!NEW! Opel Strengthens Business in South Africa

• Fresh start: Unitrans Automotive to take over as importer as of January 1, 2018
• Fresh breeze: Market launch of the new Opel Crossland X crossover
• Bright prospects: Opel Grandland X, new generation Opel Corsa to follow

Off to new shores: Opel Crossland X will make its debut in South Africa in December.

Fresh start for Opel in South Africa: From January 1, 2018 onwards, the German carmaker will sell its vehicles with the help of Unitrans Automotive, a renowned name in the South African business landscape. The company already operates as a nationwide retailer for many brands and now adds the importer role for Opel. Opel retail in the country will be handled by via 35 dealerships, some of them owned by Unitrans, others by independent owners. As part of the new efforts, two flagship stores for the brand with the “Blitz” are under construction in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The new sales approach is accompanied by the market launch of the new Opel Crossland X – a B-segment CUV – in December.

Heading for new heights: Opel Crossland X will join the Opel Mokka X on the South African market in December.

Opel is in the midst of a sales offensive in South Africa. The new Grandland X, the big brother of the Opel Crossland X, will be introduced in the South African market in the first half of 2018. Subsequently, the brand will also offer the next generation of the Opel Corsa.

Also effective January 1, 2018, the Opel dealers will take on the aftersales business of GM brand Chevrolet. Chevrolet will no longer be offered in South Africa at the turn of the year.

The extension of the South African business is part of PACE!, Opel’s plan for the future presented on November 9. The brand aims to achieve a stronger international footprint and enter more than 20 new export markets by 2022.

“We view South Africa as an important market,” said Matthias Seidl, Opel’s Executive Director Sales Operations, at the presentation of the Opel Crossland X in Johannesburg. “South Africa is a strategic investment for Opel and our aim is to take the brand from strength to strength in South Africa and other key markets.”

Opel Mokka X, with total sales exceeding 800,000 units, is already available in South Africa. Therefore, the entire X-Family that also consists of the Opel Crossland X and the Opel Grandland X will be available on the most important African market in 2018.

Opel Crossland X: The stylish all-round for the city and the countryside

The Opel Mokka X, optionally available with all-wheel drive, is also suitable for off-road driving. The new Opel Crossland X – a real space wonder despite its compact dimensions – joins it in the B-segment. With a length of 4.21 metres, the new Opel Crossland X is 16 centimetres shorter than an Opel Astra while at the same time 10 centimetres higher. Occupants enjoy an elevated seating position and the excellent all-round view it provides. The newcomer offers outstanding innovations that make everyday driving safer, more comfortable and easier. These include innovative Full LED AFL headlights, Head Up Display (HUD) or the 180-degree Panoramic Rear View Camera.

Instrument panel and center stack are clearly structured and horizontally aligned to the driver. Soft touch materials and subtle chrome finishes around the cluster and air vents convey a message of high quality

Both the driver and the front seat passenger can take advantage of the award-winning and AGR-certified (Campaign for Healthier Backs) ergonomic seats with Opel being the only manufacturer to offer such comfort in the segment (in both the Crossland X and the Mokka X). Elsewhere, maximum boot volume of 520 litres – without folding the rear seats down – is class leading. In addition, passengers in the rear have the possibility to adjust their seating position by 150 millimetres in longitudinal direction, thus either increasing legroom or the capacity of the luggage compartment.

!NEW! Opel Continues to Grow in South Africa

November total industry sales came in at 51 256 vehicles, slightly behind November 2014 sales of 51 055 units. Year to date November 2015 industry sales are 4.1 percent down over the same period last year (568 584 vs 592 839).

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) sales for November 2015 were 4550 units across all three brands at NAAMSA level with strong performances from Opel and Isuzu as well as Chevrolet Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV).

Isuzu made the best of the recently refreshed KB with 1263 units sold in November. November sales represented the highest double cab sales in 17 months, driven by the all-new 250 High Rider double cab model.

Opel ADAM Rocks

A key highlight for GMSA is the continuing growth of the Opel brand with the fashionable super mini Opel ADAM boutique hatch leading the charge. ADAM has consistently outperformed competitors in the boutique mini segment of the market with 1 474 units sold since January 2015. The November sales figure of 265 units represents ADAM’s second best month this year coming just short of the February 2015 highlight of 280 units. Buoyed by the success of the trio of “new Germans”, Corsa, Mokka, and ADAM, the overall Opel brand sales are up 70 percent, 5 917 versus 3 479 units, compared to the same period last year.

Chevrolet sales were led by the Utility in November which sold 1 234 units. Year to date sales for Chevrolet now stand at 29 131 units with 5.1 percent share of the total industry.

“2015 has been a tough year for South African consumers and this is reflected in the declining industry sales. Despite tough trading conditions we plan on closing the year on a strong note with encouraging performances from our Chevrolet and Isuzu LCV products. We expect Opel to attract new buyers and continue the sales momentum well into the new year as our new technologically advanced products find traction in our market,” says Brian Olson, Vice President Vehicle Sales, Service, and Marketing for GM Sub-Saharan Africa.

!NEW! GM Sold 7.2 Million Vehicles in the First Nine Months of 2015

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 7.2 million vehicles globally in the first nine months of 2015. The company posted sales increases in four of its five largest markets, with record sales in China and strong retail sales gains in the United States. Total sales were down 1 percent, due primarily to the company’s previously announced decisions to strategically reduce its presence in certain markets, as well as difficult market conditions in South America.

“Our unwavering focus on the customer is paying off in our largest and most important markets as we execute one successful launch after another in the right segments,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “At the same time, we have reacted quickly to challenging macroeconomic environments in other markets and have shown the discipline to exit situations where we see no long-term path to acceptable returns.”

Examples of GM’s recent success include:

• GM truck sales in North America were up 16 percent in the first nine months of 2015, driven by a 17 percent increase in Chevrolet truck deliveries in the United States.
• Chevrolet had record crossover sales in North America in the same period, up 17 percent year over year.
• In China, crossovers like the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envision represented more than 17 percent of sales by GM and its joint ventures in September, up from 6 percent a year ago.
• Cadillac had record sales in China with deliveries rising 12 percent to nearly 57,000 units.

GM is preparing to launch even more new trucks and crossovers during the next several months, including the all-new Cadillac XT5, a redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and a diesel-powered Chevrolet Colorado for North America, and the Baojun 560 in China. Key car launches include the all-new Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze in North America and the all-new Opel Astra in Europe.

Additional Highlights (vs. 2014)

First Nine Months 

• In the United States, Chevrolet has reported six consecutive months of retail sales and market share gains and has strategically reduced sales to rental companies by more than 50,000 units through September.
• Opel / Vauxhall increased its European market share and grew sales in 19 countries, including Italy, Spain, France, the U.K. and Germany.
• Buick had record deliveries in China, with sales up 4 percent to nearly 670,000 units.
• Baojun had record sales, with deliveries rising 236 percent to more than 270,000 units.
• GMC’s global sales increased 11 percent, and four of the brand’s SUVs and pickup trucks – the Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra and Canyon – have the highest average transaction prices of any vehicles in their respective segments in the United States, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.

Third Quarter

• Among GM’s largest markets, sales rose in the United States, the U.K. and Canada.
• Opel / Vauxhall, Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Baojun all reported higher sales.
• Chevrolet had record crossover sales in the United States, up 24 percent, while Chevrolet U.S. truck sales increased 16 percent.
• Deliveries in South Korea were up 11 percent to record of nearly 43,000 units.
• Global sales were down 3 percent.  

GM Global Sales: January - September 2015

Calendar Year-to-Date
Region	Total  Sales	YOY Change	Pct. Change	Total  Sales	YOY Change	Pct. Change
GM North America	930,758	46,110	5.2%	2,685,342	126,257	4.9%
GM Europe	287,690	3,137	1.1%	898,236	(60,131)	(6.3%)
GM South America	150,142	(66,956)	(30.8%)	485,557	(156,749)	(24.4%)
GM International	191,847	(21,928)	(10.3%)	589,854	(41,525)	(6.6%)
GM China **	773,226	(33,902)	(4.2%)	2,492,428	38,215	1.6%
Total	2,333,663	(73,539)	(3.1%)	7,151,417	(93,933)	(1.3%)

Quarter 3				Calendar Year-to-Date
Sales by Brand **	Total  Sales	YOY Change	Pct. Change	Total  Sales	YOY Change	Pct. Change
Chevrolet	1,078,847	(112,998)	(9.5%)	3,291,133	(252,280)	(7.1%)
Opel/Vauxhall	272,619	14,007	5.4%	864,338	31,256	3.8%
Buick	300,335	10,858	3.8%	852,289	21,635	2.6%
Cadillac	67,895	997	1.5%	198,993	6,228	3.2%
GMC	176,222	11,100	6.7%	499,343	48,933	10.9%
Baojun	110,977	69,395	166.9%	270,488	189,857	235.5%
Wuling	286,155	(55,358)	(16.2%)	1,050,327	(100,110)	(8.7%)
All Others	40,613	(11,540)	(22.1%)	124,506	(39,452)	(24.1%)
Total	2,333,663	(73,539)	(3.1%)	7,151,417	(93,933)	(1.3%)

Notes:

GM North America = United States, Canada, Mexico, and other North American markets*

GM Europe = Western, Central and Eastern Europe

GM International = Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East*

** Includes China retail sales

* Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Sudan are excluded from sales volume calculations

!NEW! OnStar Reaches 1 Billion Customer Interactions

• Successful around the world: Your personal connectivity and service assistant
• 24/7 365 days a year: Customers contact OnStar via phone, mobile app, vehicle
• Pole position: Astra first completely new Opel model with OnStar 

OnStar has fielded more than 1 billion request from customers, who interact by phone, mobile app or embedded cellular service in their cars and trucks. Launched nearly 19 years ago as an industry-first service that would place a call from the vehicle when an air bag deployed, OnStar today remotely unlocks doors, loads driving directions directly to the vehicle, compiles and sends emails on vehicle health.

A customer contacts OnStar every two seconds. That adds up to about 5 million calls a month from its subscriber base of more than 7 million. Add 8.8 million interactions a month from the mobile app and you can see how indispensable OnStar has become since launching in 1996.

“OnStar created the original connected car in 1996 and today remains at the forefront of innovation through the services offered in Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and soon, Opel vehicles around the globe,” said Alicia Boler-Davis, senior vice president, General Motors Global Connected Customer Experience. “The pace at which the brand has reached 1 billion interactions shows the vast customer demand for vehicle connectivity and there’s no doubt our second billion interactions will come even quicker.”

The Opel/Vauxhall OnStar connectivity and service assistant will be launched in Europe on August 3, 2015.

The new generation of the Opel Astra, which will celebrate its debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (September 17 to 27), will be the first completely new Opel model to be available with OnStar. The system can also be ordered for ADAM, Cascada, Corsa, Insignia, Meriva, Mokka and Zafira Tourer in certain markets. The first introduction wave will see Opel OnStar being rolled out in 13 European markets, those being Belgium, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland and Spain, with additional countries following later. Customers will be able to use the entire service portfolio provided by Opel OnStar including the 24-hour Emergency Call Service free of charge for the first 12 months after registration.

Smartphone owners will be able to connect to their vehicle remotely with a Smartphone App. In addition, Opel OnStar will assist vehicle owners and police alike in case a vehicle with the system is stolen.

Opel OnStar can also provide subscribers with a monthly Vehicle Diagnostics email with the most important vehicle data and information. Furthermore, a diagnostics check can be requested at any time at the push of a button, thus providing peace of mind before setting off on a longer journey.

Opel OnStar subscribers in Europe will be in complete control of their data and the Opel OnStar services they receive. Before the services are activated they will have to agree to the terms and conditions. Furthermore, they will be able to choose whether they want to reveal their current location – at a push of the Privacy Button their position will be masked.

By the numbers, here is what 1 billion interactions looks like:

• 5.5 million Emergency Services delivered.
• 156 million mobile app requests.
• Delivered Roadside Assistance more than 3.9 million times.
• More than 390 million Vehicle Diagnostic reports delivered.

Before becoming known as OnStar, the original name for the service was Project Beacon. Its goal was integrating wireless communication into vehicles, years before mass adoption of smartphones.

In the fall of 1996, OnStar debuted in the Cadillac DeVille, Seville and Eldorado. The service initially offered Airbag Deployment Notifications, the core of OnStar’s safety and security premise, which progressed into Automatic Crash Response that uses sensors capable of determining the severity of a crash impact and alerting an OnStar emergency advisor to assist. OnStar today responds to more than 100,000 emergency calls every month. 

!NEW! GMSA Increases Market Share For Five Consecutive Months

Total industry sales for new vehicles came in at 50 251 units for June down 4.8% compared to June last year.

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) sold a total of 5 024 units with a market share of 10%, an increase of 0.2% compared to the previous month.

Opel sales were 122% up on June 2014 with notable performances from the trio of new comers the ADAM, Corsa, and Mokka with 169, 277, 191 units respectively.

New Opel ADAM

“Our three new Germans continue to find favour with buyers. ADAM, Corsa and Mokka all delivered solid performances in June. We are very proud that Opel sales are up 90 percent against the same period last year,” said Brian Olson, GMSA vice President Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

New Opel Corsa

New Opel Mokka SUV

The Chevrolet Utility led the sales for the brand with 1468 units sold, Chevrolet spark was second with 499 units.

Isuzu KB sales were 1376 units last month. Isuzu and Chevrolet Utility have a combined 22.1% share, making June the second month of LCV sales this year.

!NEW! GM Powertrain Europe creating additional jobs and bringing more high-tech equipment to Turin

Dan Ammann, General Motors President visits GMPT-E site, celebrating 10th anniversary

To mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of GM Powertrain Europe Turin, GM President Dan Ammann (right) visited the engineering site and announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino. He was welcomed by Pierpaolo Antonioli, GMPT-E Managing Director.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of GM Powertrain Europe Turin, GM President Dan Ammann visited the engineering site and announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino, further expanding the engineering development center.

The letter of intent signed today with the Politecnico and the Regione Piemonte reinforces the research collaboration with the university through the growth of projects carried out by Politecnico and GMPT-E Turin as well as a project for the expansion of the area of GMPT-E in the campus of Politecnico named “Cittadella Politecnica”. The new area will measure approximately 2,500 square meters and construction is expected to start at the beginning of 2016. This new building will be fully dedicated to highly specialized labs, offices and powerful computational machines.

GM Powertrain Europe Turin announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politechnico di Torino. From left: GMPT-E Managing Director Pierpaolo Antonioli, GM President Dan Ammann, Vice President Global Powertrain Dan Nicholson and Vice President Powertrain Europe Christian Müller.

Founded in 2005, GM Powertrain Europe is the center of innovation and development for diesel engines and related electronic control of GM globally and designs propulsion systems for Opel/Vauxhall, Chevrolet, and other GM brands. From design to the study of virtual components or tests on the engine benches – everything takes place in the laboratories and test cells of GM Powertrain Europe in Turin.

The site has grown rapidly since its foundation a decade ago: from a temporary office in 2005 to a state-of-the-art facility in the Politecnico campus. The workforce has also grown from the initial 60 people to approximately 650, expressing a highly qualified and international employment with more than 15 nationalities represented, mostly engineers. In 2015, GM plans to create an additional 60 jobs.  

With its state-of-the-art equipment, GM Powertrain Europe Turin represents a strategic asset for GM globally. In Europe, the engineering center provides Opel vehicles with premium diesel technology, like the 1.6 CDTI engine, the quietest diesel in its class that has earned the nickname ‘Whisper Diesel’.

In North America, GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado will be equipped with the new 2.8 liter diesel engine starting from the second half of 2015. These will be the only diesel in the midsize segment, promising excellent fuel economy and torque for maximum towing capability. Diesel engines of the future which are designed in Turin all share common characteristics: high-tech solutions offering moderate fuel consumption and CO2 emissions also thanks to the control system that is completely developed in-house.

“The Turin engineering center and our entire team here plays an important role in our efforts to lead the industry in product and technology” said Ammann. “The team has developed world-class modern diesel engines providing our customers with outstanding performance and efficiency in a fun-to-drive experience.”

“The growth of GMPT-E has demonstrated the importance of the relationship between the industry and the academia. A full generation of young and brilliant engineers took the opportunity to build their future and their career in one of the largest automotive companies. Their energy and strength helped GM to develop a solid diesel line up,” added Pierpaolo Antonioli, GMPT-E Managing Director.

!NEW! Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and KAD Models on Bodensee Klassik Rallye

Bodensee Klassik: Opel Kapitäns, Admirals and Diplomats excite spectators

Ready to go: Opel Kapitäns, Admirals and Diplomats at the Bodensee Klassik 2015.

Opel’s presence at the “Rallye of the south for oldtimers and youngtimers”, as the organizers of the Bodensee Klassik describe the event, was impressive this year. Numerous well-known faces took the opportunity to get behind the steering wheels of the cars with the race numbers 66 to 72 with the Opel KAD models mainly powered by mighty V-8 engines.

Eye-catcher: Two Opel Diplomat A V8 Coupés leading the Opel team at the Bodensee Klassik 2015.

The Opel team was led by Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann who reached the finishing line in his very own Diplomat A Coupé. German TV star Tim Wilde took the wheel at the start of the race before handing over to Neumann during the course of the rallye.

“I have always been fascinated by the combination of the timelessly elegant coupé body of the Diplomat and the legendary Chevrolet Small Block V8,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “I have been the proud owner of this car for roughly six months now and I am delighted when I get the opportunity to take this icon for a spin.”

The V-8 cruiser with a 5.4-liter, 230 hp engine was built in 1967 and is the last of the exclusive vehicles ever produced by body makers Karmann. A second car of the mini-series of only 347 vehicles also competed with racing legend Joachim Winkelhock at the wheel. Two V-8 Opel Admiral As with 4.6 liter, 190 hp engines, race numbers 68 and 69 and German actor Gesine Cukrowski on board also took to the course through Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Advanced Design Director and passionate Opel GT fan Friedhelm Engler was behind the wheel of a 1969 Opel Kapitän B, mastering the winding roads around Lake Constance with ease.

Stars and cars: Actress Gesine Cukrowski and TV star Tim Wilde driving for Opel.

Last but by no means least a mighty 1976 Diplomat B with a 5.4-liter engine and an unmistakable sound only created by a V-8 rounded off the presence of the KAD models. However, Opel had a further surprise up its sleeve. A small, light Opel Corsa A with race number 72 darted through the field. The Corsa owned by Opel Classic was essentially the speedboat in Opel’s fleet of cruisers and a fitting addition to the old and youngtimer rallye that excited spectators in the Lake Constance region.

Grand final: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (on right) and deputy editor-in-chief of Auto Bild Klassik, Frank B. Meyer, on stage.

!NEW! Bodensee Klassik: Opel CEO Neumann enters with Diplomat V8 Coupé

• KAD rarities: Opel takes part with rare Kapitän, Admiral und Diplomat models
• CEO at the wheel: Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann drives his own Diplomat A V8 Coupé
• Well-known guest: German TV stars Gesine Cukrowski and Tim Wilde in Opel team

Strong team: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will take part in the old-timer rallye “Bodensee Klassik” with his own Diplomat V8 Coupé.

Opel will be present with some very special car when the fourth Bodensee Klassik starts in front of the festival hall in Bregenz, Austria at 14.00 CET on May 7. Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will also be in the field with his very own Diplomat A V8 Coupé. The list of rarities from Rüsselsheim also includes a further, very rare Diplomat A Coupé with a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 230 hp and equally rare Admiral A and Kapitän A models with eight-cylinder power under the long hood. A Diplomat B and a Kapitän B round off the offer for old-timer fans.

In total, 180 classic cars will take part in the tour taking them through parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland before reaching the finish in Bregenz on May 9. The Opel CEO is not the only famous face to take to the wheel of one of the cars from Rüsselsheim. TV stars Gesine Cukrowski and Tim Wilde along with Opel Brand Ambassador and racing legend Joachim Winkelhock will also be at the start and complete the Opel-Classic-Team.

The two Diplomat A V8 Coupé are members of an exclusive series consisting of only 347 unit produced by Osnabrück-based body makers Karmann from 1964 onwards. The vehicle identification number of Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann’s 1967 coupé ends in 347 – clearly identifying it as the last of the exclusive vehicles ever produced.

Interesting course: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann is looking forward to the rallye with 180 classic cars that will take the field through Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

“I have always been fascinated by the combination of the timelessly elegant coupé body of the Diplomat and the legendary Chevrolet Small Block V8,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “I have been the proud owner of this car for roughly six months now and I am delighted when I get the opportunity to take this icon for a spin.”

Powerful engines: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will swap his Insignia OPC with 325 hp for his Diplomat Coupé with 230 PS for the “Bodensee Klassik“.

The KAD models of the first series taking part in the Bodensee Klassik are all powered by various versions of the famous GM V8 engine that celebrated its debut 60 years ago and has been built over 100 million times to date.

Powerful engines: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will swap his Insignia OPC with 325 hp for his Diplomat Coupé with 230 PS for the “Bodensee Klassik“.

Neat appearance: The Coupé, built by body specialist Karmann, was based on the Diplomat V8 sedan. The roof was shortened, the front doors extended and a welded steel plate replaced the rear doors.

!NEW! GM Sold 2.4 Million Vehicles Globally in First Quarter

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 2.4 million vehicles globally in the first quarter of 2015, up 2 percent compared to a year ago. Sales in China increased 9 percent and deliveries in North America were up 6 percent. Opel/Vauxhall increased its sales by 3 percent in Europe.

General Motors sold 2.4 million vehicles globally in the first quarter of 2015, up 2 percent compared to a year ago.

“The momentum our brands are building in China, the U.S. and Western Europe more than offset difficult conditions in some other large markets like Russia and Brazil,” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

“We are in the early days of a very aggressive onslaught of new products and customer-driven innovation,” she said. “Already, the Chevrolet Trax and Colorado are redefining segments in the United States, Cadillac is growing rapidly in China and establishing a new formula for prestige sedans with the CT6 and Opel’s revitalization is accelerating across Europe. At the same time, we are deploying OnStar with 4G LTE in North America, Europe and China to give our customers the best connectivity experience in the industry.” 

Other first quarter global sales highlights:

• Cadillac was up 2.5 percent, driven by a 23-percent increase in China.
• Opel/Vauxhall’s sales increase outpaced the European region’s growth by 0.2 percentage points.
• Buick was up 8 percent.
• GMC was up 15 percent, for its best first quarter sales since 2005.
• Chevrolet deliveries in the United States increased 5 percent on the strength of a 19 percent increase in crossover deliveries and a 31 percent increase in truck sales. Deliveries in China were up 7 percent.

In prior quarters, GM reported wholesale deliveries in China, which are vehicles sold to dealers. Beginning this quarter, GM is reporting deliveries to customers.  

GM to Change Business Model in Russia

• Focus on Cadillac and iconic Chevrolet vehicles
• Wind down Opel brand and sale of mainstream Chevrolet cars
• Idle GM Auto manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg
• Part of GM’s strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in global markets

General Motors today announced plans to change its business model in Russia. GM will focus on the premium segment of the Russian market with Cadillac and U.S. built iconic Chevrolet products such as the Corvette, Camaro and Tahoe. The Chevrolet brand will minimize its presence in Russia and the Opel brand will leave the market by December 2015. 

“This change in our business model in Russia is part of our global strategy to ensure long-term sustainability in markets where we operate,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “This decision avoids significant investment into a market that has very challenging long-term prospects.”

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann said, “We do not have the appropriate localization level for important vehicles built in Russia and the market environment does not justify a major investment to further localize.”

The GM Auto plant in St. Petersburg will halt production by the middle of 2015. GM is planning to idle the plant. Furthermore, the contract assembly of Chevrolet vehicles at GAZ will be discontinued in 2015.

The GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture will continue to build and market the current generation Chevrolet NIVA. GM’s global luxury brand Cadillac will be set up for growth in Russia over the next several years as it prepares for numerous product introductions.

Chevrolet and Opel will work closely with their dealer networks in Russia to define future steps while ensuring the company will honor its obligations to existing customers in the coming years. “We can assure our customers that we will continue to provide warranty, parts and services for their Chevrolet and Opel vehicles. We want to thank our customers and dealers for their loyalty to the Chevrolet and Opel brands,” said Dr. Neumann.

“We had to take decisive action in Russia to protect our business. We confirm our outlook to return the European business to profitability in 2016 and stick to our long-term goals as defined in our DRIVE!2022 strategy,” said Dr. Neumann. By 2022, the company plans to raise its market share in total Europe to 8 percent and to reach a profit margin of 5 percent.

As a result of the decision to change the business model in Russia, GM expects to record net special charges of up to approximately $600 million primarily in the first quarter of 2015. The special charges include sales incentives, dealer restructuring, contract cancellations and severance related costs. Approximately $200 million of the net special charges will be non-cash expenses.

!NEW! Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visits GM Powertrain Europe

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi today visited the GM Powertrain Europe engineering center in Turin to get an in-depth insight into the latest diesel powertrain innovations. Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel Group CEO and General Motors Executive Vice President & President Europe, and Pierpaolo Antonioli, CEO of GMPT-E, informed the Italian Prime Minister about the company’s strategies for further reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Part of the agenda was a visit of a climatic test-cell as well as the Hardware-in-the-Loop Laboratory, and participation in an All-Employee-Meeting.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi participated in an all-employee-meeting during his visit to the GM Powertrain Europe engineering center in Turin.

GM Powertrain Europe is the only center of innovation and development for diesel engines and related electronic control of GM globally and designs propulsion systems for Opel, Chevrolet, GMC and Buick. From design to the study of virtual components or tests on the engine benches – everything takes place in the laboratories and test cells of GM Powertrain Europe in Turin.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi additionally visited one highly dynamic test bench for testing emissions achieved through an investment of 60 million euro. He also met some young engineers for discussions.

With its state-of-the-art equipment, GM Powertrain Europe Turin represents a strategic asset for GM globally. In Europe, the engineering center provides Opel vehicles with premium diesel technology, like the 1.6 CDTI engine, the quietest diesel in its class that has earned the nickname ‘Whisper Diesel’. Diesel engines of the future which are designed in Turin all share common characteristics: high-tech solutions offering moderate fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

“The Turin engineering center and the people working here play an important role in our product offensive. We will bring 27 new models and 17 new engines to the market by 2018. Diesel-powered cars account for more than half the market in Europe, and the engines we develop in Turin meet the highest customer expectations for durability, efficiency and performance”, said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Opel Group President Dr. Karl- Thomas Neumann and CEO of E-GMPT Pierpaolo Antonioli visit Center GMPT-E of Turin

In ten years, GM Powertrain Europe has seen its workforce grow annually by 25 percent, making the center one of the most important employers in the region. To date, the company has approximately 650, highly qualified employees, with an average age of 35 years.

“GM Powertrain Europe has helped to create a generation of technicians and highly qualified managers with international potential. It also generates supply contracts to local companies and engineering services with a volume of more than 170 million euro every year. We are becoming a magnet for other companies that see in us a real opportunity for growth in the area”, Pierpaolo Antonioli said.

!NEW! GM Expects Improved Profitability in 2015

• Expects higher EBIT-adjusted and EBIT-adjusted margins in 2015
• Reaffirms previously announced 2016 targets and plan to achieve 9- to 10-percent margin by early next decade

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) expects its total earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted and EBIT-adjusted margin to increase in 2015, compared to 2014, after adjusting 2014 for the impact of recall costs. The company also anticipates improved automotive results in all regions.

This outlook is based on modest global industry growth expected in 2015, which will result primarily from continued growth in China, Europe and the United States, and ongoing launches of key vehicles.

CEO Mary Barra, President Dan Ammann, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens shared this outlook with investor analysts attending the Deutsche Bank 2015 Global Auto Industry Conference in Detroit. 

GM reiterated it is on track to meet its previously announced 2016 financial targets to achieve EBIT-adjusted margins in North America of 10 percent; to return to profitability in Europe, and to maintain strong margins in China.

The company also said its plan puts it on the path to achieve 9- to 10-percent margins by early next decade. The strategic plan, shared during the Global Business Conference in October 2014, includes several major initiatives: lead in product and technology; grow the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands globally; continue growing in China; continue growing GM Financial, and deliver core operating efficiencies.

“We had a pivotal year in 2014, outlining a customer-focused strategic plan for the company and delivering on our commitments by achieving strong core operating performance,” Barra said. “We’ll build on this momentum in 2015 and continue executing our plan to become the most-valued automotive company.”

Among key accomplishments for 2014, Barra noted the following:

• Earned the most J.D. Power Initial Quality Study awards for second consecutive year in the United States.
• Launched more models in North America with 4G LTE mobile broadband than all other automakers combined.
• GM and its joint ventures sold a record 3.5 million vehicles in China, up 12.0 percent from 2013.
• Opel/Vauxhall market share in Europe grew for the second year in a row, including increases in 12 European markets.
• Achieved five straight quarters of EBIT-adjusted margin growth in North America through the third quarter of 2014 (excluding recalls).
• Standard & Poor’s upgraded GM and GM Financial to investment grade.
• Returned $2.0 billion to common stock shareholders through dividends.

To support its future growth, GM plans to increase capital expenditures to approximately $9 billion in 2015, reflecting increased investments in products and technologies.

“Overall, 2014 was a very solid year in which we met expectations on core operating performance, despite a number of significant headwinds,” Stevens said.

“Importantly, improvements in 2015 will keep us firmly on track to meet our near-term objectives and demonstrate solid progress toward our targeted margins of 9 to 10 percent by early next decade.”

!NEW! GM Delivers its Second Consecutive Year of Record Global Sales

• Record China sales and market share
• Global Cadillac sales up 5 percent
• Record global Buick sales
• Opel/Vauxhall sales outpace European industry

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) is reporting its second consecutive year of record global sales. In 2014, the company and its dealers delivered 9,924,880 vehicles around the world, surpassing by 2 percent the record set in 2013.

“GM is making solid progress and has good momentum. Our customer focus, the new cars, trucks and crossovers we launched in China and North America, technologies like OnStar with 4GLTE and the revitalization underway at Opel helped us achieve another record year, despite very challenging market conditions in different parts of the world,” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

Among GM’s major launches are the new Opel Corsa E, which arrives in European showrooms later this month and the Chevrolet Trax small crossover in the United States, which began arriving in showrooms in December 2014. In addition, GM is increasing U.S. production of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups, which launched late last year. Launches in China include three Chevrolets, two Buicks and two Cadillacs. OnStar is also expanding into Europe and launching 4GLTE service in China.

Deliveries in North America rose 6 percent in 2014 to 3,412,714 units and the company’s estimated market share of 16.9 percent was equal to 2013. 

The redesigned full-size pickups and large SUVs introduced by Chevrolet and GMC starting in the second half of 2013, along with the Cadillac Escalade, were major contributors to the company’s success in North America. Dealers delivered almost 1 million units in the United States alone, up 11 percent year over year, which helped drive average transaction prices to a full-year record of nearly $33,900, up about $2,600 from 2013, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.

Deliveries in China rose 12 percent to a record 3,539,972 and the company’s estimated market share increased 0.6 percentage points to 14.8 percent. Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Wuling and Baojun all set annual sales records.

GM and its joint ventures expanded their lineup with several new and refreshed models in China, including the Buick Envision premium midsize SUV, Chevrolet Trax and Sail 3 family car, Cadillac ATS-L luxury sport sedan and Baojun 730 family vehicle.

Global Sales Highlights (vs. 2013)

• Chevrolet sales in China were up 10 percent to a record 717,007 units, sales in the United States were up 4 percent to more than 2 million units and the brand was the market leader in South America. Global sales were down 4 percent, reflecting Chevrolet’s repositioning in Europe and weak industry conditions in a number of the brand’s major markets.
• Cadillac increased its sales 5 percent on the strength of a 47 percent increase in China, where sales reached a record 73,500 units.
• Buick delivered nearly 1.2 million vehicles, with sales in North America and China both up 13 percent. In the United States, the Buick Encore has become the industry’s best-selling small crossover. On a global basis, the Encore ended 2014 with sales of 138,218 units, up 42 percent.
• Opel/Vauxhall delivered almost 1.1 million vehicles in Europe in 2014, and had its highest sales and market share since 2011. Sales in the region were up 3.4 percent, which nearly doubled the industry’s 1.8 percent increase. Sales were up in 16 European countries.
• In the United States, Chevrolet and GMC increased their combined share of the retail market for large pickups by a full percentage point to 38.9 percent. The brands’ retail share in the large SUV segment was up 7.8 points to 74.7 percent.  

!NEW! Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu October Sales Performance in South Africa

The South African motor industry continues to grow despite a turbulent year, with October 2014 new vehicle sales totalling 59 384 units – almost 3 000 units and a 4.7% gain versus the same period in 2014. The recent growth in the overall industry can be attributed to strong direct channel sales whilst sales at dealer level have declined slightly.

In October 2014, General Motors South Africa (GMSA) sales totalled 5 238 units, reflecting market share of 8.8%. Year-to-date GMSA market share is higher than in 2013, at 9.98% and 53 055 units.

The locally-manufactured Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Utility and Isuzu KB remain key sales drivers, with 735, 1 445 and 1 181 units retailed respectively. Spark sales have now seen a 30% increase year-to-date in 2014, versus the same period in 2013.

Isuzu volume year-to-date is up 12% compared to 2013, and the Opel brand has realised an exceptional 60% year-to-date increase over the same period in 2013.

Opel Corsa 

Says GMSA Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, Brian Olson: “The locally produced Chevrolet & Isuzu models have been key volume drivers in 2014, performing well on a consistent basis.

“The recent introduction of several special edition models, including the Chevrolet Sonic and Spark Black & White Editions, the Isuzu KB Midnite Edition, and the just released Chevrolet Ute Force Limited Edition, have strengthened brand awareness and sales volume.”

Chevrolet Sonic Black Edition

!NEW! GM Delivers its Best Third Quarter Global Sales Since 1980

• Chevrolet up 9 percent in North America 
• Cadillac up 63 percent in China
• Buick global sales up 7 percent

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 2,449,595 vehicles around the world in the third quarter of 2014, up 2 percent compared with a year ago. It was the company’s best third quarter since 1980. In the first nine months of 2014, GM sold 7,371,743 vehicles, up 2 percent.

Third quarter sales in the United States and China, the company’s two largest markets, were up 8 percent and 14 percent, respectively. Year to date, sales in the United States and China were up 4 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

GM is on track to surpass sales of 3 million vehicles in China for the second consecutive year and the company expects to top last year’s record sales of 3.16 million vehicles. During September, GM’s cumulative sales in China surpassed 20 million vehicles.

“GM delivered its best third quarter global sales in 34 years thanks to solid growth in the United States and China, and steady improvement in Opel’s market share,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “We have launches now underway, including the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in North America, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa in Europe, and the Buick Envision and Cadillac ATS-L in China, that will keep our momentum going.”

Highlights (vs. 2013)

• Chevrolet had record sales in China in the third quarter, up 13 percent to 169,830 units. For the first nine months of year, the brand is up 7 percent to a record 505,316 units. September was Chevrolet’s best month ever in China.
• Calendar year to date, Chevrolet sales in South Korea are at record levels.
• The success of the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra helped GM increase its estimated share of the U.S. retail market for large pickups from 35.8 percent in the first quarter of 2014 to 37.4 percent in the second quarter and 37.9 percent in the third quarter.
• Buick’s global sales were up 7 percent in the third quarter to 284,540 units and they are up 11 percent calendar year to date to 858,046 units, driven by strong growth in the United States and China. Buick’s China sales were up 8 percent in the quarter to 220,578 units and they were up 11 percent to 670,999 units in the first nine months of the year. 
• In China, combined, sales of small SUVs – the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax and Captiva – were up 90 percent in the third quarter. In the United States, the Buick Encore has been the best-selling vehicle in its segment for six months in a row. The Chevrolet Trax will launch in the United States in early 2015.
• Cadillac’s global sales were up 4 percent in the third quarter and they are up 9 percent year to date, driven by strong growth in China. Cadillac’s China sales were up 48 percent in the quarter to 18,665 units and they were up 63 percent to 52,425 units in the first nine months of the year.
• Opel/Vauxhall gained market share in 11 European countries in the first nine months of this year, including Germany, where the brand earned 7 percent of the market, up 0.3 points.                                       

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. 

!NEW! General Motors Outlines Strategic Plan

General Motors CEO Mary Barra talks with media Wednesday, October 1, 2014, before outlining the company's customer-focused strategic plan to become the most valued automotive company, at a conference for investors and financial analysts at the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) CEO Mary Barra and her executive leadership team outlined the company’s customer-focused strategic plan to become the most valued automotive company at a conference for investors and financial analysts today at the company’s Milford Proving Ground.

GM CEO Mary Barra

“In the nine months that this leadership team has been together, we have spent a significant amount of time setting our goals for the future of GM and developing a specific action plan,” Barra said. “Our strategic plan is a pathway to earn customers for life and create significant shareholder value in the process. Every chance to connect with a customer is an opportunity to build a stronger relationship.”

GM’s strategic plan includes several major initiatives that the company anticipates will help it achieve 9- to 10-percent margins on an EBIT-adjusted basis by early next decade.

• Lead in Product and Technology: In 2015, about 27 percent of GM’s global sales volume is expected to come from products new or refreshed within 18 months. That figure is expected to rise to 38 percent in 2016 and 2017, and reach 47 percent in 2019.

During the same time frame, GM plans to execute the world’s largest automotive deployment of 4G LTE high-speed mobile broadband, introduce vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity in the 2017 Cadillac CTS and launch a highly automated driving technology currently called Super Cruise, which allows for extended periods of hands-free driving on highways.

GM has also developed an innovative Mixed Material Body Structure that uses GM-patented welding technology and a combination of steel and aluminum stampings, castings and extrusions to deliver designs that are lightweight, use 20 percent fewer parts, have class-leading torsional stiffness and exhibit superior noise and vibration characteristics.

• Grow Cadillac: GM is establishing its flagship brand as a separate business unit headquartered in New York City to pursue growth opportunities in the luxury market with more focus and clarity. Cadillac expects to introduce four new vehicles in North America in 2015, including the recently announced CT6. In addition, Cadillac plans to introduce nine new models in the next five years in China, which is expected to become the world’s largest luxury car market later this decade.

• Continue Growing in China: GM’s joint ventures in China are planning to invest $14 billion from 2014 through 2018 to open five new vehicle- manufacturing plants and support sales of just under 5 million vehicles annually. In the same time frame, GM expects to launch 60 new or refreshed vehicles, including nine new sport utility vehicles.

• Continue Growing GM Financial: GM Financial, which has seen its earning assets grow from $8.7 billion in 2010 to $37 billion today, continues to invest to support the sale of new GM cars, trucks and crossovers around the world. GM Financial has sharply increased the number of GM customers it serves in the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. Later this year, GM Financial expects to enter the growing Chinese market.

• Deliver Core Operating Efficiencies: GM’s strategy to improve relationships with suppliers, derive more global volume from fewer vehicle architectures and lower enterprise costs for material and logistics is expected to deliver significantly better variable margins on upcoming high-volume product launches, including the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and Astra in Europe, and the Chevrolet Cruze and Malibu in North America. By 2020, the company expects that about 99 percent of global production will be on core architectures.

Mid-decade Financial Targets

During the meeting, GM also reaffirmed the company’s previously announced near-term financial targets:

• In North America, the company expects to achieve EBIT-adjusted margins of 10 percent in 2016.
• In Europe, the company expects to return to profitability in 2016.
• In China, the company expects that its joint ventures will maintain net income margins in the 9- to 10-percent range. 
• In South America, the company’s core operations continue to improve as a result of recent product launches and material and logistics optimization. 
• GM continues to address challenges in its international operations outside of China, including brand strategy, cost structure and sourcing to return to consistent profitability.

GM intends to return excess cash flow to stockholders primarily through strong and growing dividends based on sustained improvements in the company’s underlying financial performance.