GM is the third-largest automaker in the world in terms of the number of vehicles sold. GM commenced operations on July 10, 2009, after it substantially acquired all Old GM's assets and certain liabilities through a 363 Sale under the Bankruptcy Code.
GM automotive sells vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands. The company also has an equity ownership stake in entities that sells vehicles in China, under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Wuling brands. The company also develops and commercializes autonomous vehicle technology under the Cruise brand. GM also provides automotive financing services via its subsidiary General Motors Financial Company.
China, where GM operates through joint ventures, is the most valuable division of the company. Its U.S. operations come a close second.
GM's average transaction price in the U.S. is much higher than in any other geography. This is primarily because of the high number of pick-up trucks it sells to commercial and retail buyers. Moreover, GM is undertaking moves to modernize its truck lineup, changing the make of their bodies from steel to aluminum, which should make them lighter, more fuel-efficient, and easier to handle. As a result, the company's profitability from this segment could continue to rise and help drive its overall profits.
As the automobile market size in developing countries continues to increase, additional international and domestic competitors will seek to enter these markets, and existing market participants will act aggressively to increase their market share. Increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced margins, and GM's inability to gain or hold market share.
In response, GM aims to pursue local and regional solutions to meet specific market requirements while improving its share in important markets, including South Korea, South Africa, Russia, India, and the ASEAN region.
GM manufactures more than half of its vehicles on a common global architecture across its operations. This has resulted in lower investment per architecture and brand and will increase GM's product development and manufacturing flexibility, allowing it to maintain a steady schedule of important new product launches.
GM is focusing on the following to address market needs:
GM's continued investment in technologies that support energy diversity and energy efficiency, as well as in safety, telematics, and infotainment technology, will drive higher vehicle sales.