
General Motors (GM) typically sells between 6 and 6.5 million vehicles globally each year. In 2023, the company reported global sales of 6.19 million vehicles. This figure represents sales across its four core brands—Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac—in markets worldwide, with the United States and China being its two largest markets.
While the global number is substantial, the breakdown by region is crucial for understanding GM's business. The U.S. market is its largest, accounting for a significant portion of sales. For instance, in 2023, GM delivered approximately 2.6 million vehicles in the U.S. market. The company's performance is a key indicator of the overall health of the American automotive industry.
| Year | Global Sales | U.S. Sales | China Sales (with JV Partners) | Top-Selling U.S. Model (Units) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6.19 Million | 2.6 Million | ~2.1 Million | Chevrolet Silverado (543,780) |
| 2022 | 5.94 Million | 2.27 Million | ~2.3 Million | Chevrolet Silverado (513,354) |
| 2021 | 6.29 Million | 2.22 Million | ~2.9 Million | Chevrolet Silverado (529,765) |
| 2019 | 7.72 Million | 2.89 Million | ~3.09 Million | Chevrolet Silverado (575,600) |
| 2016 | 10.0 Million | 3.04 Million | ~3.87 Million | Chevrolet Silverado (574,876) |
It's important to note that sales figures can fluctuate significantly based on economic conditions, supply chain stability (like the semiconductor chip shortage that impacted 2021-2022 numbers), and consumer demand shifts. The trend in recent years also shows a strategic pivot. GM is heavily investing in electric vehicles (EVs); while EV sales are still a small percentage of the total, they are growing rapidly. The company's future sales volume will be increasingly tied to the adoption of its new models like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Silverado EV, and Cadillac Lyriq.

Honestly, the number changes every year. I just look at the headlines after they announce their quarterly results. Last year it was around 6.2 million cars and trucks sold worldwide. But what really matters is what's selling here. The Silverado and Sierra pickups are their cash cows—they sell hundreds of thousands of those alone. The exact number isn't as important as the trend; are they selling more or less than last year?

From a business perspective, GM's annual sales are a key metric of its market share and financial health. The figure usually hovers around six million units globally. However, the breakdown is more telling than the total. The profit is overwhelmingly driven by full-size trucks and SUVs in North America. While China is a massive volume market, the profit margins are thinner. So, when you hear the sales number, the real story is what they are selling and where.


