U.S. auto giant General Motors Co (GM), Wednesday said its third-quarter global sales rose 2 percent on the back of strong growth across two of its largest markets, U.S. and China.
Detroit, Michigan-based General Motors said it sold 2.45 million vehicles globally in the third quarter, up 2 percent from last year. The company said it was the best third quarter since 1980.
In the first nine months of 2014, GM sold 7.37 million vehicles, up 2 percent.
"GM delivered its best third quarter global sales in 34 years thanks to solid growth in the United States and China, and steady improvement in Opel's market share," said GM CEO Mary Barra.
"We have launches now underway, including the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in North America, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa in Europe, and the Buick Envision and Cadillac ATS-L in China, that will keep our momentum going," Barra added.
Third-quarter sales in the U.S. rose 8 percent. The company said success of the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra helped GM increase its market share of large pickups to 35.6 percent in third quarter from 34.7 percent in the second quarter.
Sales in China for the third quarter were up 14 percent. However, GM's sales at South America and Europe divisions dropped 20 and 17 percent, respectively.
GM is currently trading at $28.95, down $1.16 or 3.85%, on the NYSE.
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