gm

General Motors has reclaimed the title of world's top-selling automaker, the first time GM has held the top spot since it was bailed out by the U.S. government after the financial crisis.

After massive layoffs in '09, the town of Spring Hill had been struggling. But the announcement of new production brings back a sense of hope.

Auto executives commonly refer to discount pricing of vehicles as an addiction: sure to bestow pleasurably higher sales volume, at least for awhile, but difficult to kick and potentially destructive over time.

Demand for GM cars is so high that the company is skipping its annual summer shutdown at its plants. Why is the carmaker doing so well?

Alisa Roth reports.

A year ago, GM was on the verge of obsolescence for business practices that have much in common with the way the federal government operates.

US carmakers were building momentum even before Toyota's recalls. Ford and GM now have an opportunity to solidify and extend their recent market-share gains.  

Costs are slashed nearly in half for some vehicles to clear inventories of the soon-to-be-orphaned brands. But there are risks for buyers.  

The midsized crossover was reviled as one of the worst cars of all time. But it represents the kind of risk-taking GM needs as it emerges from bankruptcy.

The brand achieved early success in drawing American motorists away from imports. But the smaller vehicles never were a comfortable fit within GM.  

The German government has given its blessing and a promise of $6 billion in financing to assist General Motors in selling its Opel division to a Canadian parts maker with Russian backing.

But GM is baulking at the deal. Stephen Beard reports.