General Motors' different brands give the company the best position in the marketplace, CEO Rick Wagoner told a meeting of dealers.

"Our Opel/Vauxhall, Saab, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer brands complement each other perfectly, and represent a clear and consistent market orientation unmatched by any other automaker," Wagoner told a conference in Cologne, Germany.

He said the multibrand strategy would help dealers and strengthen GM's financial performance.

Around 6,000 employees and dealers at the event heard Wagoner stress how important GM Europe was to the rest of the group.

"Thanks to great cars, innovative, affordable technology, and high levels of commitment from all GME employees, we enjoy excellent market recognition in Europe, which is reflected in our sales," Wagoner said.

GM Europe sold 196,259 vehicles in Europe, including Russia and Turkey, in April. This was its best ever performance for the month, according to company figures.

In the four months to the end of April, GM Europe's sales were up 5.6 percent to 767,327 units from 725,481, according to company figures.

Sales of Cadillac, Chevrolet and Hummer were all up, although Opel/Vauxhall sales remained stable with a 0.8 percent increase to 559,958 units.

But the figures, which include Russia and Turkey, saw sales fall for Corvette and Saab.

Saab sales fell 10.8 percent to 25,999 cars while Corvette sales fell by 17.5 percent to 443.

GM Europe President Carl-Peter Forster was enthusiastic about the attractiveness of the different brands the company owns.

He said: "Our models meet customer tastes and wishes in the most demanding automotive market of all. The design, technology, environmental compatibility, functionality and quality of GME products are extremely competitive around the world."

He said there was great potential in the coming years for dealers and opportunities for gaining new customers and greater market share.

Forster said: "Our multi-brand strategy has been welcomed by the market, and is one of the reasons for GM's latest results in Europe."