Buick drives GM China's sales in January 2016

In January, retail sales by General Motors and its joint ventures in China were up 7.3 percent year-on-year to a record 421,023 vehicles, as Buick posted its best-ever monthly sales. Demand benefited from the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday in early February.

Buick sales in January grew 39 percent from a year earlier to 138,907 units. Monthly sales of the brand exceeded 130,000 units for the first time, led by the Excelle GT and Envision SUV. Sales of the Envision more than doubled last month year over year.

“This year, GM and our joint ventures will continue to offer an unmatched choice of products across market segments along with new services to meet the needs of China’s car buyers,” said GM executive vice president and GM China president Matt Tsien. “Our new models, such as the Cadillac CT6 and Chevrolet Malibu XL, will be strong additions to our portfolio.”

Increasing demand for SUVs and luxury vehicles continued to support GM’s robust sales last month. The Buick Envision and Baojun 560 led the growth in sales of GM’s SUVs in January. Demand increased 188 percent year over year.

Cadillac luxury car sales increased 16 percent from a year earlier to 8,337 units, making January the sixth consecutive month of double-digit sales growth. Sales of the ATS-L advanced 14 percent. The Cadillac CT6, the first model manufactured at SAIC-GM’s new Cadillac plant in Shanghai, was launched on January 27. The top-of-the-range prestige sedan is offered at Cadillac dealerships across China.

Baojun sales in January jumped 101 percent from a year earlier to 78,367 units. The Baojun 730 MPV and Baojun 560 SUV were segment leaders. The 2016 Baojun 630 family sedan with enhanced styling and upgraded performance at a lower price was launched at the end of last month.

Chevrolet sales in January declined 27 percent year over year to 56,133 units. Demand was impacted by the end of the fuel economy subsidy for the Sail. Chevrolet sales are expected to improve with the arrival of several new models in 2016, including the Malibu XL on February 27.

Wuling sales in the domestic market decreased 17 percent from a year earlier in January to 139,227 units. The brand was impacted by continued contraction of the mini-commercial vehicle market.