Chevrolet Cruze sales increased by 16 percent last month

Chevrolet Cruze sales increased by 16 percent last month

YOUNGSTOWN

Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze increased by 16 percent last month, as the Lordstown-built compact posted its best-ever January sales figures, according to data released Monday by General Motors.

The Cruze sold 16,828 units in January, up from 14,524 during the same month in 2013.

It continued to be GM’s second-best selling model, trailing only the Chevrolet Silverado pickup, which was named the North American Truck of the Year last month at the North American International Auto Show.

The Silverado sold 28,926 units last month, an 18.4 percent decrease in the year-over-year comparison.

The Cruze continued its streak of strong sales, as total sales across GM’s brands dropped by 12 percent last month. None of the GM brands — Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC — posted positive overall sales figures in January.

GM’s retail sales were down 10 percent compared to January 2013, and retail deliveries of passenger cars were up slightly, GM said.

Fleet deliveries declined by 18 percent last month, as GM continues a planned reduction in rental car sales.

The company said that January is typically the lowest sales month of the year, but unusually harsh weather in the South, Midwest and Northeast played a major role in depressing last month’s sales.