Shortage of cars in Japan will benefit GM

General Motors Co.’s (GM) stock has been upgraded by Credit Suisse to buy from neutral, in light of a report which that GM will gain the greatest benefit of any automaker from the shortage of Japanese cars due to the earthquake in March.  Colin Langan, an analyst with Credit Suisse, said, “We now view the Japan situation as the catalyst we’ve been looking for to carry GM through its weak launch period.”  GM’s sales for April are up 26% in light of the improving economy and high fuel costs which are moving consumers toward fuel efficient vehicles, such as the wide selection of smaller cars that GM offers.  GM could claim the title of the world’s biggest automaker this year, a major feat considering the company filed for bankruptcy in 2009.(May 4, 2011)