GM Retail Sales Up In February - North American Dealers Cautiously Optimistic

Online, March 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Despite a snowy winter in much of the Midwest and Eastern United States, General Motors recently reported a 11.5% rise in retail sales for the month of February, with a 38% increase in the U.S. alone. And while it's speculated that strong fleet sales contributed to the totals, the news is still encouraging to the industry.

Susan Docherty, vice present for sales, service and marketing for GM, in a prepared statement told TheStreet.com, "Although we've been operating as a new company with four brands for just seven months, our February results demonstrate that our long-term plan is already paying dividends."

While many in the car business are still cautious about the future, automotive sales training expert Joe Verde - who held four workshops last month at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in Florida - recognizes signs that dealers are moving from the recovery phase of their business, back to growing again.

"The past few years have been difficult ones in the car business," said Mr. Verde. "During NADA I spoke to dozens of North American dealers, and there was a sense that as an industry - from the dealer to the manufacturer - the future definitely looks positive."

Subaru also had a strong February, with a 38% increase in U.S. sales for the month because of the Outback and Legacy sedans, which both have a new look for 2010. Most automotive experts agree that GM and Subaru dealerships benefited from Toyota and its recall of several important brands.

Mr. Verde has owned and operated the Joe Verde Group® since 1985 and his sales training philosophy encourages dealers to look beyond the ups and downs of any given market.

"Whether it's snow in the East, Toyota recalls, Cash for Clunkers or whatever is going on in the market right now, good or bad," Mr. Verde said. "Dealerships have to rely on ongoing training programs and strong management to grow."

Mr. Verde is optimistic about retail sales this year, and his NADA workshop: "The Five Toughest Decision Dealers Face Today," had record attendance in each session from dealers who see the potential today and want to sell more cars, have more fun and make more money."

For more information on Joe Verde's automotive sales training workshops, books and his online training programs, please call (800) 445-6217 or visit the Web today at www.joeverde.com.