General Motors Co. today reported a 12 percent decrease in January sales compared to a year ago. The Detroit-based automaker sold 171,486 vehicles last month, with each of GM’s brands reporting sales declines. Buick was the only brand even close to breaking even, with sales down 1.4 percent compared to January 2013. GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac were all down at least 10 percent.
DETROIT, MI- General Motors Co. today reported a 12 percent decrease in January sales compared to a year ago.
The Detroit-based automaker sold 171,486 vehicles last month, with each of GM’s brands reporting sales declines. Buick was the only brand even close to breaking even, with sales down 1.4 percent compared to January 2013. GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac were all down at least 10 percent.
Although it’s starting off the year down, GM continues to be optimistic for 2014, as the company has major launches underway, including the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL – all began shipping to dealers in late January.
“We are building long-term value for our customers and it starts with award-winning new products,” said Kurt McNeil, GM U.S. vice president of sales operations. “We have major launches underway and we are going to accelerate brand-building and other growth initiatives, which include executing our winning strategy to sell more pickup trucks with larger cabs, more features and advanced technology.”
General Motors headquarters are shown in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010. GM, like Ford, recognized that severe winter weather in the U.S. last month crippled auto sales.
GM is the last of the Detroit automakers to release January sales results. Earlier today, Chrysler reported an 8 percent increase from the same time a year ago and Ford Motor Co. reported a 7 percent decrease.
Inclement weather across the Midwest and other parts of the country last month is expected to slow auto sales in January. Auto industry experts expect January U.S. vehicle sales to just top 1 million units, a slight decline from a year ago.
January is traditionally one of the worst sales months in the U.S.
Following a strong year for U.S. auto sales in 2013, most experts predict vehicle sales to top 16.3 million units this year. It's a slower pace than in previous years, but still considered healthy.
Top five GM models by units sold in January:
1. Chevy Silverado- 28,926
2. Chevy Cruze- 16,828
3. Chevy Equinox- 14,547
4. Chevy Impala- 11,898
5. Chevy Malibu- 11,822
Check back to MLive.com for more information.