GM Reports Slight Global Sales Growth in Second Quarter

General Motors Co. (GM) said global auto sales rose less than a percentage point in the second quarter, buoyed by moderate sales gains in China and North America.

North America sales rose 5.6% to 929,759 from a year earlier, despite the massive safety recalls the auto maker has issued in recent months.

However, the company's top-selling brand--Chevrolet, which has seen several of its models recalled--posted a 5.2% decline.

GM, the nation's largest auto maker, has recalled about 29 million cars and trucks in North America this year.

The company's Greater China segment improved the most from the year-ago period, with sales that climbed 8.1% to 812,170.

"GM did well in the world's two largest and most profitable vehicle markets and that helped us grow despite very challenging market conditions in parts of South America, Asia and Eastern Europe," Chief Executive Mary Barra said.

GM's Europe sales slid 11.2% to 336,394. GM's South America sales dropped by the widest margin--18.4%--to 213,954.

In total, the company sold 2.5 million cars, 0.50% more than a year earlier.

The company reported its top growth market was China, with a sales increase of 8.1%, followed by the U.S., where sales increased 6.7%.

Write to Joshua Jamerson at [e-mail]

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