General Motors' top analyst projects sales growth for January

General Motors sales for January are expected to rise thanks to an improving economy and strong set of new models, according to estimates by Mike DiGiovanni, GM executive director for global market and industry analysis.

GM is expected to increase January sales by a double-digit percentage over the same month last year and gain market share, DiGiovanni said in a briefing with journalists. The complete monthly sales figures will be released on February 2.

The U.S. economy has started down a path to recovery, DiGiovanni  said. The U.S. auto industry could reach about 11.5 million to 12 million units in 2010. (That equates to 11.2 million to 11.7 million light vehicle sales.) GM’s previous U.S. industry forecast was 11 million to 12 million units.

GM continues to see strong performance from its launch vehicles – Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Cadillac SRX and Chevrolet Camaro, DiGiovanni said. All are seeing notable year-over-year retail increases, he said.

GM is benefiting from a commitment to a winning plan, DiGiovanni said. It’s developing great products, focusing on four brands and earning high marks for quality, he said.

The company also is staying disciplined in the market by managing supply so it aligns more closely with demand, reducing the reliance on incentives and maintaining a healthy mix for lease rates and daily rental car volumes, DiGiovanni said.

For the fourth month in a row, GM’s four core brands – Chevy, Cadillac, GMC and Buick – are expected to have an increase in year-over-year retail sales.

 “We do have a long-term plan,” DiGiovanni said. “We’re sticking to it and it’s beginning to work.”