The Auto Writer

Last year’s drop in global auto industry sales was not only keenly felt in the United States, but in other markets as well. General Motors, which had been the largest producer of passenger vehicles in the world for 77 consecutive years, saw that streak end as the Toyota Motor Corporation ended the year with a 616,000 unit edge.

But, Toyota also saw its sales drop (down 4% v. GM’s loss of 11%) and the new number one is expected to post its very first operating loss ever when the company’s fiscal year comes to a close on March 31st.

Globally, GM’s sales were 8.35 million units, a figure that is well below its all time high of 9.5 million cars sold annually as recently as two years ago. Chevrolet still manages to sell almost as many cars year after year than all other GM brands combined and will continue to play a critical role in the automaker’s turnaround over the coming years.

All divisions experienced a drop in 2008, except for Wuling which is a joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) of China and Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd.

China sales continue to increase year over year for GM as do sales in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.  With 2.954 million vehicles sold in the US alone, GM’s domestic sales currently account for only 35% of its total sales. However, more than three quarters of last year’s sales drop can be attributed to its slippage stateside, the most profitable market for GM.

General Motors Corporation

Global Vehicle Sales

Source: General Motors