Chevrolet Sold 82,884 Vehicles In Southeast Asia Last Year

By Minggu Simon Lhasa BANGKOK (Thailand), Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Chevrolet sold 82,884 vehicles across the Southeast Asia region in 2013, including record-breaking sales in Indonesia, the Philippines and Laos. In a statement, the carmaker said in Indonesia it sold 14,975 units, up 183 per cent, while in the Philippines it sold 4,926 units, up 54 per cent, and in Laos it sold 1,008 units, up 52 per cent. In Thailand, Chevrolet sold 56,389 vehicles last year, achieving 97 per cent of its sales objectives. Indonesia's record year was led by the Chevrolet Spin compact MPV (Multipurpose Vehicle), launched in early 2013, while the successful performance in the Philippines was led by the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), it said. The Philippines closed last year with the highest-ever monthly sales, selling 516 vehicles in December, it added. It said Laos also joined the ranks of its new emerging markets with the highest-ever sales year in 2013. Chevrolet has also established distribution in other emerging markets in the region including Cambodia and, most recently, Myanmar. Gustavo Colossi, General Motors Southeast Asia Operations Vice President, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, said the sales results in Thailand was a remarkable achievement considering the challenges and shifts in the market and in the economy. He said Chevrolet recently signed on three new dealers to its network, bringing the total number of Chevrolet dealerships in Thailand to 104. General Motors Thailand also achieved important production milestones in 2013 with the GM powertrain facility in Rayong exceeding 100,000 engine builds since its opening in 2011. "Chevrolet is moving into 2014 with a positive outlook, renewed competitiveness and continued resolve to sustain growth in this market, with a portfolio of quality products, supported by reinforced customer service," said Jim DeLuca, Vice President of Manufacturing for General Motors International Operations. He said Chevrolet created a strong momentum last year and in addition to robust sales, its plan is also to grow its brand and product footprint across the region. Chevrolet has expanded into new markets, while continuing to strengthen its growth in existing markets, he said. "There is a lot of work ahead of us, but we are ready to work towards new milestones in 2014, surpassing those we set in 2013," said DeLuca. --BERNAMA