GM sales in Romania down 18.5% in 2008

Broken down according to brand, the company delivered 17,221 Opel cars last year, compared to 19,684 cars in 2007, and 9,493 Chevrolets, compared to 13,090 units in 2007.

December 2008 was one of the worst months for the company on the local market, as sales amounted to a mere 1,081 units, one third year-on-year. “I believe sales will be even lower in January. It is difficult to estimate how sales will evolve in 2009, given uncertainties related to the economic crisis, the [environment] tax for cars, and the ‘Rabla’ program,” aimed at renewing the country’s auto park by offering compensation for old cars to those acquiring new ones, Oltean said.

The company is to expand its network this year with new units in the cities of Constanta, Buzau and Alba Iulia. Its main competitors on the local market are Porsche Romania, Tiriac Holdings auto division, Renault Nissan Romania, Trust Motors, and Auto Italia Impex.

Auto industry turnover, including dealers, manufacturers and car parts producers, amounts to some €10.7 billion.