At One Year, Camaro Leads U.S. Sports Car Segment and Wins New Chevrolet Customers Globally

DETROIT, June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers made the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro the best-selling sports car in the U.S. for the first full year of sales. From May 2009 to May 2010, Camaro posted 99,872 total sales, outselling its closest competitor by nearly 20,000 vehicles. Camaro continues to bring new customers to Chevrolet dealerships – at home and overseas.  

In the U.S., the 2010 Camaro's first full month of sales was May, 2009. Camaro took the lead in monthly share of segment a month later and led the sales race for 11 of the last 12 months.

"It's remarkable how quickly consumers connected with the new Camaro, and pushed it to the top of the segment," says John Fitzpatrick, Camaro marketing manager, "especially considering our key competitors offer both coupe and convertible models.

"When the new Camaro went on sale, it was predominantly bought by Chevrolet owners, or Camaro enthusiasts who already owned a previous-generation. Today, about half of 2010 Camaro buyers are new to Chevrolet, some trading in performance cars such as Mustang or Nissan Z to purchase their Camaro. As Camaro brings new customers to Chevrolet, we believe it is having a residual effect on our other products."

The Camaro is also attracting customers to Chevrolet dealerships in international markets, where more than 1,000 Camaros have been sold – even before official export production has begun. As in the U.S., the Camaro has had an impact on the Chevrolet brand around the globe, according to Don Johnson, GM international operations vice president of marketing:

"Camaro attracts a crowd everywhere it goes, whether it's at a Chevrolet dealership, a car show, or driving down the boulevard. As such, Camaro has become a halo for the global Chevrolet brand, offering head-turning design, performance and value that appeals to car enthusiasts everywhere," Johnson said.

As such, the Camaro has created a world-wide sensation from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo.

Here's how Dino Dalle Carbonare from Speedhunters.com described driving a Camaro in Tokyo:

"My ride for the week was a metallic red Camaro SS riding on optional 21-inch rims, probably one of the most eye-catching cars I have driven in Japan. Within two minutes I already had businessmen at pedestrian crossings pointing and staring at the big wide front grille, and other motorists rubbernecking as they passed me on the opposite lane."

Sales outside the U.S. are expected to grow significantly, as Chevrolet increases production to accommodate exports for Chevrolet's largest markets, including Brazil, China, Russia, and Europe.  

South Korea is also expected to contribute to the rise in sales next year. The new Camaro was introduced at the Busan Motor Show in April as an example of the types of products Korean customers can expect when Chevrolet begins selling cars in the country in 2011.

"Camaro has already helped create excitement for the Chevrolet brand," said Johnson. "Its influence will continue to grow as we introduce Camaro to car enthusiasts around the world."

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer up to 40 miles of electric driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing).  Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SOURCE General Motors