Cobalt sales down in October; dealer blames Cash for Clunkers

The Chevrolet Cobalt posted its worst sales month since the early days of its launch, despite General Motors notching its first monthly gain in U.S. sales in almost two years.

Cobalt sales were down in October because inventories at dealerships were wiped out by the federal Cash for Clunkers program in July and August, said Barry Gonis, general manager of Spitzer Chevrolet in North Jackson. The program offered up to $4,500 to car buyers who turned in certain older vehicles.

There was a delay in replacing the Cobalts because the GM Lordstown complex was in the process of changing over to the 2010 model, Gonis said.

GM said today that it sold 5,055 Cobalts in October, down 22 percent from 6,478 that were sold in October 2008.

For more information, see Wednesday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.