General Motors said on April 1 its overall March U.S. sales jumped 20.6% from a year ago amid a sixth consecutive month of gains at its four core brands.
"Our March results show continued progress toward our growth plan," said Susan Docherty, GM vice president of marketing. "By investing in our brands and remaining disciplined in our approach to the U.S. market, we posted solid results."
GM's sales including brands it is in the process of winding down, increased to 188,546 from 156,380 in March 2009. Total sales for the first quarter were up 15.6% at 477,322.
Sales of GM's core remaining brands -- Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac -- rose 43.3% to 185,406 in March and were up 35.6% at 469,353 for the first quarter.
"Our new vehicles, like the Chevrolet Equinox, Buick LaCrosse, GMC Terrain, and Cadillac SRX, are being well-received by customers for many good reasons, including quality, safety, excellent fuel economy, and higher resale values," Docherty said.
The largest U.S. automaker announced plans last week to expand production in response to growing demand for its hot-selling Chevrolet Equinox sport utility vehicle.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2010
