The company is pleased with its strong sales outside of North America, Wagoner said, and with its growing momentum in the U.S., driven by products like the redesigned Cadillac CTS. He added that early reaction to the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu sedan and to new hybrid versions of the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon were also positive.

FORBES: GM's Silver Lining

The market for mid-sized family cars will be especially competitive, with appealing new versions of the Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

FORBES: The Most Anticipated Cars of 2013

Autoweek points out the competition: The ninth-generation Honda Accord debuts just in time to take on an onslaught of new competition for the 2013 model year, including the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

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