General Motors Company (GM) operates within the Consumer Cyclical sector, specifically in the Automobiles & Trucks manufacturing industry. Founded in 1908 in the United States by William C. Durant, the company is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and has established itself as one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers, with operations spanning multiple automotive and financial segments.
GM’s business is structured into two primary segments:
Automotive:
Responsible for the development, manufacturing, and marketing of vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands. The company’s product lineup includes passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, distributed through an extensive global network of dealerships and authorized retailers.
Financial:
Through GM Financial, the company provides a range of financial services, including commercial lending for dealerships, financing for new and used vehicles, leasing solutions, and credit products to support dealership infrastructure.
With a global footprint, General Motors operates across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, maintaining manufacturing plants, research centers, and distribution networks in strategically relevant regions. Its portfolio includes both internal combustion and electric vehicles, reflecting the broader transformation of the automotive industry.
GM’s competitiveness is influenced by innovation in mobility, electrification, advancements in autonomous driving, and the growing importance of electric vehicles worldwide. The company continues to invest heavily in battery development, digital connectivity, and advanced driver-assistance technologies to keep pace with industry evolution.
The company’s operational structure includes factories, engineering centers, testing facilities, electric-vehicle technology hubs, and financial subsidiaries. With a workforce of approximately 135,000 employees, GM maintains an integrated and sustainability-focused production model.
History and Formation of General Motors Company
General Motors was founded in 1908 in the United States by William C. Durant with the objective of consolidating several automobile manufacturers. Initially, the company brought together brands such as Buick and Oldsmobile, rapidly expanding its presence in the automotive market.
GM’s accelerated growth enabled it to surpass Ford Motor Company in 1929, becoming the largest U.S. manufacturer of passenger vehicles. By 1931, it had also become the world’s largest producer of motor vehicles.
During World War II, the company halted civilian automobile production to focus on manufacturing aircraft, trucks, and military tanks.
Following the war, GM resumed normal operations and introduced groundbreaking innovations that reshaped the industry, such as independent suspension, unibody construction, and full steel roofing.
Over the decades, the company achieved major milestones, including:
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1995: Reaching 3 million vehicles sold outside North America and 5 million sold in the U.S. within the same year.
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2009: Facing a severe financial crisis, filing for reorganization, and receiving a $49.5 billion rescue package from the U.S. Treasury to stabilize operations.
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2010: Returning to the financial markets through an initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
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2020–2024: Increasing investments in electrification, artificial intelligence for autonomous driving, and sustainable mobility, including the development of Ultium, GM’s proprietary battery technology for electric vehicles.
In recent years, the company has accelerated its transition toward electric vehicles and autonomous mobility solutions, aligning with global industry trends.
Under the leadership of CEO Mary Barra, General Motors continues expanding its global presence and investing in new electric models, connectivity technologies, and infrastructure supporting sustainable transportation.
Additional Information
The Company General Motors Company (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 66.39 Billions, having an equity of $ 68.40 Billions.
With a total of 135.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Consumer Cyclical and categorized in industry of Auto & Truck Manufacturers.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 187.44 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 3.05 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 21.80, a P/BV ratio of 0.97 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of GM was at 0.77%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker GM.