service and marketing operations. “In 2006, we saw 18 percent growth in the Asia/Pacific region and 17 percent growth in the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region. We’re also seeing improving results in Europe where we sold more than two million vehicles for the first time.”