GM sales plummet in August

DURHAM -- General Motors of Canada's sales plummeted in August, with tiny cars from other brands seeing big increases in sales.

GM's car sales were down 19 per cent and truck sales dropped 15 per cent compared to August 2007. Combined vehicle sales are down 10.3 per cent for the company year-to-date compared to the same time period last year.

"GM Canada's August sales reflect low inventory levels on some of our key small cars as a result of the ongoing shift in consumer demand to more fuel-efficient vehicle choices," said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada's vice-president of sales, service and marketing in a news release.

In the statement he said the company is ramping up production of small cars to meet market demand and is expecting a strong finish for the year.

Small, fuel-efficient cars saw the biggest gains in August according to sales figures provided by DesRosiers Automotive Reports.

The smart car had a 117.5 per cent sales increase compared to August last year. Year-to-date sales of the smart care have increased over 33 per cent.

The Mini also had a 71 per cent increase in sales last month.

Honda brand vehicles, which have had a good year to date, didn't have the greatest month in August. Sales fell 18 per cent compared to August last year, but the brand still has an increase in sales of about 12 per cent year-to-date.