GM’s May Sales Down 30 Percent, But Improving

A day after filing for bankruptcy protection, automaker General Motors Corp. says its U.S. sales in May fell 30 percent from a year ago but were 11 percent better than in April. GM said Tuesday that improved consumer confidence levels last month helped buyers shrug off concerns about the automaker’s impending Chapter 11 filing.

AP
Published: June 2, 2009

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DETROIT (AP) - A day after filing for bankruptcy protection, automaker General Motors Corp. says its U.S. sales in May fell 30 percent from a year ago but were 11 percent better than in April.

GM said Tuesday that improved consumer confidence levels last month helped buyers shrug off concerns about the automaker’s impending Chapter 11 filing.

GM says it sold 191,875 cars and light trucks in May.

GM’s Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn and Saab brands were the company’s worst performers. GM has said it plans to get rid of those brands as part of its restructuring.

Saturn sales fell 56 percent, and Pontiac sales were down 52 percent.

GM is counting on a quick trip through bankruptcy court to reduce its debt load and help it become a smaller, more efficient company.