Z-06

[source: BMW USA] 02.06.2009 Press Release BMW GROUP U.S. DIVISION REPORTS MAY 2009 SALES Overall sales (BMW and MINI) down 27.7 percent in May BMW brand reported best month so far this year BMW 3 Series hits two million milestone since its introduction in the US in 1976 Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 2, 2009... The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported May sales of 22,993 vehicles, a decrease of 27.7 percent from the 31,781 vehicles sold in the same month of 2008. The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 93,599 vehicles, down 29 percent, compared to 131,758 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago. BMW Brand Sales With 18,383 vehicles sold, the BMW brand reported its best month so far this year. Compared to the 25,469 vehicles reported in the same month a year ago, this is a decrease of 27.8 percent. Year-to-date, BMW brand sales were down 30.5 percent to 76,819 vehicles compared to 110,569 vehicles sold in the same period of 2008. "This month, the Northeast and Midwest showed signs of buyers' interest and that's a positive aspect for the entire premium market," said Jim O'Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. "As we have been seeing all year, customers remain cautious, and when they shop for premium products they are buying brands that have a history of value, dependability and enduring quality. This has helped sales in our core 3 Series, 5 Series and X5 range." The company's Ultimate Service including the four-year, no cost maintenance program combined with one of the highest residual values in the industry further contributes to BMW being a safe and secure purchase in this environment. In May, the BMW 3 Series reached an important milestone in the U.S. with over two million units sold since the launch of the first 3 Series (320i) in November 1976. The BMW 3 Series has remained the unrivaled benchmark in the premium segment for more than 30 years. BMW Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Sales of BMW's Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are up 8.3 percent, to 10,410 CPO vehicles versus 9,616 vehicles reported last May 2008. Year-to-date, CPO sales are up 9.8 percent, to 48,410 over the 44,077 reported in the same period of 2008. Since the beginning of the year, BMW has seen a strong performance of its certified used car business with May being the second best month in the history of the CPO program. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported sales of 4,610 automobiles, down 27 percent from the 6,312 cars sold in May 2008. Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 16,780 automobiles, a decrease of 20.8 percent, compared to the 21,189 cars reported in May 2008. "In May, the small car market continued to be soft due to restraint in new car purchases and gas prices that are around 40 percent lower than a year ago," said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. "Nonetheless, once again last month, MINI sales improved over the previous month and we continued to outperform the segment by a wide margin."

[source: Nissan North America] 06.02.2009 , Franklin, Tennessee NISSAN NORTH AMERICA ANNOUNCES MAY SALES Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported sales for March of 67,489 units versus 100,874 units a year ago, a decrease of 33.1 percent. Sales of Nissan Division vehicles decreased 32.5 percent, while sales of Infiniti vehicles decreased by 38.1 percent. NNA INFORMATION Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 67,489 units, compared with last May's sales of 100,874 units, marked a decrease of 33.1 percent. To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This May had 26 selling days, and May 2008 had 27 selling days. NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS Nissan vehicles saw sales of 60,993 units in May compared with 90,379 units sold in May 2008, a 32.5 percent decrease. Launched May 5th, the all-new, uniquely styled 2009 cube® saw sales of 1,745 units. The Rogue compact crossover increased sales of 11.0 percent from a year ago with 8,287 units, posting its largest monthly sales volume. Sales of the flagship Maxima sedan posted an 86.0 percent increase over year-ago, with sales of 6,082 units in May. INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS Infiniti sales for May were 6,496 units, down from 10,495 units a year ago, a decline of 38.1 percent. In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com.

[source: Honda Motors] 06.02.09 American Honda Reports May Sales Honda hybrid sales up 7.5 percent American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted May total vehicle sales of 98,344, a decline of 39.2 percent compared to all-time record-setting May 2008 results. Year-to-date sales of 430,358 represent a 33.3 percent decrease on a daily-selling-rate basis* compared to last year. Honda Division posted May sales of 88,875, a decline of 39.7 percent versus May 2008. The all-new Insight hybrid posted sales of 2,780, helping drive an increase in total Honda hybrid sales of 7.5 percent. "May of 2008 was the best month ever for American Honda, as consumers sought fuel-efficient cars in record numbers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "Staying true to the course of providing fuel- efficient, high-quality, fun-to-drive vehicles will hopefully help see us through to the economic recovery." Honda total car sales decreased by 48.9 percent to 51,947. Honda light truck sales saw a decrease of 19.4 percent to 36,928. The Acura Division posted sales of 9,469, a decrease of 34.0 percent compared to May 2008. The TL sedan was the division's top seller, with 3,375 units sold. *The daily selling rate is calculated with 26 days for May 2009 and 27 days for May 2008. The year-to-date daily selling rate is calculated with 127 days for 2009 and 129 days for 2008. All percentages reflect the daily selling rate.

[source: Toyota Motor Corporation] TOYOTA REPORTS MAY SALES 153,000 Deliveries Reported, Jump of 20% Compared to April 2008 TORRANCE, Calif. (June 2, 2009) – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today reported that May vehicle sales hit a new monthly high for the year and jumped 20.6 percent compared to April 2009. Sales of 152,583 vehicles trailed year ago levels and were down 38.4 percent from last May, on a daily selling rate basis. "The big jump in consumer confidence in May translated into a solid gain in retail vehicle sales compared to April," said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for TMS. "We're encouraged that consumers are beginning to return to showrooms and that the industry continues to show signs of stabilization." The Toyota Division posted May sales of 135,661 units, a decrease of 39.0 percent from the same period last year. The Lexus Division reported May sales of 16,922 units, a decrease of 33.9 percent from the year-ago month. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded May sales of 88,173 units, down 40.0 percent from the same period last year, but up 24.8 percent over April 2009. Camry and Camry Hybrid remained Toyota's volume leader in May, posting combined monthly sales of 31,325 units. Corolla recorded sales of 23,576 units. Yaris reported sales of 10,130 units for the month. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid posted May sales of 10,091 units. Toyota Division light trucks posted May sales of 47,488 units, down 36.9 percent from the year-ago month, but up 13.9 percent over April 2009. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV with sales of 12,730 units. The Tacoma mid-size pickup reported May sales of 10,162 units. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 6,414 units. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 7,556 units for the month. Scion posted May sales of 5,095 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with sales of 2,216 units. The tC sports coupe recorded sales of 1,814 units. The xD reported sales of 1,065 units for the month. Lexus Division Lexus passenger cars reported May sales of 8,477 units, a decrease of 46.0 percent from May 2008, but up 17.9 percent over the prior month. Passenger car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan with May sales of 4,125 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan posted combined sales of 2,913 units. The LS flagship luxury sedan recorded combined sales of 830 units. The GS luxury sport sedan reported combined May sales of 516 units. Lexus Division light trucks recorded May sales of 8,445 units, down 14.9 percent from the year-ago month, but up 20.5 percent over April 2009. Lexus sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined May sales of 7,462 units. TMS Hybrids TMS posted May sales of 14,846 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division recorded sales of 14,383 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported May sales of 463 hybrids. There were 26 selling days this month, compared to 27 selling days last May. About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. With more than 35,000 direct employees and 165,000 indirect employees in the U.S., TMS sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2008. For more information about Toyota, visit http://www.toyota.com/, http://www.lexus.com/, http://www.scion.com/ or http://www.toyotanewsroom.com/.

[source: General Motors] FOR RELEASE: 2009-06-02 GM Gains Share For The Second Consecutive Month With 191,875 Deliveries in May Highest Monthly Sales Performance So Far in 2009 May results clearly reflect consumer confidence in GM's long-term viability May was the third consecutive month of monthly sales increases led by core brands: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac which were up 18 percent collectively compared with April 5,500 total Camaro sales smashes sales forecast as dealers sell cars as soon as they arrive Award-winning crossovers Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Chevrolet Traverse sales push mid-utility crossover retail sales up 15 percent compared with April DETROIT - General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 191,875 vehicles in May, down 29.6 percent compared with a year ago. However, when comparing GM's May sales with April, total volume was up 11 percent, or about 19,000 cars, crossovers and trucks resulting in the best monthly sales performance so far in 2009. "We were able to record our best monthly sales result of the year in May as we are seeing more positive signs in housing and consumer confidence in the market," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "Those signs, along with more clarity on the New GM, are providing some additional consumer confidence. With GM's reinvention, the company has cleared a path for future success supported by world-class products such as the new Chevy Camaro, Equinox, Traverse and Malibu. We have compelling new offers in the marketplace, including reduced-rate financing available through GMAC, that encourage our customers to visit a showroom and buy today." GM total truck sales (including crossovers) of 110,866 were down 22 percent, and car sales of 81,009 were off 38 percent compared with a year ago. When compared with April's performance, there were several product highlights in GM's core brands to note: Chevrolet car retail sales were up 28 percent driven by Camaro, Malibu, Cobalt, Corvette and Aveo. Silverado, Colorado, HHR, Equinox, Tahoe and Traverse also saw retail sales increases with Chevrolet retail truck sales up 30 percent. Total Chevrolet vehicle retail sales increased 22 percent Buick Enclave retail sales increased 17 percent. LaCrosse retail sales climbed 24 percent as Buick retail sales increased 4 percent Cadillac Escalade retail sales increased nearly 14 percent, and DTS sales climbed 3 percent GMC retail sales were up 17 percent. Retail sales increases of 30 percent for Sierra, 17 percent for Canyon, 13 percent for Yukon and 8 percent for Acadia were reported "What was lost in all the financial turmoil is that our outstanding products continue to compete strongly in the market and Camaro is a red-hot example," LaNeve said. "We sold 5,500 Camaros in May without any incentives, and are continuing to deliver them to customers as fast as we possibly can. We are dominating the full-size pickup segment with Silverado and Sierra, as well as offering the best selection of crossovers with Traverse, Acadia, Outlook and Enclave. Importantly, Traverse was just recognized by a leading consumer publication as getting a "Very Good" rating in its most recent ranking of crossovers with third-row seating. Less than a year after initial launch, Traverse is now neck-and-neck in sales with our foreign competition. "The President's comments yesterday were very positive and we are deeply appreciative of the support of our company," LaNeve added. "The President again restated our shared belief that GM will be a part of a strong and viable auto industry for many years to come, and customers should feel very comfortable buying our outstanding cars, crossovers and trucks." A total of 1,739 GM hybrid vehicles were delivered in the month, illustrating the wide range of hybrid product offerings available. GM offers the Chevrolet Malibu, Tahoe and Silverado, GMC Yukon and Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, Saturn Aura and Vue hybrids. So far, in 2009, GM has delivered 6,895 hybrid vehicles. GM inventories dropped compared with a year ago, and were at their second-lowest monthly level on record. At the end of May, about 674,000 vehicles were in stock, down about 98,000 vehicles (or 13 percent) compared with last year. There were about 284,000 cars and 390,000 trucks (including crossovers) in inventory at the end of May. Inventories were reduced about 67,000 vehicles compared with April and are down approximately 16 percent compared with January. GM Certified Sales GM Certified Used Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, combined sold 33,633 vehicles. GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling certified brand, posted May sales of 28,802 vehicles, down 28 percent from May 2008. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 1,103 vehicles, down 23 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 488 vehicles, down 42 percent. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 3,018 vehicles, down 18 percent. One brand showed an uptick: HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 222 vehicles, up 16 percent. "We are more optimistic about the market as GM enters this new chapter," said LaNeve. "Our Certified Used and Pre-Owned vehicle programs fall in line with the new GM as we offer the best peace of mind experience for customers when purchasing a used vehicle. We will honor our warranty commitment given at the time of purchase to owners of current and future General Motors Certified Used and Pre-Owned Vehicles, such as the 12-month/12,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty for Certified Used and Pre-Owned vehicles, and focus on the customers' needs from their sales to service experience. Going forward, we and our dealers will offer the consumer nothing less than the best cars and trucks --- both new and Certified Used and Pre-Owned vehicles." GM North America reports May 2009 production; Q2 2009 production forecast remains at 390,000 vehicles In May, GM North America produced 134,000 vehicles (58,000 cars and 76,000 trucks). This is down 114,000 vehicles or 46 percent compared with May 2008 when the region produced 248,000 vehicles (118,000 cars and 130,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 8,000 vehicles in May 2009 and 17,000 vehicles in May 2008.) The region's 2009 second-quarter production forecast remains at 390,000 vehicles (172,000 cars and 218,000 trucks), which is down about 53 percent compared with a year ago. GM North America built 834,000 vehicles (382,000 cars and 452,000 trucks) in the second quarter of 2008. About GM: General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com. Note: GM sales and production results are available on GM Media OnLine at http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en by clicking on News, then Sales/Production. In this press release and related comments by General Motors management, we use words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "objective," "plan," "goal" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, representing our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to have the 363 sale approved by the Bankruptcy Court and to complete it on an expedited timeline; our ability to sustain vehicle sales in the U.S. and globally while we carry out our restructuring plans; the ability of our foreign subsidiaries to restructure, enter into the new investment arrangements they have announced, and receive other financial support from their local governments; our ability to build consumers' confidence in our viability following Chapter 11 proceedings and to continue to attract customers, particularly for our new products; our ability to continue to sell, spin-off or phase out some of our brands, to manage the distribution channels for our products, and to complete other planned asset sales; and the overall strength and stability of general economic conditions and of the automotive industry, both in the U.S. and globally. GM's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q provide information about these factors, which may be revised or supplemented in future reports to the SEC on Form 10-Q or 8-K.

I think Sky would be better off to Caddy and Solstice to Chevy with both being harnessed on alpha platform. Yes that Buick model lineup will be certainly a good one.

Good news keeps on getting better. All the negative nannies note, GM will be back and back big time.

I can feel the pain. I always tip the delivery guy. Before Papa Johns started to add tips to the orders online, I once had ordered pizza and did not have cash to give the pizza driver. I went to the ATM and met the driver at the store and tipped him. The guy was a Bulgarian in his 30's driving a tripped down Jetta. He appreciated it so much that whenever I ordered pizza after that, he made sure that he was the delivery guy. Small things make a big difference.

Cigarette

You can always get yourself a suction pump with desired HP rating with a hose just the right size for your orifice.

Here it is. I cannot translate the German article.

The fact that amazes me is the stakes are so high in this automobile game that country like Germany wants to protect a small manufacturer in volume, yet our country wants to get rid of the World's #2 auto manufacturer.

That is the curse of being #1, you start thinking everything is trivial even if it is a line of ants entering your giant fortress. The most important thing is that it is never too late to mend, and GM was making an effort to mend, but it could not mend labor and dealers beyond a certain point without getting into a big mess. Bankruptcy is the perfect way it can get rid of those two, so GM bankruptcy is in someways blessing in disguise and should not be considered terrible as people think out or make it out to be.

Jello

Yeah that is why Volkswagen and German government gave money under the table to Porsche and Japanese government handed Toyota 25B through the veil of Toyota's financing arm.

True about 20 years, but the results were there after the major restructuring in 2006/7 when GMNA actually made profit in two consecutive quarters despite of write downs and not counting any sales of assets. The management has/were giving serious thoughts on product portfolio and majority have been hits than duds contrary to what it was in the past. GM got in the mess 5 years ago from the mess that was created 30 years ago. But the current mess it is in cannot be blamed on GM alone because GM actually made efforts to get out of the mess.

I stand corrected. But the fact remains, that you cannot be competitive in a market which is superficially free without needing some help from the government. It is government's fault for bringing us into this scenario. I am glad that you hate the Walmartization of the country and that you pay more for a made in America product than a Chinese or an Indian product. Why because this is the country which makes me live, eat and be safe when I sleep. Most others do not see it that way. I wish every one thinks that way. Sorry that I assumed you to be stereotypical. At this time, everyone has to make sacrifices, and for the time being these sacrifices mean giving your tax money to a company which can actually create jobs and revitalize the economy rather than turning your back and leaving it altogether that is the only way you are going to get your money back. Soon you will turn your back on this own country. Everyone on this website who is a GM fan has lost his/her brand or vehicle, but if you give an excuse of leaving because you were slighted not because of a superior product from another company, then your argument is shallow.

Past is the past no one can correct it, but failing to accept it and moving on is another stigma. What is important are the strides GM took restructuring almost 4 years ago after accepting the failures and putting efforts in bringing in the right products. Large companies with complicated labor contracts and dealer agreements cannot be changed overnight, but the insight was there. Yes GM had looked at the scenario of recession and had made its business plans for a market of 12M vehicles, not 10M vehicles which we saw, that is when everything went wrong. Just ask Toyota, despite of its so called efficiency, it still managed to post a bigger quarterly loss than the company teetering on bankruptcy. Oh, and what about Porsche was it mismanaged for 30 years too?

I still will repeat this, GM went into bankruptcy not completely because of itself, but partially because of the economic environment. GM had made great efforts to clean its crap up over the past 4 years. What it could not do is clean the UAW and dealers which were the real albatrosses, bankruptcy will make it stronger. There will be opposition, but hopefully it won't be as strong as Chrysler because of all those negotiations.

Dirty

That will also include Toyota, Honda, Porsche and practically every other manufacturer that has received under handed bailout from their respective governments. You are crying about $45 B spent on auto manufacturers when close to $1 T was lost by the banks and financial institutions which have never even created wealth of any sorts. Oh wait, never mind, you or your close ones might have a lot money invested in these institutions and would like to save at least some through other taxpayers rather than loosing everything. Or may be you work in one of those and are therefore calling the kettle black, or you are just ignorant. You should ride Trek carbon fiber bikes, at least those are made in America and feel proud of it. But then you would start complaining that the French manufacturer produces bikes that are $100 cheaper because they make third grade carbon fiber in China and you would rather have that because you are saving $100 on a $2,000 bike for which you are ready to forgo some other jobs in this country and be ready to ship it to China thus reducing the GDP. Shortsighted and egotistical people like yourself who look at the price rather than the value are the main cause why the country is in ramshackle.

Orgy

You are assuming Man-Woman 69, not a bulletproof meaning. It should be more like Simultaneous Cunnilingus - SC. Now that is all encompassing. Reponse to thread: 4 Tits.

Play time

[source: Wall Street Journal] New Era in Autos as GM Files for Bankruptcy By KEVIN HELLIKER, NEIL KING JR. and JOHN D. STOLL DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy early Monday, marking the humbling of an American icon that once dominated the global car industry and setting up a high-stakes gamble for The question now facing 56,000 auto workers, 3,600 GM dealers and the Obama administration: Will it work? The government, which will own a majority of the company, is wagering upwards of $30 billion that it can return GM to profitability, reversing a decades-long decline by shearing away liabilities and creating a freshly competitive car maker by summer's end. The reorganization faces myriad risks, ranging from legal challenges to the uncertainty of when consumer demand for new cars will rebound. In becoming GM's new owner, the government is also entering largely unexplored terrain filled with political minefields, notably the possibility of meddling by Congress in the company's daily operations and business plans. Even if a new GM emerges swiftly from bankruptcy, the administration will face a thicket of challenges, including closing more than a dozen factories and shedding the Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Hummer brands. Shepherding these unwanted parts of GM -- the so-called Old GM -- through liquidation in court could take years, with potential extra costs to taxpayers if the process bogs down. And unknown is how the cost of restructuring both GM and Chrysler LLC would have compared with the cost of letting both companies fail in terms of lost wages, disruptions among car-parts makers and the broader economic fallout. Chrysler, which could emerge from bankruptcy as soon as Monday, will be controlled by Italy's Fiat SpA under its own risky revamping. In a potential sign of turbulence, secured lenders to GM, which are owed about $6 billion, expect the government to pay their claims at face value during court proceedings, but only if they release their claims against certain GM property, such as inventory, machinery and receivables. This could open the lenders to later demands they pay back part of the loans, if the collateral is deemed less valuable than initially agreed upon. But there is a rosy scenario, too, according to government and industry officials as well as other experts. Bankruptcy should allow GM to pull off one of the most expedient downsizings in the industry's 120-year history. Long hampered by laws, union strife and management practices that kept it from fast action to fix problems, GM plans to eliminate almost all of its debt, halve its U.S. brands, shutter 2,600 dealers and rewrite labor contracts almost overnight. Emerging sometime this summer would be a GM with a cleaner balance sheet and slimmer operations than the company that has posted deep losses since 2005. GM has burned through $33.6 billion in cash the past four years. Under its restructuring plan, GM will shed more than $79 billion in debt, gain work-force savings worth billions of dollars a year, close unneeded facilities and reduce its dealer network by 40%. Sales consultant Ron Cruz hangs a red tag with a fixed, discounted price for this GMC Envoy SUV at the Martin General Motors dealership in Los Angeles Monday, Nov. 14, 2005. Sales consultant Ron Cruz hangs a red tag with a fixed, discounted price for this GMC Envoy SUV at the Martin General Motors dealership in Los Angeles Monday, Nov. 14, 2005. The Obama administration, for its part, has navigated the GM rescue so far with notable speed, clearing away many of the biggest obstacles in just months with less drama than many expected. In six to 18 months, GM could be a publicly traded company again, administration officials said. Under the plan, the administration will spend a bit more than $30 billion to fund the bankruptcy and in exchange receive 60% of GM's stock, while the Canadian government will put in $9.5 billion for a 12% stake, senior administration officials said. Over the weekend, owners of a majority of $27 billion in GM unsecured bonds agreed to a sweetened offer to trade their investment for stock. Days earlier, the United Auto Workers union signed off on a range of concessions. GM at the last minute also found buyers for some unwanted subsidiaries, including German-based Opel, which is being acquired by a consortium led by Canadian auto-parts supplier Magna International Inc., and the Hummer brand, whose buyer remained undisclosed. GM is expected to file its papers at 8 a.m. Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York's Southern District in Manhattan, followed soon after by a speech by President Barack Obama. GM Chief Executive Frederick "Fritz" Henderson will then hold a news conference in New York outlining GM's plans. Long-term success for the company depends on a critical question: When will consumer demand for new cars rebound, and with what force? New-vehicle sales in the U.S. have dropped nearly 40% since January, to an annual rate of fewer than 9.5 million a year. At that level, even Toyota Motor Corp., the world's biggest car maker, is losing money. Under the restructuring plan, the surviving New GM would break even when the rate of all new-vehicle sales in America reaches 10 million a year. In the view of many analysts, economic recovery should unleash pent-up demand, pushing U.S. sales far past GM's break-even point, though probably not within reach of the historic peak of more than 17 million sales back in 2000. Yet some worry the New GM will emerge under the same management as its predecessor, minus longtime Chief Executive Rick Wagoner. After pushing out Mr. Wagoner in March, the Obama car task force gave the top job at GM to Mr. Henderson, a 25-year veteran whose father worked at the company. In an interview Thursday, Mr. Henderson said he understands that federal officials want results. "They're expecting that we'll get the job done," he said. GM won't prosper without halting the lengthy slide in its U.S. market share, to 22% in 2008 from 45% in 1980. It faces the old perception of poor quality that turned swaths of the American market toward foreign-brand models. "I won't buy another GM," said Dennis Brown, a banker in Cypress, Calif., whose 1980s-vintage Pontiac Fiero and Chevy Chevette suffered a litany of mechanical problems. Current GM models have fared better in quality rankings. Beyond quality, trendsetters typically shun Detroit-brand cars, a problem that is especially prevalent among highly educated buyers who also tend to purchase higher-margin vehicles. Car buyers who are college graduates account for 70% of European-brand car sales in the U.S. and 55% of Asian brands -- but only 39% of Detroit-brand car sales, according to J.D. Power & Associates. GM hopes to counter its image as a maker of gas guzzlers with the 2010 introduction of the electric-powered Chevrolet Volt. Administration officials have downplayed the market potential of the Volt because of its expected $40,000 price tag, compared with less than $25,000 for the popular Toyota Prius, a hybrid gas-electric. Even at $40,000, moreover, the Volt will struggle to break even because of the cost of its technology. GM's new deal with the UAW, meantime, promises to deliver considerable cash savings, and has been billed as capable of putting GM's labor costs on a level playing field with key rivals such as Toyota and Honda Motor Co. GM cut hourly costs, such as overtime provisions, supplemental unemployment and entry-level pay rates, by at least $1.5 billion annually. But the car maker will not be entirely out of the woods. It faces heavy retiree-related costs that will cut into profits on every car and truck it builds. Because of the way the UAW health-care agreement is set up, GM will still be sending about $600 million to the union annually in the form of preferred stock dividends. Even if GM builds two million vehicles a year in the U.S., a stretch in the current 10-million annual market, it will spend $300 in retiree health-care costs per vehicle it builds in the U.S. GM faces another challenge related to pension obligations. Once flush thanks to strong investments, GM's pension funds, covering nearly 500,000 Americans, have been drained by the decline in the stock market and by a move by the company to increase pension payments to offset falling health-care benefits and entice older workers to retire early. As of Dec. 31, GM estimated its U.S. pension funds were underfunded by $12 billion to $13 billion, and would need "significant contributions" as early as 2013. In its deal with the UAW, GM canceled some pension-benefit increases that were due to retirees. But GM may attempt to use bankruptcy protection to allow the Treasury to buy attractive assets of GM without assuming the related pension liabilities. On Feb. 17, GM asked the government to bail out the company's pension funds in coming years. Write to Kevin Helliker at [email protected], Neil King Jr. at [email protected] and John D. Stoll at [email protected] [Official Bankruptcy Filing]