GM Is Said to Exceed U.S. Sales Estimates Amid Official Silence
GM Is Said to Beat Estimates for U.S. Sales Growth Last Month
(Bloomberg) -- General Motors Co. isn’t reporting monthly sales anymore, but maybe it should. The company’s May sales beat analyst estimates -- and all major rivals -- with a gain of 12 percent, said people familiar with the matter.
GM’s sales gain exceeded the average analyst estimate for an 11 percent increase and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s 11 percent jump. Most carmakers topped expectations, as the economy remains strong and federal tax cuts have given consumers more money to spend.
GM had an especially strong month with its large pickups, which will be the oldest in the market when they are replaced this fall. The Chevrolet Silverado had an increase of 23 percent and the GMC Sierra was up 10 percent, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private.
The automaker boosted incentives in May to stay competitive in the pickup market. Chevy spent an average of $5,863 per truck during the first half of the month, while FCA’s Ram brand spent $5,676. Ford spent just under $4,000 per pickup, according to J.D. Power data obtained by Bloomberg.
GM shares rose as much as 40 cents, or 0.9 percent, in after-market trading in New York. The stock rose 1.2 percent during the regular session and closed Friday at $43.20.
GM stock soared almost 13 percent on Thursday after the company announced that SoftBank Vision Fund plans to spend $2.25 billion to acquire almost 20 percent of GM Cruise Holdings LLC, the automaker’s self-driving car unit.
--With assistance from Keith Naughton.
To contact the reporter on this story: David Welch in Southfield at dwelch12@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Craig Trudell at ctrudell1@bloomberg.net, Jamie Butters
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