And while Chrysler has been taking a hit in the domestic market, its sales overseas set a company record. And General Motors sales overseas is said to be as much as its total sales in North America.
General Motors has emphasized high end and specialty products in its foreign sales strategy including the Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Corvette. It is being said that Cadillac is doing well in China and the Vette has made gains in Europe.
But U.S. auto makers are learning that they must satisfy the regional needs of buyers. For example, when the Cadillac CTS was first shown at the Beijing Auto Show in 2006, it did not include a rear seat entertainment and climate control systems. It turns out that high end buyers of cars are still chauffeured in China and vehicles with such systems would be preferred. So now the Chinese version of the Cadillac STS includes them. Moreover, the vehicle itself has been stretched to provide more back seat leg room.
GM also intends to sell the Buick Enclave in China in 2009.
Meanwhile, Ford and Chrysler are thinking about taking advantage of more export opportunities.