MIRAMAR, Fla. (AP) -- General Motors Corp. said Monday sales in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East rose 3 percent during the third quarter, bucking the steep sales declines weighing on other markets.
The Detroit-based automaker said third-quarter sales rose 11,400 units to 341,900 vehicles, bringing its quarterly market share to 17 percent.
GM did not break out individual sales by model, but said it saw strong demand for its Chevrolet Aveo subcompact and Cadillac CTS sedan.
"We are still showing solid growth, despite the global economic crisis that surrounds us," said Maureen Kempston Darkes, president of the GM unit, in a statement.
The company said sales rose by double-digit percents in seven markets, including a 16 percent increase in Brazil, a 19 percent increase in Chile and a 27 percent jump in the Middle East.
The stronger sales in these regions come as GM and other automakers are reporting flagging volumes in North America, Western Europe and elsewhere due to volatile fuel prices, a weak economy and tight credit markets. Earlier this month, GM said its U.S. sales in September fell 16 percent. Year to date sales in the U.S. are down 19 percent.
Shares of GM rose $1.08, or 22 percent, to $5.96 in morning trading amid reports over the weekend the company had explored the possibility of a combination with Chrysler LLC and, earlier, Ford Motor Co.
