General Motors Could Expand California Operations

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- The recent return to profitability at General Motors could mean more Bay Area dealerships in the future.

Just two years after closing several thousand dealerships nationwide, GM North America President Mark Reuss said that he wants to open more dealerships in San Francisco and other coastal markets.

"We're encouraged by the success that many of our newer products are having in the marketplace," said General Motors spokeswoman Ryndee Carney. "Our retail sales were up 36 percent year-over-year for the month of January."

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

Reuss said the long-term project will take years to complete and has not specified how it will be financed.

Carney said the turnaround was in large part the result of a multi-billion dollar taxpayer bailout.

"We very much want to increase our sales in key markets such as California. If we are successful and able to do that, we might be able to take a look at potentially relocating or adding additional sales points at some point in time," she said.

GM currently has 227 dealers in California.

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