General Motors Middle East reported total sales of 12,800 vehicles in May, a 27 per cent increase compared to the same period a year ago, driven by sales of Chevrolet passenger cars.

Combined sales of Chevrolet passenger cars in May, including the Cruze, Malibu, Aveo and Optra, increased by 36 per cent.

Total sales of Chevrolet rose by 36 per cent during the month, while sales of GMC experienced a 17 per cent increase.

The strong figures represent the best ever May monthly sales on record and the fifth consecutive month of double-digit total sales growth in 2011. It contributed to year-to-date total sales growth of 21 per cent for the first five months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, a statement said.

Retail sales, those to individual customers, rose 58 per cent versus May 2010 and represented 71 per cent of GM Middle East’s total sales in the month. Year-to-date retail sales increased by 52 per cent for the first five months of 2011.

“We registered our best ever May monthly sales, beating a record that had stood since 2006. This is thanks to our new, award-winning line-up of passenger cars that is driving showroom traffic and growing retail sales,” said John Stadwick, president and managing director of GM Middle East Operations.

“With the addition of new passenger cars to our already strong range of SUVs, crossovers and pickups, we expect our impressive sales momentum to continue throughout the year.”-TradeArabia News Service