GM Reports One Percent Drop in 2004 Sales Compared to 2003

The world's largest automaker, General Motors, announced that U.S. vehicle sales dropped 6% in December compared with the same period in 2003. Total sales amounted to 437,161 units. For the entire 2004 calendar year, car and truck sales hit 4.7 million, 1% less than the previous year.

"GM had a solid finish to the year," stated John Smith, GM group VP. "Once again we set industry records in total truck and utility vehicle sales for the year and sold more full-size Chevy pickups than any other manufacturer." GM also added that there were some highlights despite the decline in overall sales. GM said the divisions of Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC all had sales gains. Chevrolet had its best year in almost fifteen years and GMC had its best-ever annual sales. "These successes, along with 17 all-new models being introduced this year should help us grow in 2005," added Mr. Smith.

GM reached an industry pick-up truck sales record and continued to lead all other automakers with over 2.8 million deliveries, and also sold over one million SUV's. December sales of Hummer vehicles dropped 3.7 percent compared to the same period last year, although it had its best sales month for the year at 3,814 vehicles sold. The Saab division reported a 6% decline in December sales with 3,421 vehicles.