(July 1, 2011) DETROIT — Chevrolet total sales are expected to increase 15 percent during the first half of 2011 fueled by the passenger car sales approaching their highest percentage of Chevrolet sales in two decades.

Car sales are expected to be up 23 percent for the first six months of the year, when June sales are reported today, reaching their highest share for the brand in 20 years, outselling trucks in June for the third straight month.

Trucks, utilities, and crossovers are expected to be up 9 percent over the first half of 2010.

Chevy cars accounted for just above 50 percent of the brand's total U.S. sales for June — the third consecutive month in the majority — and 47 percent for the first six months of 2011, said Alan Batey, vice president of sales and service for Chevrolet.

Through May, Chevy sold 385,257 cars and 362,443 trucks.

The last time cars led Chevrolet’s sales for three consecutive months was in May, June, and July of 1991. That year, cars represented 52 percent of Chevrolet sales.

“Chevrolet has always been known for building great trucks,” Batey said. “Today, we are in the middle of transforming the brand with a strong lineup of cars that match the appeal of our trucks and crossovers.

“That transformation is clearly bringing new customers to the brand — as passenger cars and four-cylinder engines are driving Chevrolet’s growth this year,” Batey said. “We expect that momentum to accelerate as Chevrolet introduces three new cars over the next two years – the Sonic, Spark, and next-generation Malibu.”

Much of Chevrolet’s growth for 2011 can be attributed to the successful launch of the all-new Chevrolet Cruze compact car, combined with the continued success of the Malibu midsize sedan.

Both cars were among the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the industry in May, when the Cruze was also the best-selling compact car in the United States. The success of the Cruze has increased Chevrolet’s share of the compact-car segment from 9.5 a year ago to 11.6 percent for the first five months of 2011, even as the segment size has grown by 19 percent.

For the first six months of the year, total Malibu sales are expected to increase 17 percent, while retail sales are on track to exceed last years’ record pace by 4 percent.

Consumer demand for the Cruze and Malibu has helped Chevrolet grow in traditionally strong car markets. Based on the latest retail registration data for 2011, Chevrolet is exceeding the industry’s growth in:

    • California, where Chevrolet is up 42 percent, compared to 25 percent for the industry
    • Florida, where Chevrolet is up 31 percent, compared to 19 percent for the industry
    • New York, where Chevrolet is up 36 percent, compared to 16 percent for the industry.