NEW YORK, April 25 — General Motors raised key 2023 profit projections today following a solid first quarter in which strong results in North America compensated for declines in other regions.
The big US automaker reported profits of US$2.4 billion, down 19 per cent from the year-ago level, but translating to better-than-expected profits per share.
Revenues were US$40 billion, up 11 per cent.
Deliveries rose in North America, which accounted for more than half of overall car sales.
But sales dropped in the Middle East, Africa and Asia/Pacific regions, notably including key growth area China, where GM cited "challenging industry conditions" in a market that has seen heavy competition and price cuts.
GM said it was on track for a "breakout" year in 2023 for electric vehicles in which the no-emission autos transition from a minor component of sales into a meaningful contributor.
The Detroit-based automaker will produce 400,000 EVs over the course of 2022, 2023 and the first half of 2024.
GM lifted its full-year forecast for earnings before income taxes and one-time items. It also raised its outlook for cashflow-oriented figures that are also closely monitored by Wall Street.
However, the company now sees net income of US$8.4 billion to US$9.9 billion, down from the earlier range of US$8.7 billion to US$10.1 billion, due to US$900 million in costs tied to a voluntary downsizing program among salaried workers.
Shares rose 3.2 per cent to US$35.38 in pre-market trading. — AFP
