Is General Motors' New 2017 SUV a Good Move for Investors? - Motley Fool

Metaphorically speaking, automakers like General Motors typically live and die by the success or failure of full-size truck, SUV, and crossover sales. When the economy is surging and gas prices are low -- or when SUV fuel economy improves, as has done recently, and helps offset gas prices -- Detroit automakers thrive. the automaker reported second-quarter 2015 operating margins in North America of 10. 5%, which is excellent and represents its eighth consecutive quarterly year-over-year increase. By selling higher-priced SUVs, crossovers, and pickups, GM posted earnings of $1. 29 per share, excluding special items, in the second quarter, which was well ahead of Wall Street's expectations of $1. 08 per share. The good news for GM investors, and something investors in other automakers should watch, is that GM is taking advantage of increasing SUV sales -- for one thing, by planning the addition of a new SUV model in 2017. . But just how well are SUV... Looking at segment sales trends in the U. S. new-car market, it's clear where the growth is. Through the first half of 2015, total crossover sales are up 14. 3% through July. Source: www.fool.com