GM's U.S. Sales Rise 10% in June

General Motors reported a 10% increase in June U.S. sales Friday, fueled by strong demand for its more fuel-efficient vehicles.

"The month caps a successful first half of 2011 for us in the U.S. market," said Don Johnson, GM vice president for U.S. sales. "Our sales are up and we've gained share profitably."

GM's sales for the first six months of the year were up 16.8% at nearly 1.3 million vehicles, after June sales rose to 215,358 units.

GM said it continues to reduce its lower-margin sales to rental-car companies even as it expands sales to commercial accounts, which rose 31% in June in the 15th consecutive month of sales gains.

Total fleet sales were down 1% while retail sales were up 16%.

GM's passenger-car sales rose 28% in June, led by the fuel-sipping Chevy Cruze.

Crossover sport-utility vehicle sales fell 2% while pickup truck sales were up 5% in June.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2011

See Also:

• "GM Says Thanks"