General Motors announced it will cut approximately 500 positions at its Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant by eliminating the third production shift. The move follows a review of capacity utilization under current U.S. import tariffs and declining demand for certain models built at the facility. GM said the shift reduction will lower annual labor costs by an estimated CAD 45 million and improve overall factory throughput. The company will reassign affected workers where possible and offer enhanced severance packages and retraining support to those unable to transition to other roles.

After delivering a total shareholder return of 54.2% in 2025—the stock’s best calendar performance since its 2010 NYSE relisting—GM has extended its rally into 2026. The automaker cited robust demand for its gas-powered SUVs and improved profit margins on its electric vehicles as key drivers, noting that operating income for the first three weeks of January rose 18% year-over-year. Institutional investors have increased their net long positions by 12% since the turn of the year, reflecting confidence in GM’s ability to sustain both legacy and next-generation product lines.

GM is committing tens of millions of dollars to the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City to increase wages and provide advanced skills training ahead of the 2026 introductions of the next-generation Buick compact SUV, a redesigned Chevrolet Equinox, and the return of the Chevrolet Bolt. The company will expand its on-site training center to accommodate 1,200 workers annually, nearly double current capacity, and implement a tiered wage structure that raises entry-level pay by 9% and adds incentives for certification in electric-vehicle assembly processes. Plant director Michael Youngs emphasized that these investments align with GM’s strategic goal of maintaining U.S. competitiveness through a highly skilled workforce.

In its fourth quarter, GM reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.51, surpassing consensus by $0.31, driven by strong margins on gas-engine pickups and non-U.S. volume gains. However, management provided 2026 earnings guidance of $9.75 to $10.50 per share, below the $11.73 average of analyst forecasts. RBC Capital responded by raising its target to $107 and reiterating an Outperform rating, highlighting potential gains from tariff relief and an expected $500 million improvement in EV margins. To return excess cash, GM also approved a $6 billion share repurchase program and a 20% dividend increase for fiscal 2026.