GM global sales up 4% in first half of 2013, ahead of Volkswagen shared by Borcherding

General Motors reported a 4% increase in global vehicle sales for the first half of the year, placing it ahead of Volkswagen.

Toyota, which was the world’s biggest automaker last year, has not reported its first-half sales.
GM gained a tenth of a percentage point in global market share to 11.5%, as sales hits 4.85 million. That outpaced Volkswagen’s 4.7 million vehicles, up 5.5%.
GM posted an 8% sales increase in North America to 1.64 million vehicles, as market share rose from 17% a year ago to 17.2%. In GM’s International Operations unit, which includes China market, sales rose 7% to 1.92 million vehicles, with market share rising from 9.3% to 9.4%. But sales fell 6.5% in Europe.
Separately, Goldman Sachs raised its rating on GM’s stock Tuesday to “Conviction Buy,” up from “Buy.” The firm’s analysts said GM’s stock could hit $45 within the next 12 months, “driven by a global product story.”
GM shares slipped 32 cents to close at $36.18.

GM Media

Star quarterback returns to Buick to promote safety features

DETROIT – Football star Peyton Manning returns to TV screens across the country during this weekend’s NCAA® Men’s Basketball Final Four®. The spot, called “Blindsided,” is Manning’s second contribution to the “Experience Buick” campaign. It focuses on safety features of the 2013 Verano compact luxury sedan.

“We’re talking about the new Verano but using important football lingo. Last year we were calling audibles and this year it’s a spot called ‘Blindsided,’” said Manning. “No one wants to be blindsided, especially a quarterback. Usually you have one guy protecting the blindside but these features are so good, it’s really like having 11 guys blocking your blindside.”

The 2013 Verano has a standard Rear Vision Camera and an available safety package that includes Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These two technologies share a set of radar sensors hidden in the corners of the rear bumper that can help drivers avoid crashes when changing lanes or backing.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert senses cross traffic up to 65 feet away that may not be visible to the driver when backing out of a parking space or driveway. The driver is alerted with a red directional arrow displayed on the Rear Vision Camera screen along with three directional beeps.

“Peyton Manning is approachable, and that’s synonymous with what Buick is – an approachable, down-to-earth luxury brand,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. “And while he’s certainly elevated and premium in terms of his position in the NFL, he’s easy to relate to and likeable.”

Source: GM Media