GM's Strategy Shift: Embracing Smaller Cars to Regain Market Share

The Frankfurt Auto Show is currently underway, and General Motors is launching several new products. Bloomberg TV's Deirdre Bolton spoke with GM's Vice Chairman of Corporate Strategy, Stephen Girsky, about the automaker's strategy and the prospects of smaller cars. Girsky emphasized GM's focus on the small car segment, citing the success of the Chevrolet Cruze and the upcoming launch of the Sonic. The Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid, is also being touted as a game-changer in attracting new customers.

Key Takeaways:

• GM is actively participating in the small car segment, particularly in the US, with new products like the Chevrolet Cruze and the upcoming Sonic.
• The company is gaining market share in the US, largely due to its presence in new small segments.
• GM's goal is to satisfy customers, and the company is seeing success in this area.
• The company is not releasing specific sales targets for its new products.
• Girsky declined to comment on ongoing talks with the unions, citing prudence.

Statistics:

• The Chevrolet Cruze is one of the bestselling vehicles in the US.
• The Sonic, a smaller car than the Cruze, is going to be launched soon.
• GM is gaining share in the US market due to its presence in new small segments.

Sources:

• "Stephen Girsky of General Motors is interviewed on Bloomberg TV September 13, 2011" (exact quote)
• Bloomberg LP (copyright 2011, all rights reserved)
• CQ-Roll Call, Inc. (copyright 2011, all materials protected by US copyright law)