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GM Reports 21.9% Adjusted Decline In August Car Sales, Estimate At -19%, Just In Time For IPO

Tyler Durden's picture




GM sold a total of 185,176 cars in August, a decline of 24.9% from the 246,479 from August of last year (although, there were 26 selling days last year, compared to 25 this year, ergo the adjusted 21.9% decline). Also, dealer inventory jumps in sign nobody wants to buy a government car yet. We sure wonder where CNBC gets their "better than expected" numbers: if, unless, it is the totally fudged and massaged number that GM would like the public to believe is indicative of anything more than just fleet purchases of 4 "core" brands.

Full release below: we hope Phil Lebow can highlight the part that he thinks is so good for US consumers, and future GM IPO participants.

DETROIT, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ --

August sales for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac decreased by a combined 11 percent to 184,921 units, compared to last August, a month in which the automotive industry experienced the highest level of sales in 2009 due to the Cash for Clunkers stimulus program. Compared to July 2010, sales for GM's brands were down 7 percent.

Through August, Buick remained the industry's fastest growing brand with sales up 61 percent year-to-date. Cadillac leads the luxury vehicle industry in sales growth this year, with sales 50 percent higher through August.

"Last year's Cash for Clunkers program spiked industry sales in 2009, so results this August were not surprisingly a bit mixed," said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. "Importantly, three of our four divisions showed solid gains. This is further evidence that our performance is the result of balanced contributions across our brands."

Combined sales for Buick, GMC and Cadillac were up 37 percent for the month, compared to a year ago. Buick sales increased 66 percent, propelled by retail sales that more than doubled during the month. Cadillac dealers reported sales that were 83 percent higher than last year, and the brand's retail sales also rose 83 percent. GMC total sales were up 12 percent during the month, driven by strong retail sales.  Chevrolet, which benefited the most from last year's federal stimulus, had a total sales decline of 22 percent compared to last year, while retail sales were down 31 percent.

Total sales of GM's full-size pickups rose 4 percent during the month, while its full-size utilities increased 7 percent on strong retail sales growth. 

Johnson noted that key product launches for the remainder of this year will continue the company's momentum. "With the all-new Chevrolet Cruze hitting showrooms in September, the Chevrolet Volt later this year, the Buick Regal expanding Buick's footprint in the U.S., and the Cadillac CTS Coupe generating a lot of attention, we have reason to be optimistic," Johnson said.

Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at about 452,000 units, which is about 28,000 higher compared to July 2010, and about 73,000 higher than August 2009.

August Key Facts and Brand Results:

Chevrolet: Chevrolet delivered 131,952 total vehicles in August, a 22 percent decline year-over-year. Year-to-date total Chevrolet sales are up 19 percent. Retail sales for Chevrolet full-size trucks (Silverado, Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban) rose 8 percent. ( read more ).

Buick: Buick reported total sales of 14,294, an increase of 66 percent in August compared to last year. Driven by continuing strong customer demand for the LaCrosse (retail sales up 263 percent) and growing demand for the all-new Regal, Buick retail sales more than doubled for the second month a row, up 102 percent, compared to last year. August was the eleventh straight month that total and retail sales have increased. With sales up 61 percent for the year, Buick remains the fastest growing major auto brand in the U.S.  ( read more ).

GMC: GMC reported total sales of 25,986, a 12 percent increase in total sales in the month of August, compared to the same month last year. This includes an 18 percent increase in retail sales, marking 11 consecutive months of year-over-year total and retail sales gains for GMC. Retail sales for GMC full-size trucks (Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL) increased 12 percent during the month and retail sales for the Terrain rose to 3,667 units. For the year, GMC total sales are up 26 percent ( read more ).

Cadillac: Total sales of 12,689 for August were 83 percent higher than last August, with retail sales increasing 83 percent. This strong retail performance was driven by continuing strong consumer demand for the SRX and the CTS, with retail sales up 410 percent and 77 percent, respectively. August was the seventh month in a row that Cadillac total and retail sales have increased. With total sales up 50 percent for the year, the brand is the fastest growing luxury auto brand in the industry (read more ).

Fleet sales for GM's four brands were 51,951 for the month.




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Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:02 | Link to Comment SheepDog-One
SheepDog-One's picture

Go Gubmint Motors! And Dear Leader CEO Chairman ObaMao! Must mean we're set for another +2% market wide spike within minutes!
Then F sales later which no matter what will of course reinforce the bizarro-world 'stawks up no matter what' new reality.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:28 | Link to Comment hedgeless_horseman
hedgeless_horseman's picture

GM would like the public to believe is indicative of anything more than just government fleet purchases of 4 "core" brands.

Slight edit, TD.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:02 | Link to Comment bada boom
bada boom's picture

"Month-end dealer inventory in the U.S. stood at about 452,000 units, which is about 28,000 higher compared to July 2010, and about 73,000 higher than August 2009."

Gov't Motors wouldn't have done this intentionally to raise the ISM numbers. Would they?

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:03 | Link to Comment SheepDog-One
SheepDog-One's picture

Gubmint Motors CEO Chairman MaoBama FUDGE the numbers? Simply outrageous pre-crime thoughts, commrade.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:02 | Link to Comment Threeggg
Threeggg's picture

That should be good for another +100 points

ontop of the +250 its up already

This market is F%cking nuts !  NUTS!

I think they are trying to ramp oil up and Gold down

But of course !

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:15 | Link to Comment Hall 9000
Hall 9000's picture

:-)

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:19 | Link to Comment DaveyJones
DaveyJones's picture

if Curly says things are nuts, things are really nuts 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:02 | Link to Comment Rogerwilco
Rogerwilco's picture

This isn't bad news, just good management of expectations. It's part of what we've all come to know and love about our American icon, General Motors.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 13:03 | Link to Comment Flounder
Flounder's picture

...with apple pie.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:07 | Link to Comment Turd Ferguson
Turd Ferguson's picture

I'm just going to keep posting this all day for all the poor souls who are getting squeezed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPiNIzSM3RQ

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:03 | Link to Comment patience...
patience...'s picture

Thanks Turd, all better now.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:06 | Link to Comment Ripped Chunk
Ripped Chunk's picture

That will be sung at gunpoint as the Sheeple are marching to the FEMA internment camps.

I hear they will have HBO

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:08 | Link to Comment system failure
system failure's picture

That explains why we have a rally with lower car sales, currency debasement overnight, gold cannot get hard for some odd reason, and a butterfly flaps its wings.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:14 | Link to Comment yabs
yabs's picture

I have never seen a day like this

the CAC which looked about to go off a cliff with its 200 DMA average curling over

after months in the death cross now goes up nearly 4 percent on one bit of still bad news. really insane

I capitulate no more shorts for me or Longs

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:57 | Link to Comment Shocker
Shocker's picture

Ok this makes no sense to me. Auto Sales falling off a clif, Still losing jobs faster than chip, and Housing worst in 20+ years and the market is up.....

sorry I guess it does make sense :-) ahahaha

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 16:26 | Link to Comment apberusdisvet
apberusdisvet's picture

 

It does make sense if you realize that the printing presses are now being used for the PPT; I would love to see their trades.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:20 | Link to Comment PlausibleDenial
PlausibleDenial's picture

Yes, I am getting screwed worse than the "pooch", but why wouldn't one be short particulary considering the present economy and a bit of history.  I am going to post this all day everytime "Turd" posts that Mitch Miller shit.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/223207-and-now-for-september?source=hp_wc

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:26 | Link to Comment Turd Ferguson
Turd Ferguson's picture

What? You think I'm happy about this. My nuts are in a vise, too.

I'm just not gonna get too upset until/unless S&P closes above 1100.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:33 | Link to Comment PlausibleDenial
PlausibleDenial's picture

Point well taken.  I just didn't want any Johnny Bravo b/s today as I see my nuts around my ear lobes at this point.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:34 | Link to Comment HelluvaEngineer
HelluvaEngineer's picture

I think 1110 by the end of the week is quite likely.  Then the wheels fall off (?)

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:21 | Link to Comment bada boom
bada boom's picture

If you build it, they will come.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:23 | Link to Comment 99er
99er's picture

Chart: ES

Another day, another channel...still down.

http://www.screencast.com/t/MTk1MWM1ODI

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:25 | Link to Comment Goldenballs
Goldenballs's picture

Things must be really bad today DOW up 237 points,if the DOW was a human being it would be sectioned and put in an asylum.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:25 | Link to Comment Bruno the Bear
Bruno the Bear's picture

I own a Cadillac and was having an oil change at the local Caddy dealer.  The showroom was full and one of the guys I know that works there says they can barely keep up with the demand for new Escalades and those go for at least $60k+ a pop.  Also,Edmunds says that used Escalades have increased in value over 30% since cash for clunkers ended.

 

Just one personal data point but it ties in with the Caddy info on the above press release.

 

Now WTF this is the way it is, I have no idea.

 

 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:03 | Link to Comment Ripped Chunk
Ripped Chunk's picture

Escalade is the most stupid, idiotic vehicle manufactured in the US (Hummer no longer being made by a US Co.)

Just shows you that the Sheeple are right on schedule for their ultimate slaughter and final annihilation.

FOOLS!!!

 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:18 | Link to Comment Dirt Rat
Dirt Rat's picture

Nothing screams "I have penis issues" quite like the Escalade. In a few short years it's managed to replace the Corvette in that department. GM must be so proud.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:35 | Link to Comment Ripped Chunk
Ripped Chunk's picture

Agreed. I see Escalades with $800-$1000++/month payments parked in front of places I wouldn't let my dog live. Apparently the narcotics strike force does not?

At lease the Vett has some performance and with a bit of tweaking you can race it on weekends. Not a snow belt vehicle though.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:25 | Link to Comment DaveyJones
DaveyJones's picture

such good preparation for peak oil

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 16:58 | Link to Comment Ripped Chunk
Ripped Chunk's picture

Motorsports is a game for the rich.

Electric car time. I drive a small 4cyl and a motorcycle in the summer. Next car will be all electric when they become available in mass with bugs worked out.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 17:01 | Link to Comment DaveyJones
DaveyJones's picture

it would be neat to convert an old porche body. Lightweight, very cool. 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 18:11 | Link to Comment Infinite QE
Infinite QE's picture

These guys do just that....

 

http://evporsche.com/

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 13:15 | Link to Comment firstdivision
firstdivision's picture

Mortgage, or Escalade....I'm going with the Escalade to impress people when I am homeless.

It is easy for a lot of people to stop paying their mortgage and buy junk lately. 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 13:23 | Link to Comment bada boom
bada boom's picture

Isn't the escalade big enough to live in?

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:26 | Link to Comment yabs
yabs's picture

they are real f*ckheads

You get nothing sitting in  cash and there is no way you can risk it in these insane markets

not that i want to give satanic companies my cash anyway

Its crazy

even gold gets taken down

there IS NO SAFE HAVEN

 

Total Immoral  madness

if free markets were allowed those sitting on cash could really clean up

and thats how its supposed to be

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:04 | Link to Comment bada boom
bada boom's picture

"even gold gets taken down"

I have wondered about this.  As of right now, gold is still holding.

To make people believe in a true recovery, I think it will need to come down.  That may be a long time from now.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 13:53 | Link to Comment tmosley
tmosley's picture

Why?  Gold didn't go down in 2003...

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:03 | Link to Comment bada boom
bada boom's picture

I don't know exactly.  I am not sure about gold in general.

Maybe 2003 wasn't a real recovery and the gold holders new it. Back then, the retail person wasn't selling gold because they didn't have any to sell. 

Now, if people feel a true recovery was happening without a collapse, wouldn't they want to sell gold for stocks and real estate?  If the gov wants to trigger a false signal, taking down gold could be an option.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:27 | Link to Comment Caviar Emptor
Caviar Emptor's picture

This calls for the combined brains of Washington and Wall Street!

Answer: A new 30 second Net Broadcast and TV ad showing the Obama family driving through the USA in a new Chevy! 

Open competition for best tagline......

First entry: "You hoped, America, now change! Drive a Chevy!"

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:38 | Link to Comment Jerome Lester H...
Jerome Lester Horwitz's picture

"Let me be clear..Buy a Chevy this year!"

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:52 | Link to Comment Jerome Lester H...
Jerome Lester Horwitz's picture

"edit duplicate post"

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:53 | Link to Comment Jerome Lester H...
Jerome Lester Horwitz's picture

"edit duplicate post"

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:56 | Link to Comment Jerome Lester H...
Jerome Lester Horwitz's picture

"WTF! I hit save once and it posts four times?
Sorry folks."

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:10 | Link to Comment bada boom
bada boom's picture

I hope your trades aren't like this.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 13:56 | Link to Comment tmosley
tmosley's picture

Sells count once, buys count 4 times.  So THAT'S why the market is up!

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 17:19 | Link to Comment A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

+1 lmao!

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:22 | Link to Comment Bam_Man
Bam_Man's picture

'Why you imbecile, I'll moidah ya!"

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:28 | Link to Comment sweet ebony diamond
sweet ebony diamond's picture

I want my government debit card with picture of Lucia Tovar on the front please.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:00 | Link to Comment Ripped Chunk
Ripped Chunk's picture

It will be issued by JPMorgan Chase. At least that is who the government credit cards that Colorado issues are through. I have to think there are other states involved in this filth.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:29 | Link to Comment traderjoe
traderjoe's picture

OT: As TD mentioned (and I saw on RAN Squawk - but NO WHERE ELSE) - I thought the two most relevant numbers for the long-term (more than HFT-time) were the Greek PMI and the Irish Unemployment. Both showed measurable declines - indicating austerity is not working quickly enough, and that those countries really do not have a way out. What's the Greek 10-year bond at right now? How about a nice muni default today (Harrisburg)? Day to day movements aside, the defaults are still coming. A wacky ISM number doesn't forestall that. 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:30 | Link to Comment oklaboy
oklaboy's picture

justa heads up boys, but down here in Oklahoma, this may intrest you

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20100901_32_A1_Tlaaeo823296

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:18 | Link to Comment whatsinaname
whatsinaname's picture

and why not just in Tulsa. Check www.dailyjobcuts.com for data from 2010 especially June, July.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:18 | Link to Comment whatsinaname
whatsinaname's picture

and why not just in Tulsa. Check www.dailyjobcuts.com for data from 2010 especially June, July.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:33 | Link to Comment Pillage
Pillage's picture

The only rational I see for the rally today is the ISM data was leaked ahead of time accounting for the large buying yesterday at the close and the lack of selling after the ADP report.

Contrary to popular belief the rally has nothing to do with

1. Changes good or bad in the economy

2. QE2

3. Jobs

It's just a matter of whoever was leaked the info gaming the people that don't have the info into covering, selling bonds etc. I doubt the unemployment data Friday is better than expected. Hopefully it gets leaked althought that's not likely since leaks are via the Obama admin's willingness to leake it.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:33 | Link to Comment Akrunner907
Akrunner907's picture

I wonder how many of the GM sales have been made to the Iraqi Reconstruction Commission?  I see GM trucks all over Baghdad.  I think every police officer was issued a GM truck.  Let's see the market is up 248 points this morning.  And the economy is so great......gotta wonder. 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:57 | Link to Comment Ripped Chunk
Ripped Chunk's picture

You got it.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:35 | Link to Comment Sudden Debt
Sudden Debt's picture

So you want to buy a 50.000$ car... but in your last tax report, you only  seem to make 45K a year... are you hiding something from us?

You can tell us! We're just car salesmen remember!

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:39 | Link to Comment Bruno the Bear
Bruno the Bear's picture

0% financing for 20 years.  You can do it!

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:44 | Link to Comment Bruno the Bear
Bruno the Bear's picture

0Double post

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:37 | Link to Comment SDRII
SDRII's picture

This of course is not pro forma for the subprime acquisition which turns the number to a +25% Y|Y - should be good for a mid teens P/E on the massive upside froma  re-intro of "My 98"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYblg4i2HD8

 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:38 | Link to Comment SDRII
SDRII's picture

This of course is not pro forma for the subprime acquisition which turns the number to a +25% Y|Y - should be good for a mid teens P/E on the massive upside froma  re-intro of "My 98"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYblg4i2HD8

 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:53 | Link to Comment deliciousirony
deliciousirony's picture

The Caddy CTS isn't bad for socialism.   Hail Lenin.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:55 | Link to Comment Ripped Chunk
Ripped Chunk's picture

Like watching a half full baloon with a slow leak.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 11:56 | Link to Comment patience...
patience...'s picture

Die Gimmee Motors, die.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:03 | Link to Comment Heroic Couplet
Heroic Couplet's picture

Be careful how you interpret. Last month, an American publication ran an article that in India, there's a GM model that has a two month wait list. There's the US centric view and a global view. GM may very well be turning a profit in India. The auto bailout was for Wall Street, who holds most of the paper, and not for anyone else.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:04 | Link to Comment SoCalBusted
SoCalBusted's picture

"dealer inventory jumps in sign nobody wants to buy a government car yet"

No kidding!  Hey here's a great idea... nobody is buying cars, so let's not have our usual July factory shutdown so we can make more crap that nobody wants (and can't afford)!  1970s style Soviet central planning at its finest.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:06 | Link to Comment bada boom
bada boom's picture

Maybe they can ship them over to china's empty cities.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:08 | Link to Comment SoCalBusted
SoCalBusted's picture

I'm going to be checking my local Big Lots and 99 Cent store soon for GM cars

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:10 | Link to Comment Sausagemaker
Sausagemaker's picture

Do you think it time for GM to change its name to "Volkswagen"?

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:16 | Link to Comment Sancho Ponzi
Sancho Ponzi's picture

Obdachlosewagen

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:17 | Link to Comment Diam0nd D
Diam0nd D's picture

Just remember what was going on last August in car sales.....the sales decline should surprise no one.  The massive inventory remaining at month-end is pretty nasty though. 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:46 | Link to Comment CheapKUNGFU
CheapKUNGFU's picture

Dudes, why you guys would play the stock market blows my mind. I own gold (physical) and have been a buyer for years... I trade the FX market for a few reasons, mainly its a race to the bottom, and is easier to see on a chart how the CB's are making that happen... I have taken every penny I have made in the FX market out of the market with GOLD for 12 years...

I trade the FX Market (and teach people how to trade it for FREE)...

Nothing turns me on more than turning digital transactions into REAL MONEY (GOLD) and removing it from their hands, until I am ready to use it for other things.

Cheers

CKF

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 13:39 | Link to Comment romanko
romanko's picture

1637:

Dudes, why you guys would play the stock market blows my mind. I own gold (physical) and have been a buyer for years... I trade the TULIP BULB market for a few reasons, mainly its a race to the bottom, and is easier to see on a chart how the CB's are making that happen... I have taken every penny I have made in the TULIP BULB market out of the market with GOLD for 12 years...

I trade the TULIP BULB Market (and teach people how to trade it for FREE)...

Nothing turns me on more than turning digital transactions into REAL MONEY (GOLD) and removing it from their hands, until I am ready to use it for other things.

Cheers

CKF

 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:01 | Link to Comment curbyourrisk
curbyourrisk's picture

Callinf Phil LeBlow.......Come in Phil LeBlow.  IT is time to start sucking the cock of GM on tv again.  We need to reassure the American people that they will profit from the GM bailout and rewriting of Bankruptcy Law which took place after the US Gov't broke all the existing laws.

 

 

 

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:19 | Link to Comment CheapKUNGFU
CheapKUNGFU's picture

Romancio:

 

Thanks for your edits, they were funny!

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:21 | Link to Comment Bigger Dickus
Bigger Dickus's picture

I am about to buy a GMC Syclone, the last great car by GM.

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:29 | Link to Comment Hang The Fed
Hang The Fed's picture

Jesus...with the shoddily made crap that GM has put out over the past thirty years or so, it's a wonder that they can sell a bucket of water to a guy on fire.  I've been turning wrenches for most of my life, and there isn't a damn thing going on in those fucking tin-cans that makes any sense whatsoever.  I did a four year stint at an aftermarket upfitting shop, part of which involved adding snow plows to the trucks that rolled through.  The Fords and Dodges could eat the extra weight on the front end with no problem, but the fucking Chevy/GM trucks would bottom out unless you racked the torsion bars up as far as they could go.  Fully independent A-frame front ends on 1-ton trucks?  Just how much crack do the engineers smoke before they start doodling with their crayons?

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:55 | Link to Comment Grand Supercycle
Grand Supercycle's picture

Updated S&P500 charts:

http://stockmarket618.wordpress.com

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 22:07 | Link to Comment MBOB
MBOB's picture

Y'all should have been there in '79-80 when the sharp pencils all decided that they should run out their existing tooling making Chevy Citations and Ford Fairmonts and Dodge Aspens. They lost market share to Asia that never came back. 

 

Different year, same thinking. 

Wed, 09/29/2010 - 06:37 | Link to Comment Herry12
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