At a recent presentation given by GM Zone Manager Southeast Region Jim Gurley, he spoke eloquently about GM's role in the American economy.

Gurley said that there is a myth that GM no longer matters to the U.S. or the economy, and he countered the myth with the following facts.

The U.S.-based auto industry remains a vital part of the economy.  It generates more employment, annual economic output, exports, and retail business than any other industry.  It directly employs a quarter of a million Americans, and supports another 5 million at dealerships, suppliers and service providers.

U.S.-based carmakers spend more on R&D than any industry – more than $12 billion annually. We also provide healthcare benefits to 2 million Americans, and support nearly 800,000 retirees and spouses with pension benefits.

In short, the economic impact of this industry is substantial, and reaches every state in the nation.

There is also the matter of national pride. GM is one of a handful of U.S.-based manufacturing companies that compete head-to-head with the world’s best in global markets. We are proud that we have become a truly global company, and proud that we are a leader in fast growing markets like China, Brazil and Eastern Europe. We are also proud that American brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac are known and admired around the world.