New 2013 Malibu Racks Up 1 Million Test Miles Across Globe

On the cusp of its global introductions, engineers for the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have rolled past 1 million miles of on-road development testing – accumulated in about 22 months on six continents.
The extensive road development and validation process helps ensure the new Malibu’s overall ride and handling, comfort, quality and durability are exemplary when production begins, and meets the needs of customers around the world. The new Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents, making it Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan.
“You learn a lot about a car when you spend so much time in it – and that’s exactly the point,” said Mark Moussa, global chief engineer. “In the last year and a half, during every minute of the day, a 2013 Malibu has been driving somewhere around the world – all to make it the best car it can be.”
The million test miles were accumulated since the first quarter of 2010 on a fleet of about 170 pre-production vehicles, driven for a cumulative average of more than 45,450 miles every month. That’s the equivalent of:

• 66.66 years of driving a car 15,000 miles annually
• 201 round-trips between New York City and Los Angeles  
• Two trips to the moon and back.

While the testing regiment for the Malibu mirrored GM’s standards for new-vehicle validation, the global scope of the Malibu project magnified it. More drivable prototypes – known as integration vehicles to GM engineers – were built compared with a single-market vehicle, and they represented 13 powertrain combinations and numerous equipment packages the Malibu will offer around the world.
The greater number of market conditions helped spin the program’s collective odometer quickly to the seven-digit range.

The early prototypes were hand-built by General Motors in the United States and shipped around the globe. They were driven at GM’s proving grounds around North America, as well as on the freeways, highways and back roads of the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, China, England, Dubai and Germany.
The development stage the Malibu pre-production cars represented meant the powertrains, suspensions and other core elements of the cars were already green-lighted for production. The round-the-clock driving helped fine-tune their overall dynamics in performance, interior quietness, seat comfort, drivability and more.
During their testing, the Malibus were driven through Death Valley in the hottest summer days to validate the air conditioning performance, and driven to the top of the Rocky Mountains for high-altitude tests. The cars were subjected to hundreds of miles of stop-and-go rush hour drives in Chicago and Seoul; and through the winding hills of North Carolina to evaluate seat comfort and other long-drive factors.
Even the coin holders were evaluated.

“Along more significant differences among markets, such as powertrains, there is a myriad of small details that vary in markets around the globe and they must all be validated in real-world driving tests,” said Moussa. “Even small things such as holders for toll change or tickets varies for different markets.
“In Korea, for example, the hazard lights are often used as a ‘thank you’ to other motorists, so the long-term durability of the switch must be ensured,” Moussa said. “So, we’ve got to test not only the big things, but the seemingly small ones, to make sure we are building a quality product that meets the needs of all these different markets and uses.”

Monsoon grooves


Speaking of Korea, it and other Asian markets that are prone to heavy rains during monsoon season, have deeply grooved concrete road surfaces to channel water off the highway. They’re effective during the rain season, but driving on them when dry can generate a considerable noise challenge for engineers.
“It’s a very tough noise to isolate and happens to be at a frequency that is very annoying to the human ear,” said Kara Gordon, acoustics engineer. “But that is the reality for drivers in those markets and because the acoustic performance of a vehicle helps form one’s perception of quality, making sure the Malibu soaked up those grooved roads quietly was an essential component of development.”
The tires were the lynchpin of the Malibu’s monsoon-groove performance and Gordon and other engineers went to great lengths to find the right tire for the market. That included:

• Testing the 11 different tires specified for Malibu around the globe, to see how each performed on the monsoon roads
• Bringing in tire manufacturers for consultation on how changes in tread design and compound could affect performance
• Building a replica of a Korean grooved road at GM’s proving ground in Yuma, Ariz., for evaluation purposes
• Benchmarking the performance of Korean-market competitors, including importing home-market versions – not using simply U.S.-market models – and testing them against the Malibu on the replicated test road.

“In the end, we found the right tire for the Korean market,” said Gordon. “It was challenging, but so is the overall process of developing a car for nearly 100 markets around the globe.”
And while most of those development cars were running around the clock, others didn’t see many miles at all. Development cars in England and the United States were run through salt water troughs and placed in a chamber to simulate years of corrosion and winter road driving, while others were parked in the Arizona sun to see how the interior materials held up to extreme heat.

In a nod to the development work leading up to the Malibu’s million miles of testing, engineers found a few areas of the vehicle that required major attention as a result of it – one of them being a change in the application of liquid sealer to steel parts of the body structure, which helped produce a quieter ride.
“You never know about those fine details until you get the vehicle on the road,” said Moussa. “Our million miles in testing should inspire confidence for anyone who considers buying a 2013 Malibu.”
The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 (including destination charge) when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter next year. It is a new and the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels, including LS, LT and LTZ, are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck.
The 2013 Malibu will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. It is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Priced Under $26,000

Image by skinnylawyer via Flickr

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate.
The suggested retail price includes a $760 destination charge but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees.
The 2013 Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever. It is the first Chevrolet to feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. That helps deliver a GM-estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway.
Malibu Eco’s highway efficiency is comparable the segment’s popular full hybrids and diesels, but delivered at a lower price:

• 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid – $29,395 / 36 mpg
• 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE Diesel (with automatic) – $27,895 / 40 mpg
• 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $26,660 / 39 mpg
• 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $26,545 / 40 mpg

Malibu Eco is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – designed to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. It has a more powerful engine – 182 hp / 134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp / 116 kW), Camry (178 hp / 132 kW) or Passat (140 hp / 104 kW).
Product highlights for North American models include:

• Expressive exterior designed to stand out, with a wide, athletic stance
• Aerodynamically optimized exterior, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle
• All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
• First Chevrolet car to offer new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®
• European-influenced ride and handling traits
• More safety features and technologies, including eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system.

Additional fuel-saving features include:

• Eco-specific lightweight components and systems, including an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-ECO model
• An Eco gauge in the cluster that continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode
• Seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires
• The eAssist system mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine, a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward's Ten Best Engines in 2010, is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. It also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.

A five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is standard on the Malibu Eco. Certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
The Malibu Eco is offered with cloth or leather seats in eight exterior and three interior color choices. It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Package 1 – Power Convenience; Package 2 – Premium Audio; Package 3 – Leather; and Package 4 – Navigation.
Standard powertrain and chassis content:

• Ecotec 2.4L direct injection with continuously variable valve timing and eAssist technology, rated at 182 horsepower (135 kW)
• Six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control
• 2.64:1 axle ratio
• Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
• Regenerative braking
• Grade braking control
• Panic brake assist
• Electronic park brake with push button
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Electric power steering (rack-mounted)
• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Four-link rear suspension
• Seventeen-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels
• P225/55R17 all-season low-rolling-resistance Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires

Standard exterior content:

• Active front lower grille aero shutters and aerodynamic underbody panels
• Projector-beam headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control
• Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors (body color)
• Fin-type combined OnStar/SiriusXM Satellite Radio antenna (body color)
• Acoustic-laminated, solar-absorbing glass
• Intermittent windshield wipers with structureless blades

Standard interior content:

• Chevrolet MyLink
• Six-inch-deep illuminated (when headlamps are on) hidden storage behind articulating touch screen radio face
• Air conditioning – dual zone automatic climate control with odor filter
• Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack
• Seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen for the audio system
• USB port for the audio system
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Six-speaker sound system
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
• Cruise control
• Remote keyless entry
• Power windows with express down feature
• Power door and window locks
• Driver information center
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Steering wheel audio and cruise controls
• Ice blue ambient lighting
• Driver’s footrest
• Overhead console
• Compass display
• Two auxiliary power outlets
• Rear center armrest with storage

Standard safety content:

• OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections plan, including Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, and more.
• Dual-stage frontal air bags
• Driver and front passenger thorax side-impact air bags
• Driver and front passenger knee air bags
• Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seating positions)
• Safety belt pretensioners
• Tire pressure monitoring system

Package 1 – Power Convenience includes all standard equipment plus:

• Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control
• Rearview backup camera system
• Remote start
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• Universal garage door opener

Package 2 – Premium Audio includes all content in Package 1 plus:

• Pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier
• Fog lamps
• Leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel

Package 3 – Leather includes all content in Package 2 plus:

• Leather-trimmed seating
• Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control
• Heated front seats

Package 4 – Navigation includes all content in Package 3 plus:

• Navigation system
• Memory seats and mirrors
• Auto-up driver’s window

A power-operated sunroof is available on Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Exterior Color Choices:

• Silver Ice Metallic
• Black Granite Metallic
• Summit White
• Crystal Red Tintcoat
• White Diamond Tricoat
• Taupe Gray Metallic
• Steel Blue Metallic (late availability)
• Champagne Silver Metallic (late availability)

Interior Color/Trim Choices:

• Jet Black
  
• Jet Black/Titanium
• Cocoa/Light Neutral

The Eco is the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels including LS, LT and LTZ are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck. The 2013 Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. The Malibu is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea.

GM Announces 2008 Global Sales of 8.35 Million Vehicles

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• GM Asia Pacific sales volume grows 3 percent; Chevrolet sales in China grows 16 percent to nearly 200,000 vehicles; 1.09M vehicles sold in China sets record with 6 percent volume growth
• Third consecutive year of more than 2 million vehicles sold in Europe; Chevrolet sales breakthrough 500,000 mark with record share; Opel sets sales record in Central and Eastern Europe with volume up 13 percent
• GM beats the industry with more than 1.27 million total vehicle sales in Latin America, Africa and Middle East Region led by top-selling Chevrolet Corsa, Celta and Aveo
• GM continues emerging markets leadership with 2008 market share growth in 14 of 26 markets

DETROIT - Record-setting sales performance in GM's Latin America, Africa and Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, and a third consecutive 2 million vehicles sales performance in Europe during 2008, helped General Motors sell more than 8.35 million vehicles globally last year. GM's nearly 3 percent growth in both the Asia Pacific and Latin America, Africa and Middle East regions partially offset North America sales that declined 21 percent, and growing pressure in Europe that resulted in 7 percent fewer sales. Compared with 2007, GM's total sales were down 11 percent, reflecting continuing global economic pressures that include tightening credit, falling commodities prices and lack of GDP growth.

In 2008, GM sold 5.37 million vehicles outside the U.S., accounting for 64 percent of total global sales volume compared with 59 percent a year ago.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, GM sales of 1.70 million vehicles were down 26 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago. Most of that decline was reflected in 379,000 fewer vehicles sold in North America as the market yielded to a crushing lack of consumer confidence, and tightened credit requirements, in the United States.

GM Continues Growth in Emerging Markets

"GM's 2008 sales performance shows that we are continuing to take advantage of new emerging market opportunities and are meeting customer needs with fuel-efficient products that offer compelling design and great value - such as the award-winning Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in Europe, the Buick Excelle in China and the Corsa in Latin America," Jonathan Browning, vice president, global sales, service and marketing, said today. "We saw sales volume increases in the key four emerging markets of Brazil (up 10 percent), Russia (up 30 percent), India (up 9 percent), and China (up 6 percent)."

"The challenges in the global financial markets, including credit tightening, the drop in commodity prices, and economic uncertainty continue to negatively impact overall demand for new vehicles," Browning added. "For the total global industry, we saw about 3.5 million fewer vehicles sold in 2008 than the previous year."

With these market challenges comes significant opportunity and GM is well-positioned with new products either on showroom floors or on the way in the near future.

Chevrolet sales in Asia Pacific grew 14 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. Chevrolet sales in China (up 16 percent) and India (up 9 percent) powered much of this growth. The Wuling brand continued strong growth in China with sales up 17 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. The Buick channel is very strong in China with the all-new Regal and soon-to-be-launched LaCrosse. The Chevrolet Cruze and Cadillac SRX also will play important roles in taking advantage of China growth in the months and years ahead.

In the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region - a traditional Chevrolet stronghold - 2008 sales grew 3 percent compared with 2007. Chevrolet accounted for nearly 90 percent of GM's sales in the region and Brazil remains the second-largest volume market for Chevrolet. Also, GMC, Cadillac and Saab showed impressive annual percentage increases in their sales volume - up 24, 22 and 16 percent, respectively, compared with a year ago. GM sales in the LAAM region beat the expected industry performance, with more than 1.27 million vehicles sold.

A large, relatively young population with a low car-per-capita ratio, hold promise for the market in years to come. Several new Chevrolet product launches are on tap for 2009 including the Cruze, Malibu, Traverse and Camaro.

Chevrolet sales in Europe also contributed to the brand's solid 2008 results, growing 11 percent and breaking though the 500,000 vehicle mark for the first time. Chevrolet is also performing strongly in emerging markets. It remains the top-selling import brand in Russia. In addition, Opel sales in Russia increased by 49 percent, while Saab increased 68 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. The Opel Insignia won the prestigious European Car of the Year Award - a first for Opel in 22 years and a strong statement about GM's global midsize vehicle architecture. Important launches for GM this year in the region include the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Astra; Chevrolet Cruze; and the new Saab 9-3X and 9-5.

A highlight of GM's North America regional performance was the all-new Chevrolet Malibu sedan that achieved the highest percentage gain in annual sales volume (39 percent) of any of the top-20 selling vehicles in the United States. While GM's total North America vehicle sales volume in 2008 declined 21 percent, there were a number of bright future product opportunities highlighted at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit this month. They included the new Chevrolet Camaro and second-generation Equinox; the second-generation Cadillac SRX and all-new CTS sport wagon; and the Buick LaCrosse.

Sales of Cadillac outside of the United States were supported by strong growth of the brand in Latin America, Africa and Middle East (up 22 percent).

# # #

	General Motors Corporation Global Vehicle Sales 1
		Q4 2008	2007	% Chg	CYTD 2008	2007	% Chg
GMNA
	Chevrolet	422,040	614,281	-31.3	2,156,288	2,654,019	-18.8
	GMC	85,958	142,567	-39.7	438,176	578,845	-24.3
	Pontiac	62,812	110,742	-43.3	382,949	485,885	-21.2
	Saturn	32,382	56,207	-42.4	206,733	265,901	-22.3
	Cadillac	33,348	62,576	-46.7	170,481	225,032	-24.2
	Buick	27,643	45,219	-38.9	154,275	201,690	-23.5
	HUMMER	5,810	14,057	-58.7	29,968	59,141	-49.3
	Saab	4,349	7,514	-42.1	23,186	35,175	-34.1
	Opel/Vauxhall	418	736	-43.2	1,935	2,248	-13.9
	Other	0	0	0	0	7,906	0
	Total	674,760	1,053,899	-36.0	3,563,991	4,515,842	-21.1
GME
	Opel/Vauxhall	284,295	378,336	-24.9	1,458,769	1,629,863	-10.5
	Chevrolet	121,856	128,012	-4.8	508,124	459,436	10.6
	Saab	12,857	20,613	-37.6	66,582	85,206	-21.9
	Cadillac	619	1,166	-46.9	4,556	4,759	-4.3
	HUMMER	474	704	-32.7	2,286	2,322	-1.6
	Other	63	188	-66.5	216	1,008	-78.6
	Total	420,164	529,019	-20.6	2,040,533	2,182,594	-6.5
GMLAAM
	Chevrolet	240,391	308,699	-22.1	1,143,874	1,107,685	3.3
	GMC	7,633	9,604	-20.5	42,384	34,209	23.9
	Other	8,116	9,078	-10.6	40,950	35,883	14.1
	Opel/Vauxhall	8,177	11,619	-29.6	39,764	49,353	-19.4
	Cadillac	801	914	-12.4	4,377	3,596	21.7
	HUMMER	758	1,165	-34.9	3,781	4,179	-9.5
	Buick	83	250	-66.8	679	974	-30.3
	Saab	172	100	72.0	521	451	15.5
	Total	266,131	341,429	-22.1	1,276,330	1,236,330	3.2
GMAP
	Wuling2	149,020	132,047	12.9	606,499	516,435	17.4
	Chevrolet	69,136	77,826	-11.2	311,971	274,773	13.5
	Buick	68,758	95,575	-28.1	280,440	333,131	-15.8
	Holden	32,569	37,059	-12.1	139,407	158,234	-11.9
	Daewoo	19,244	34,550	-44.3	121,081	134,528	-10.0
	Cadillac	1,394	2,188	-36.3	7,624	7,770	-1.9
	Saab	543	890	-39.0	3,006	3,894	-22.8
	Opel/Vauxhall	479	1,249	-61.6	2,632	5,251	-49.9
	HUMMER	204	328	-37.8	1,538	703	118.8
	Other	147	215	-31.6	895	956	-6.4
	Total	341,494	381,927	-10.6	1,475,093	1,435,675	2.7
GLOBAL
	Chevrolet	853,423	1,128,818	-24.4	4,120,257	4,495,913	-8.4
	Opel/Vauxhall	293,369	391,940	-25.1	1,503,100	1,686,715	-10.9
	Wuling	149,020	132,047	12.9	606,499	516,435	17.4
	GMC	93,591	152,171	-38.5	480,560	613,054	-21.6
	Buick	96,484	141,044	-31.6	435,394	535,795	-18.7
	Pontiac	62,812	110,742	-43.3	382,949	485,885	-21.2
	Saturn	32,382	56,207	-42.4	206,733	265,901	-22.3
	Cadillac	36,162	66,844	-45.9	187,038	241,157	-22.4
	Holden	32,569	37,059	-12.1	139,407	158,234	-11.9
	Daewoo	19,244	34,550	-44.3	121,081	134,528	-10.0
	Saab	17,921	29,117	-38.5	93,295	124,726	-25.2
	HUMMER	7,246	16,254	-55.4	37,573	66,345	-43.4
	Other	8,326	9,481	-12.2	42,061	45,753	-8.1
	Total	1,702,549	2,306,274	-26.2	8,355,947	9,370,441	-10.8
Notes: (1) Quarterly sales data is preliminary and subject to change (2) We own 34% of SGMW and under the joint venture agreement have significant rights as a member as well as the contractual right to report SGMW global sales in China as part of our global market share.

# # #

GM Reports 221,983 Deliveries in December; 2,980,688 Vehicles Sold in 2008

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December deliveries up 30 percent compared with October and up 43 percent compared with November

Market share in December expected around 24 percent, up about 4 ppts compared with November, reflecting renewed APR rate support through GMAC

Second half 2008 share up nearly 2 ppts compared with first half

2008 market share position anticipated to hold steady at just above 22 percent

DETROIT - General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 221,983 vehicles in December, down 31 percent compared with a year ago. However, total deliveries were 67,000 vehicles more than November's result, up more than 43 percent month over month. GM December car sales of 87,506 were off 25 percent and truck sales of 134,477 were down 35 percent compared with a year ago.

For the year, GM delivered 2,980,688 vehicles while maintaining an expected market share just above 22 percent. Annual deliveries were down 23 percent compared with 2007, largely due to building weakness in the marketplace throughout the year spurred by economic headwinds such as the dramatic reduction in credit availability experienced in the fourth quarter, coupled with historically low levels of consumer confidence. Additionally, the American Axle strike and several supply disruptions impacted GM's performance in the first half of the year.

"Given the ongoing challenges and the difficult market environment, we were very encouraged to see a volume rebound for GM in December compared with both October and November," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "We are building more vehicles than ever that provide great value and Americans enjoy owning. That is why, for the year, we are seeing our market share holding steady at just above 22 percent. That's 5 percentage points more and 760,000 vehicles more than our nearest competitor.

"Our outstanding cars, trucks and crossovers are enabling us to hold the leadership position in a very difficult market. Our Red Tag Event was well-received, and the ability to offer some 0% financing through our partner GMAC in the last week of the month also helped," LaNeve added.

Despite the weak market in December, Chevrolet Malibu continued its solid performance with total sales up 43 percent compared with last December. For 2008, Malibu sales of more than 178,000 vehicles were up 39 percent, making it the highest percentage gainer in the top 20 vehicles sold in America with a volume increase compared with 2007. With its six-speed transmission and four-cylinder engine combination, the Malibu delivers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway - tops in the industry's mid-car segment. The Malibu Hybrid also offers the lowest-priced hybrid in the segment. Additionally, with 4,500 retail vehicles delivered, the Chevrolet Traverse crossover nearly doubled its retail volume compared with November.

"We're really pleased about the strength of our Chevrolet brand, with the Malibu continuing to perform very well, and the Traverse crossover off to a strong start," LaNeve added. "Also, with a harsh winter and lower gas prices, our trucks and SUVs are continuing to perform well in their segments. With GMAC now able to provide more financing capacity, and with all the exciting new car and crossover launches including the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon and SRX, Chevy Camaro and Equinox, and Buick LaCrosse in 2009, we are optimistic that with an overall market recovery we can begin to capitalize on the well-recognized product renaissance of all our brands."

A total of 2,555 GM hybrid vehicles were delivered in the month. Hybrid sales included: 981 Chevrolet Tahoe, 442 GMC Yukon and 306 Cadillac Escalade 2-mode hybrid SUVs delivered. There were 454 Chevrolet Malibu, 34 Saturn Aura and 338 Vue hybrids sold in December. In 2008, GM sold a total of 14,439 hybrid vehicles.

GM inventories dropped compared with a year ago. In December, only about 872,000 vehicles were in stock, down about 36,000 vehicles (or 4 percent) compared with last year. There were about 397,000 cars and 475,000 trucks (including crossovers) in inventory at the end of December.

Certified Used Vehicles

December 2008 sales for all certified GM brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, were 43,070 vehicles, up 21 percent from December 2007.

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling certified brand, posted December sales of 37,632 vehicles, up 24 percent from December 2007. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 888 vehicles, down 24 percent. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 3,740 vehicles, up 11 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 548 vehicles, up 14 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 262 vehicles, up 85 percent.

Total 2008 sales for all certified GM brands were 485,279 vehicles, down 5 percent from 2007. Annual sales for GM Certified Used Vehicles were 422,114 vehicles, down 6 percent. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 11,573 vehicles in 2008, down 9 percent. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles finished 2008 with sales of 41,598 vehicles, up 7 percent from 2007, while Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles posted sales of 7,705 vehicles, up 6 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 2,289 vehicles, up 71 percent.

"December sales for certified GM programs were strong, with GM Certified Used Vehicles up 24 percent over last December, as shoppers continue to seek value and peace of mind in a challenging economy," said LaNeve. "GM Certified finished 2008 as the sales leader among all manufacturer-certified pre-owned brands for the seventh consecutive year, and our Cadillac, Saab and HUMMER luxury certified brands each posted strong year-to-year sales increases."

GM North America Reports December, 2008 Production; Q1 2009 Production Forecast at 420,000 Vehicles

In December, GM North America produced 249,000 vehicles (105,000 cars and 144,000 trucks). This is down 3,000 vehicles or 1 percent compared with December 2007 when the region produced 252,000 vehicles (71,000 cars and 181,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 10,000 vehicles in December 2008 and 15,000 vehicles in December 2007.)

GM North America built 823,000 vehicles (371,000 cars and 452,000 trucks) in the fourth-quarter of 2008. This is down 219,000 vehicles or 21 percent compared to fourth-quarter of 2007 when the region produced 1.042 million vehicles (358,000 cars and 684,000 trucks). Additionally, the region's 2009 first-quarter production forecast is now 420,000 vehicles (143,000 cars and 277,000 trucks), which is down about 53 percent compared with a year ago, and about 180,000 fewer than the previous forecast. GM North America built 885,000 vehicles (360,000 cars and 525,000 trucks) in the first-quarter of 2008. First quarter 2008 production was reduced nearly 100,000 vehicles due to the strike at American Axle.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Note: GM sales and production results are available on GM Media OnLine at http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en/ by clicking on News, then Sales/Production. In this press release and related comments by General Motors management, we use words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "objective," "plan," "goal" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, representing our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: market acceptance of our products; shortages of and price increases for fuel; significant changes in the competitive environment and the effect of competition on our markets, including on our pricing policies; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt; and changes in general economic conditions. GM's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q provide information about these factors, which may be revised or supplemented in future reports to the SEC on Form 10-Q or 8-K.