In recent times, the debate over the fate of General Motors (GM) has only heated up as time appears to be running out for the world's no.1 carmaker while it struggles to save its future. Accumulating pension and healthcare obligations coupled with falling market share continue to haunt the auto giant from Detroit. The problem is that being a gigantic company, no solution seems to be perfect. Does that mean that the company has reached the end of the road? The invited eminent experts like David E Cole, Chairman, Center for Automotive Research, Michigan, USA; Peter M DeLorenzo, Automotive Consultant and Editor, Autoextremist.com; Arthur C Wheaton, Workplace & Industry Education Specialist, Institute for Industry Studies, Cornell University, USA; Steven Szakaly, Economist, Center for Automotive Research, Michigan, USA; and Charles Fleetham, President, Project Innovations Inc., USA, to share their perception on what the future holds for GM.

David E Cole (DEC): GM is a very strong global player in the industry and, in fact, their sales outside of the US are greater than in the US now. I believe they will solve problems in the US and be a stronger company because of the present challenges.

Peter M DeLorenzo (PMD): GM will continue to struggle while trying to shrink its size to meet its market share level in the US. They do have very competitive and in some cases class-leading products in the pipeline. However, if they can hang on and get the intransigent UAW to get in touch with the dire reality of the situation facing the company, they have a shot. Time is the enemy, and they may in fact run out of it before they can emerge in a healthier state. Globally, I think GM is in much better shape with a huge upside potential. GM's future profitability will come from the Asia-Pacific region. Future profitability is out of the question in the North American market for years to come, if ever.

Arthur C Wheaton (ACW): General Motors will continue to be one of the three largest auto companies of the world in the foreseeable future. There is, however, a good chance that Toyota will surpass GM in sales in the next three years. GM will continue to gain more sales in Eastern Europe, Asia (especially China) and South America. It will also continue to struggle in the US; especially, if there is a strike at Delphi

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