CUTTING costs and exploiting new business opportunities, particularly in vehicle repairs, finance and insurance must be pursued in the quest for improved profitability, according to General Motors bosses. Despite 1999 seeing a 7% rise in sales globally with all GM's regions returning improved year-on-year figures with the exception of Asia Pacific, Jack Smith, General Motors chairman and chief executive officer, said he was concerned at the 'waste' in the business.

In addition, last year saw record vehicle production levels in Europe. General Motors president and chief operating officer Rick Wagoner said: 'We would like to grow in Europe and be in a stronger position, but that is tough. We must re-focus on costs. We need to look further at innovative products because Zafira shows what can be done. Such a vehicle helped our image and sales and also profitability.'