Fuel-efficient Cars and Crossovers Drive Chevrolet Sales 16 Percent Higher in 2010

DETROIT, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Better fuel efficiency, which is rising on the list of customer demands, played a big role in Chevrolet's U.S. sales increasing 16 percent in 2010.

Chevy sold 1,565,632 vehicles, and gained 0.7 points of market share last year, showing gains across the brand's full line of cars, trucks, and crossovers.   Chevrolet crossover sales climbed 34 percent in 2010, compared to a 20 percent gain for the industry. And Chevrolet car sales climbed 16 percent – the same percentages as the brand's overall sales gain – compared to a 5 percent gain for the industry.

In the U.S., drivers keep new cars an average of seven years – meaning the majority of buyers last year replaced vehicles bought in 2003. That year, the average American buyer ranked gas mileage fourteenth on a list of their most important reasons for purchase. In 2010, fuel economy was No. 5 most important vehicle attribute for consumers, according to GM research

"In the past 10 years, gas mileage has jumped from a 'nice-to-have' to a 'must-have' feature," said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. "That's a huge shift, demonstrating that buyers today want vehicles that deliver exceptional safety, style, performance without sacrificing fuel economy."

Chevrolet is meeting that demand. In 2010, four of Chevrolet's best-selling models were among the most fuel-efficient models in their segments:

• Chevrolet Equinox sales increased 74 percent in 2010. The Equinox is the most fuel- efficient crossover on the market, delivering up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway – more than even the Ford Escape Hybrid.

• Chevrolet Traverse sales climbed 17 percent in 2010. The Traverse was the best-selling three-row crossover in 2010 and the most fuel-efficient, delivering up to 24 mpg on the highway.

• Chevrolet Malibu sales were up 23 percent in 2010. The Malibu also expanded its share of the midsize car market by 2.6 points in 2010. The Malibu delivers an estimated 33 miles per gallon highway.

• Chevrolet Camaro was the best-selling sports car in 2010, accounting for almost one third of the segment. Equipped with a 312 horsepower, 3.6L V-6, the Camaro can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds, and get an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Chevrolet's sales momentum is expected to continue in 2011, with the first full year of sales for the Cruze and Volt, as well as the introduction of the Chevrolet Sonic.

• The Chevrolet Cruze went on sale in late 2010, offering drivers the best fuel economy of any compact car, delivering up to 42 miles per gallon with the Cruze Eco model.

• The first Chevrolet Volts were delivered in December. The 2011 North American Car of the Year has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.

• The Chevrolet Sonic will go on sale in the fall of 2011, offering up to 40 miles per gallon, married with sporty styling and athletic handling.

"The Sonic is a great example of Chevrolet's commitment to offer vehicles with uncompromised styling, performance, and fuel economy," said Perry. "It's also an example of how we plan to continue growing the Chevrolet brand in 2011, and beyond."  

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of more than 4 million vehicles in 130 countries. 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 Chevrolet Cruze Eco with an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, and the Chevrolet Volt offering 35 miles of electric driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. 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