GM is predicting a double digit a rise in January sales over the previous year, which saw a 30% drop in sales. GM believes that signs of recovery in the industry and the general economy will boost the companies performance. It certainly doesn’t hurt that GM has come to terms with the sale of Saab and is in the process of phasing out or selling Saturn, Hummer, and Pontiac. There are already signs GM’s business is improving. Some of its models, including the Cadillac SRX are in short supply, and could require the reopening of factories closed last year. Also, one of GM’s Japanese competitors, Toyota, is dealing with troubles in the form of recalls. When you combine that with the fact GM that is offering discounts for car-buyers trading in the that company’s vehicles, it’s easy to see how GM could gain an increased market share. GM has even agreed to make $1,000 worth of payments to Toyota on behalf of lessees.