GM SELLS MORE THAN NINE MILLION VEHICLES GLOBALLY
Preliminary sales figures released today show that GM sold over nine million cars and trucks in 2006, marking the third time (2006, 2005 and 1978) the world's largest automaker has sold more than nine million vehicles in a calendar year.
"GM had some notable sales successes as we continued to expand in key growth markets around the world in 2006," said John Middlebrook, GM vice president of Global Sales, Service and Marketing Operations. "In 2006, we saw 18 percent growth in the Asia/Pacific region, and 17 percent growth in the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region. We're also seeing improving results in Europe where we sold more than two million vehicles for the first time."
The expansion of GM's four global brands, Chevrolet, HUMMER, Saab and Cadillac, is showing concrete signs of success.
MANUFACTURING
TONAWANDA ENGINE (Western New York) GETS $300 MILLION TO BUILD V8 ENGINE 
GM announced it will invest $300 million in its
GM Powertrain Tonawanda engine plant to manufacture a new, technically advanced dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-8 engine, slated to begin production in 2009.
"This all-new engine will play a critical role in GM's exciting future luxury vehicle portfolio," said John Buttermore, GM Powertrain vice president of global manufacturing. "As one of the most technically advanced engines in GM, its power and smoothness will be among the world's best, and yet more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly."
The GM Powertrain Tonawanda engine plant has produced nearly 67 million engines since its opening in 1938. The plant employs 1,860 people.
AWARDS/HONORS
GM RECEIVED "OVERALL MANUFACTURER" AWARD FROM POLK
GM was recognized as the "Overall Manufacturer" at the 11th Annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards at the 2007 Automotive News World Congress in Detroit. Winning the "Overall Manufacturer" award for the seventh consecutive year, GM demonstrated an outstanding ability to retain its customers for the 2006 model year. GM also received five awards including honors for its Chevrolet Impala, Corvette and Tahoe, and the Saturn Ion and Vue.
"GM customer loyalty increased at least three percentage points in each winning category," said Stephen R. Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. "We congratulate GM and wish the company continued success in its customer loyalty efforts as it launches several new products this year."
The Polk Automotive Loyalty Award is based on actual model-year purchase or lease activity and recognizes manufacturers for superior performance in customer retention, a critical aspect of building and maintaining market share. The award is the only award in the industry based on consumer loyalty. Awards are based on actual consumer transactions, with over six million household records per year being analyzed to determine the winners.
More Good GM News
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Carl
We got the "Official" news earlier today in a news conference set up in Plant 5. 
I grew up in the Falls area and lived on Cayuga Island. I too bought a number of vehicles from the old Massaro Chevrolet. My 73 - 454 Corvette was purchased from them back in spring of 1973.
Go Gm!!! Go Gm!!! Go!!!
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