GM Reports 154,877 Deliveries in November

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 154,877 vehicles in November, down 41 percent compared with a year ago. GM car sales of 58,786 were off 44 percent and truck sales of 96,091 were down 39 percent. The steep decline in vehicle sales was largely due to a significant drop in the market's retail demand compared with last year, and continuing economic uncertainty that has negatively impacted consumer confidence. In November GM saw the continuation of the dramatic decline in volume for the industry. Every manufacturer is posting awful numbers and GM is no exception. GM has outstanding products in the market, so it is particularly frustrating when economic uncertainty takes their customers out of the market. There were about 34 percent, or 400,000, fewer vehicles sold this November in the industry than a year ago - this is the annual volume of two full production plants that have simply evaporated in a single month. The global economic crisis and credit freeze have had a very negative impact on the vehicle market which runs on consumer confidence and available financing.

Chrylers Electric Vehicles Debut

Chrysler three advanced production-intent electric prototype vehicles made their worldwide debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicles -- the Dodge EV, Jeep(R) EV and Chrysler EV -- were on display during press days (Nov. 19-20), and throughout the show's public days (Nov. 21-30). Chrysler recently announced that at least one of these models will be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, the Company will have close to one hundred electric vehicles on the road in government, business and development fleets in 2009. Chrysler is well into the development of advanced production-intent electric vehicles, and will apply its electric-drive technology to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms in the next several years. Their goal is to deliver environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, advanced electric vehicles, and to meet that responsibility quickly and more broadly than any other automobile manufacturer. The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provides a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that they are serious and well along in the development of bringing electric vehicles to market."

Chrysler Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Minivan

Chrysler invented the minivan segment in 1983. Since then, Chrysler has sold more than 12 million minivans worldwide. Chrysler and Dodge minivans still command more than 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market. The Company leads in innovation with more than 65 minivan-first features Chrysler minivans are the most awarded with more than 260 accolades.

Saab wins Award 5 years in a row

The entire 2009 Saab 9-3 family, including the 4-door Sport Sedan, 5-door SportCombi and 2-door Convertible has again earned the Top Safety Pick Award in the midsize category from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is the fifth consecutive year that the 9-3 Sport Sedan has brought home IIHS top honors, a unique achievement in the luxury segment. For 2007 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick Award, in 2006 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick – Gold Award and received a Double Best Pick crash-test rating for 2005. The institute began testing convertibles in 2007. In the inaugural year, the 9-3 Convertible earned a top spot. This is the third year that the Saab 9-3 Convertible earns the Top Safety Pick Award - one of three convertibles and the only soft-top convertible to earn a top spot for 2009. “The Saab 9-3 earned the Institute’s highest rating in front and side crash tests, and the Saab Active Head Restraints provide state-of-the-art protection against neck injuries in rear-end crashes,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "The addition of electronic stability control as standard equipment confirms Saab’s commitment to vehicle safety.”

GM And Tiger Woods End Endorsement Deal

General Motors and Tiger Woods announced today that they will conclude their endorsement deal effective December 31, 2008, a mutual separation that included a desire for more personal time for the 14-time major winner who is expecting his second child in late winter as well as the search for budget efficiencies during a difficult economy for General Motors. For the past nine years, Woods has endorsed GM products around the world and has been heavily associated with the Buick brand in the US, Canada and China markets. Mark LaNeve, General Motors North American Vice President of Sales, Service and Marketing said, “Tiger has been a great friend to GM and a fantastic asset through the years helping to bring consumer awareness to many new GM products. In light of the news coming out of Washington,” LaNeve added, “This decision is the result of discussions that started earlier in the year and the timing of this agreement with these other activities is purely coincidental.” In a statement, Woods commented, “I am very proud of the long standing partnership I’ve had with GM and have enjoyed being a part of the company’s dramatic product evolution. We’ve had a lot of fun together and I participated in some unique and rewarding activities. We’ve enjoyed a tremendous partnership over the years and we will maintain strong ties with the many people at GM we call friends.”

Ford Motor Company's Operation Goodwill

The Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Service's mission is to support initiatives and institutions that enhance and improve opportunities for those who live in the communities where Ford Motor Company operates, showcases the legacy of caring Henry Ford started 105 years ago. Continuing on this important mission, Ford Motor Company Fund has launched Operation Goodwill, an innovative initiative designed to increase Ford's philanthropic and community-related commitment in select cities across America. Through this program, Ford Fund is partnering with its dealers in providing funding to support a combination of grants, safety and educational programs and volunteer activities that enhance the quality of life in the following cities: Chicago, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, Phoenix, San Antonio and San Diego. Additional communities are being considered.

GM Sells 13-Millionth Used Vehicle at Auction

General Motors reached an industry landmark on November 13th with the sale of the 13-millionth GM remarketed vehicle at auction. The vehicle, a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD half-ton LS model, was sold at a special sales event at the Manheim St. Louis Auto Auction to George Weber Chevrolet of Columbia, Ill. GM Sponsored Auctions closed sale included 700 GM used vehicles. The Manheim St. Louis team and all of the 40 GM Sponsored Auctions across the United States understand that effective vehicle remarketing is about providing outstanding service and value to our dealers, from reconditioning and repairs to presenting the vehicles in the sale lanes." Since its first GM auction in October 1986, the Manheim St. Louis auction has sold more than 350,000 GM used vehicles. More than 250 GM dealers participated in today's sale. Manheim St. Louis holds a closed GM Sponsored Auctions sale every other Thursday, offering an average of 600 vehicles per sale and welcoming 250 GM dealers, who buy both in the lane and online, using Manheim Simulcast. Participating dealers hail from across the United States.