General Motors outperforms industry in key Middle East markets in first half of 2009

This was due to a raft of new product launches, aggressive tactical marketing campaigns and exceptional dealer performance in certain countries.

During the same time, GM's market share grew in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan. The UAE and Kuwait are second and third in market size after Saudi Arabia.

In the UAE, GM estimates that the total automobile market dropped about 49% from January to the end of June. GM sales fell about 44% during the same period, therefore outperforming the UAE market by 5%.

In Kuwait, GM estimates that the total automobile market dropped about 12% from January to the end of June. GM sales increased by about 9% during the same period, therefore outperforming the market in Kuwait by 21%.

In Qatar, GM estimates that the total automobile market dropped about 38% from January to the end of June, while GM sales decreased by about 23% during the same period. GM therefore outperformed the market in Qatar by 15%.

However, the most significant gain in market share was in Jordan, where GM estimates that the total automobile market dropped about 13% from January to the end of June. GM sales increased by about 23% during the same period, therefore outperforming the market in Jordan by 36%.

This performance was in spite of challenges including the global financial crisis, low consumer confidence in the region, tightened lending and news surrounding the GM restructuring in the United States.

This market share gain was attributable in part to creative marketing campaigns to increase showroom footfall and create awareness of regional dealer offers, which included ‘No More Barriers', 'Click and Win', and 'Transform your Ride'.

However, these results were only possible with a range of quality products. Thirteen GM models ranked in the top three of their segment in new vehicle quality, according to the benchmark J.D. Powers and Associates 2009 U.S. Initial Quality Study.

The best-selling vehicles across the General Motors line up for the first half of the year included the Chevrolet Aveo, Spark and Tahoe along with the GMC Yukon, Cadillac CTS and Escalade and the Hummer H3.

Announcing the latest results, Mike Devereux, President of General Motors Middle East, said:

"We are delighted to have outperformed the market in what has proved to be a very challenging year for everyone so far. Our increase in market share is testament to the quality vehicles we have in the market and the fantastic efforts our esteemed dealers made in providing our customers with attractive offers and excellent customer service."

So far this year, GM has successfully launched the Cadillac CTS-V, Cadillac Escalade Platinum, GMC Sierra Denali and Chevrolet Traverse, while further exciting products on track to arrive in dealer showrooms include the iconic Chevrolet Camaro in August and Chevrolet Cruze and Malibu in October. The Cadillac SRX will arrive at dealers in November.

"The second half of the year is traditionally a busier sales season, especially as the holy month of Ramadan falls in this period. With exciting new products either already in the market place or on track to arrive in dealer showrooms in the next couple of months, GM is in a very strong position for when the market does pick up."