chevy cruze

An iffy economy and high unemployment rate make a flock of new vehicles priced below $20,000 well timed for their 2011 debuts. At the North American International Auto Show, concluding in Detroit today, Jan. 23, and at the Chicago Auto Show, held Feb. 11-20, budget vehicles are the stars. Fiat...

Considering where the iconic carmaker has been in recent years, the pending IPO -- and robust investor demand for shares -- is a remarkably positive step. But GM still has plenty of problem spots that will need fixing if this historic event is to have lasting meaning.

GM reported Wednesday that sales fell 25% year-over-year in August as the recovery appeared to stall and cautious consumers held back on buying cars. But despite the downturn, GM officials said they remain upbeat that the hard-hit auto industry will continue to improve in the months ahead.