General Motors Monday said its sales increased 12.2 percent in 2010, boosted by record sales in China, to touch 8.3 million vehicles compared to 7.4 million in 2009. GM achieved double-digit increases in five of its top 10 markets, including the 28.8 percent increase in China, where the Detroit-based firm and its partners were the first to top the two-million sales mark in a single year.
It also reported an increase of 41.3 percent in Uzbekistan in Central Asia, which is now GM's 10th-largest market by volume.
Deliveries in the United States, GM's second largest market, rose 6.3 percent despite the phase-out or sale of four brands, while Brazil, GM's third-largest market, saw sales rise by 10.4 percent.
Sales also increased in Russia, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
GM, however, suffered some significant setbacks particularly in Germany where sales dropped 29.5 percent and Italy where sales fell 10 percent.
General Motors led the global industry for more then 70 years until 2008 when it was surpassed by Toyota, which is expected to retain the sales crown for the third straight year once all the sales numbers are tallied for 2010.
