General Motors reports that its August sales of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles fell by a combined 11% to 184,921 units, versus last August. Although 2009 was the worst year for auto sales
in decades, August last year was a standout because of the Cash for Clunkers program that stimulated auto sales for the short term. The good news is Buick, GMC and Cadillac all saw increases.
Chevrolet, the biggest division at GM saw sales sink. Chevrolet, which benefited the most from last year's CARS program which was focused on non-luxury vehicles, had a total sales decline of 22%
compared to last year, while retail sales were down 31%. Combined sales for Buick, GMC and Cadillac were up 37% for the month, compared to a year ago. Buick sales increased 66%. Cadillac sales in
August were 83% percent higher than last year, per GM. GMC total sales were up 12% during the month. The company says sales of full-size pickups were up 4% during the month, and full sized SUV
sales were up 7%. The company's recent launches are the Cadillac CTS Coupe, Buick Regal, the Chevrolet Cruze this month, the Chevrolet Volt later this year.
