- European sales up in 19 countries in first half of 2012
- Record European half-year market share at 1.43 percent
- Best-ever year-to-date share in eight countries
- Aveo and Spark: best-selling Chevrolet nameplates in Europe
Zurich. With more than 117,500[1] cars sold in the first six months of this year, which represents an increase of 10.9 percent, Chevrolet recorded its best-ever volume and market share in Western and Central Europe[2]. Industry sales were down by 7.7 percent during the same period. Chevrolet Europe’s volume was up 11,500 vehicles, compared to the first six months of 2011, while market share was up 0.24 points at a record 1.43 percent. In Western Europe, Chevrolet sales were up 12 percent at 92,400 cars and SUVs.
“In the current economic climate, European customers are more value-conscious than ever. They are turning to Chevrolet in record numbers because we are giving them what they need: distinctive design and all the equipment they are looking for at a price they can afford. In short, a lot of car for their money,” said Susan Docherty, President of Chevrolet Europe.
In the first half of 2012, Chevrolet sales were up in 19 countries and enjoyed particularly strong growth in the following countries (sorted by increase in units):
| Country | Units sold | Increase |
| The Netherlands | 7,800 | +3,640 units / 88% |
| Poland | 6,500 | +2,860 units / 79% |
| Italy | 19,800 | +2,110 units / 12% |
| U.K. | 8,810 | +1,870 units / 27% |
| France | 14,950 | +1,630 units / 12% |
| Germany | 16,140 | +1,010 units / 7% |
| Belgium | 3,320 | +860 units / 35% |
| Switzerland | 2,080 | +390 units / 23% |
| Austria | 2,620 | +370 units / 16% |
Chevrolet recorded its best-ever market share, for the January to June period, in the following eight countries: Poland (3.70%), Turkey (2.78%), The Netherlands (2.09%), Estonia (1.78%), Austria (1.25%), France (1.17%), Belgium (0.94%) and Germany (0.90%).
Chevrolet’s best-selling vehicle in Europe in the first six months of 2012 was the Chevrolet Aveo city car, with sales of 34,310 units. Aveo was followed by the Chevrolet Spark mini car of which 32,010 units were sold. Chevrolet sold 21,000 Cruzes (sedan and hatchback) in Western and Central Europe. Cruze continues to be Chevrolet’s best-selling model globally and sales are expected to grow even further as the station wagon will hit European showrooms later this summer. Chevrolet sold 14,300 Orlando minivans and 13,820 Captiva SUVs. The diesel version of the Malibu mid-size sedan will also arrive at dealerships later this summer.
| Top 3 Chevrolet Markets in Western and Central Europe for January-June 2012 Sales | ||||
| January-June
2012 sales |
Variance to 2011
in units |
Variance to 2011
in percent |
Market Share | |
| Italy | 19,800 | +2,100 | +12.0% | 2.25% |
| Germany | 16,140 | +1,010 | +6.7% | 0.90% |
| France | 14,950 | +1,630 | +12.3% | 1.17% |
In Israel[3], Chevrolet sold 5,000 vehicles and achieved a market share of 4.33 percent during the first half of 2012.
