Record year in ten European markets

2010-01-28

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In 2009, Chevrolet sold 425,874* cars in total Europe, equivalent to a market share of 2.3 percent (2008: 506,433; 2.3 percent). Chevrolet outperformed the industry in Western Europe with registrations up almost 15 percent compared with 2008 (from 148,868 to 170,591 cars). In a challenging economic climate, Chevrolet achieved record market share results in ten European markets.

"We attracted new customers in many markets last year by offering great value for money in a tough economic climate," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "We aim to build on last year's growth with a host of new cars, including the AutoBest Car of 2010, the Chevrolet Cruze and the all-new Spark city car. On top of that, we will be extending our model range to include a new family van, the new Camaro and the revolutionary Volt extended-range electric car," added Brannon.

Chevrolet more than doubled sales in France (+132.4 percent) and increased sales in Germany by 40 percent. All-time volume and market share records were achieved in Italy, Germany, France, the U.K., Turkey, Austria and Portugal. The best-ever market share was achieved in Spain, Poland and the South East Europe region. In volume terms, Chevrolet's biggest markets for 2009 were Russia, Italy, Germany, France and Spain.

The brand's outstanding performance in Western Europe was offset by the severe fall in industry sales in Eastern Europe, especially Russia. Chevrolet's market share in Europe remained stable, despite a 50-percent industry decline in the Russian market. In sales terms Chevrolet was once again the number-one non-domestic brand in Russia in 2009, with a market share of seven percent.  

The best-selling car in the Chevrolet range in Europe in 2009 was the Aveo (91,229 cars), followed by the Matiz (82,520 cars). Across Europe, sales of the new Cruze (2009: 21,048) have exceeded Chevrolet's most optimistic forecasts. The all-new Spark city car will go on sale in February 2010.

Chevrolet's global sales in 2009 exceeded 3.5 million vehicles, making it the world's fourth biggest automotive brand as well as GM's biggest. In 2009, Chevrolet pushed up sales in China by 67 percent to 332,774 cars, making the country Chevrolet's third biggest market after the U.S. (1,344,629 cars) and Brazil (595,500 cars). China now has more than 800,000 Chevrolet owners, nearly one-third of whom bought their cars in 2009.  The Cruze is set to continue playing a key role in the growth of Chevrolet in China.

* all figures are preliminary registration figures

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' leading global brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet delivers attractive, distinctive design, practical, economical cars and outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. The new Chevrolet line-up includes the all-new Spark city car, the small Aveo, compact Cruze sedan, Captiva SUV and mid-size Epica. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, France and Spain. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is preparing to celebrate its centenary with the launch of the ground-breaking Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. More information on Chevrolet can be found at http://www.chevroleteurope.com or http://media.chevroleteurope.com.