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GENERAL Motors (GM) Zimbabwe recorded an increase in sales for the year to December 2014 as the company market share rose to 20 percent. This comes as the firm’s authorised local dealer, Autoworld, secured the highest market share by the third quarter of last year with Isuzu sales grabbing 11.4 percent of the share.

The company said the performance represents a 23 percent increase over 2013, and Isuzu sales were up by 60.4 percent compared to 2013.

The Chevrolet portfolio saw the Trailblazer leading the medium Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment with a 31 percent market share, and the Cruze also assisting in placing Chevrolet at the front of the passenger car segment.

The company said the growth in sales was a breakthrough in a market which declined by 12.2 percent year-on-year.

Dealer principal of Autoworld Bulawayo, Mike Blatch, said:

“Despite the harsh economic conditions prevailing in the country in 2014, we worked hard to minimise the effects of the decline by capitalising on all available opportunities — creating our own where none existed.

“We maintain a positive attitude and seek to constantly raise the bar, developing an attitude of continuous improvement amongst our staff.”

Alison de Klerk, dealer principal of Autoworld Harare, also cited a well priced mix of Chevrolet and Isuzu vehicles, a strong marketing presence and heightened engagement with the public as key contributing factors to the growth last year. — BH24.