GM Reports Strong Southeast Asia Sales

Thailand was the fastest growing market for General Motors in Southeast Asia last month as the economy recovered and the company's products appealed to local customers.

Chevrolet sold 5,944 vehicles in May, bringing the year-to-date total to 26,682 vehicles, said Antonio Zara, the vice-president for sales, marketing and after-sales service at GM Southeast Asia and Chevrolet Sales Thailand.

This is the most vehicles sold here over the first five months by Chevrolet.

Year-to-date sales are up by 117% from the same period last year. May 2012 sales were up by 112% from May 2011.

"This is our second-best sales month ever. Sales of the Colorado continue to be strong, accounting for 60% of our total sales," said Zara.

Chevrolet sold 3,551 Colorados and 1,001 Captivas last month. It also sold 884 Cruzes and 506 Aveos.

"We're confident of further growth in the coming months, with the launch of the Trailblazer sport-utility vehicle and the Sonic subcompact. This is in addition to the scheduled opening of new dealerships nationwide," said Mr Zara.

Chevrolet recorded encouraging growth in other Asean markets, notably in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia's May results were the best ever, with 648 Chevrolets sold. This year to date, Chevrolet has sold 2,231 vehicles in Indonesia, representing year-to-date growth of 14%.

GM reported year-to-date growth of 57% in Malaysia. Sales were buoyed by the recent launch of the Colorado and the continued popularity of the Cruze.

Sales in the Philippines have grown by 50% this year.