Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting policies which follow are utilized by our automotive and automotive financing operations, unless otherwise indicated.

Revenue Recognition

Automotive

Automotive sales and revenue are primarily composed of revenue generated from the sale of vehicles. Vehicle sales are recorded when title and all risks and rewards of ownership have passed to our customers. For the majority of our automotive sales, this occurs when a vehicle is released to the carrier responsible for transporting to a dealer and when collectability is reasonably assured. Vehicle sales are recorded when the vehicle is delivered to the dealer in most remaining cases. Provisions for recurring dealer and customer sales and leasing incentives, consisting of allowances and rebates, are recorded as reductions to Automotive sales and revenue at the time of vehicle sales. All other incentives, allowances, and rebates related to vehicles previously sold are recorded as reductions to Automotive sales and revenue when announced.

Vehicle sales to daily rental car companies with guaranteed repurchase obligations are accounted for as operating leases. Estimated lease revenue is recorded ratably over the estimated term of the lease based on the difference between net sales proceeds and the guaranteed repurchase amount. The difference between the cost of the vehicle and estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated term of the lease.

Automotive Financing - GM Financial

Finance income earned on receivables is recognized using the effective interest method. Fees and commissions (including incentive payments) received and direct costs of originating loans are deferred and amortized over the term of the related finance receivables using the effective interest method and are removed from the consolidated balance sheets when the related finance receivables are sold, charged off or paid in full. Accrual of finance charge income is suspended on accounts that are more than 60 days delinquent, accounts in bankruptcy, and accounts in repossession. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are first applied to any fees due, then to any interest due and then any remaining amounts are recorded to principal. Interest accrual resumes once an account has received payments bringing the delinquency to less than 60 days past due.

Income from operating lease assets, which includes lease origination fees, net of lease origination costs and incentives, is recorded as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement.

Advertising and Promotion Expense

The following table summarizes advertising and promotion expenditures, which are expensed as incurred (dollars in millions):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Advertising and promotion expense	$	5,372	$	5,209	$	4,742

Research and Development Expenditures

The following table summarizes research and development expenditures, which are expensed as incurred (dollars in millions):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Research and development expense	$	7,368	$	8,124	$	6,962

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly-liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Automotive

The following table summarizes activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts (dollars in millions):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Balance at beginning of period	$	331		$	252		$	250
Amounts charged (credited) to costs and expenses	(10		)	159			93
Other	36			3			—
Deductions	(46		)	(83		)	(91		)
Balance at end of period	$	311		$	331		$	252

Fair Value Measurements

A three-level valuation hierarchy, based upon observable and unobservable inputs, is used for fair value measurements. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions based on the best evidence available. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;


•	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable; and


•	Level 3 - Instruments whose significant inputs are unobservable.

Financial instruments are transferred in and/or out of Level 1, 2 or 3 at the beginning of the accounting period in which there is a change in the valuation inputs.

Marketable Securities

We classify marketable securities as available-for-sale or trading. Various factors, including turnover of holdings and investment guidelines, are considered in determining the classification of securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded, net of related income taxes, in Accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. We determine realized gains and losses for all securities using the specific identification method.

We measure the fair value of our marketable securities using a market approach where identical or comparable prices are available, and an income approach in other cases. Securities are classified in Level 1 when quoted prices in an active market for identical securities are available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values of securities are determined using prices from a pricing service, pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flow models and are generally classified in Level 2. These prices represent non-binding quotes. U.S. government and agency securities, sovereign debt, certificates of deposit, and corporate debt securities are classified as Level 2. Our pricing vendor utilizes industry-standard pricing models that consider various inputs, including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads and benchmark securities as well as other relevant economic measures. We conduct an annual review of our pricing service. This review includes discussion and analysis of the inputs used by the pricing service to provide prices for the types of securities we hold. These inputs include prices for comparable securities, bid/ask quotes, interest rate yields, and prepayment speeds. Based on our review we believe the prices received from our pricing service are a reliable representation of exit prices. Securities are classified in Level 3 in certain cases where there are unobservable inputs to the valuation in the marketplace. Level 3 financial instruments typically include, in addition to the unobservable inputs, observable components that are validated to external sources.

An evaluation is made quarterly to determine if unrealized losses related to non-trading investments in securities are other-than- temporary. Factors considered in determining whether a loss on a marketable security is other-than-temporary include: (1) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been below cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and (3) the intent to sell or likelihood to be forced to sell the security before any anticipated recovery.

Finance Receivables

Pre-Acquisition Consumer Finance Receivables

Finance receivables originated prior to the acquisition of AmeriCredit Corp. (AmeriCredit) were adjusted to fair value at October 1, 2010. As a result of the acquisition the allowance for loan losses at October 1, 2010 was eliminated and a net discount was recorded on the receivables. The fair value of the receivables was less than the principal amount of those receivables, thus resulting in a discount to par. This discount was attributable, in part, to future credit losses that did not exist at the origination of the receivables.

A non-accretable difference is the excess between a loan's contractually required payments (undiscounted amount of all uncollected principal and contractual interest payments, both past due and scheduled for the future) and the amount of the loan's cash flows expected to be collected. An accretable yield is the excess in the loan's cash flows expected to be collected over the initial investment in the loan, which at October 1, 2010 was fair value.

As a result of acquisition accounting GM Financial evaluated the common risk characteristics of the loan portfolio and split it into several pools. GM Financial's policy is to remove a charged off loan individually from a pool based on comparing any amount received with its contractual amount. Any difference between these amounts is absorbed by the non-accretable difference. This removal method assumes that the amount received approximates pool performance expectations. The remaining accretable yield balance is unaffected and any material change in remaining effective yield caused by this removal method is addressed by GM Financial's quarterly cash flow evaluation process for each pool. For loans that are resolved by payment in full there is no release of the non-accretable difference for the pool because there is no difference between the amount received and the contractual amount of the loan.

Any deterioration in the performance of the pre-acquisition receivables will result in recording an incremental provision for loan losses. Improvements in the performance of the pre-acquisition receivables which results in a significant increase in actual or expected cash flows will result first in the reversal of any incremental related allowance for loan losses and then in a transfer of the excess from the non-accretable difference to accretable yield, which will be recorded as finance charge income over the remaining life of the receivables.

Post-Acquisition Consumer Finance Receivables and Allowance for Loan Losses

Finance receivables originated after the acquisition of AmeriCredit are carried at amortized cost, net of allowance for loan losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations in amounts sufficient to maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate to cover probable credit losses inherent in GM Financial's post-acquisition finance receivables.

The allowance for loan losses is established systematically based on the determination of the amount of probable credit losses inherent in the post-acquisition finance receivables as of the balance sheet date. GM Financial reviews charge-off experience factors, delinquency reports, historical collection rates, estimates of the value of the underlying collateral, economic trends, such as unemployment rates, and other information in order to make the necessary judgments as to probable credit losses. GM Financial also uses historical charge-off experience to determine a loss confirmation period, which is defined as the time between when an event, such as delinquency status, giving rise to a probable credit loss occurs with respect to a specific account and when such account is charged off. This loss confirmation period is applied to the forecasted probable credit losses to determine the amount of losses inherent in finance receivables at the balance sheet date. Assumptions regarding credit losses and loss confirmation periods are reviewed periodically and may be impacted by actual performance of finance receivables and changes in any of the factors discussed above. Should the credit loss assumption or loss confirmation period increase, there would be an increase in the amount of allowance for loan losses required, which would decrease the net carrying value of finance receivables and increase the amount of provision for loan losses recorded on the consolidated statements of operations.

Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.

Market, which represents selling price less cost to sell, considers general market and economic conditions, periodic reviews of current profitability of vehicles, product warranty costs and the effect of current incentive offers at the balance sheet date. Market for off-lease and other vehicles is current auction sales proceeds less disposal and warranty costs. Productive material, work in process, supplies and service parts are reviewed to determine if inventory quantities are in excess of forecasted usage, or if they have become obsolete.

Equipment on Operating Leases, net

Equipment on operating leases, net is reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation, net of origination fees or costs, and lease incentives. Estimated income from operating lease assets, which includes lease origination fees, net of lease origination costs, is recorded as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement. Depreciation of vehicles is provided on a straight-line basis to an estimated residual value over the term of the lease agreement.

We have significant investments in vehicles in operating lease portfolios, which are composed of vehicle leases to retail customers with lease terms of up to 60 months and vehicles leased to rental car companies with lease terms that average nine months or less. We are exposed to changes in the residual values of those assets. For impairment purposes, the residual values represent estimates of the values of the vehicles leased at the end of the lease contracts and are determined based on forecasted auction proceeds when there is a reliable basis to make such a determination. Realization of the residual values is dependent on the future ability to market the vehicles under the prevailing market conditions. The adequacy of the estimate of the residual value is evaluated over the life of the lease and adjustments may be made to the extent the expected value of the vehicle at lease termination changes. Adjustments may be in the form of revisions to the depreciation rate or recognition of an impairment charge. Impairment is determined to exist if the expected future cash flows, which include estimated residual values, are lower than the carrying amount of the vehicles leased. If the carrying amount is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows, including estimated residual values.

In our Automotive operations when a leased vehicle is returned the asset is reclassified from Equipment on operating leases, net to Inventories at the lower of cost or estimated selling price, less cost to sell. In our Automotive Finance operations when a leased vehicle is returned or repossessed the asset is recorded in Other assets at the lower of cost or estimated selling price, less costs to sell. Upon disposition a gain or loss is recorded for any difference between the net book value of the lease asset and the proceeds from the disposition of the asset.

Impairment charges related to Equipment on operating leases, net are recorded in Automotive cost of sales or GM Financial operating and other expenses.

Valuation of Cost and Equity Method Investments

When events and circumstances warrant, investments accounted for under the cost or equity method of accounting are evaluated for impairment. An impairment charge is recorded whenever a decline in value of an investment below its carrying amount is determined to be other-than-temporary. In determining if a decline is other-than-temporary, factors such as the length of time and extent to which the fair value of the investment has been less than the carrying amount of the investment, the near-term and longer-term operating and financial prospects of the affiliate and the intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery are considered. Impairment charges related to equity method investments are recorded in Equity income, net of tax and gain on investments. Impairment charges related to cost method investments are recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net.

Property, net

Property, plant and equipment, including internal use software, is recorded at cost. Major improvements that extend the useful life or add functionality of property are capitalized. The gross amount of assets under capital leases is included in property, plant and equipment. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. We depreciate all depreciable property using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the period of lease or the life of the asset, whichever is shorter. The amortization of the assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. Upon retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recorded in earnings. Impairment charges related to property are recorded in Automotive cost of sales, Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or GM Financial operating and other expenses.

Special Tools

Special tools represent product-specific powertrain and non-powertrain related tools, dies, molds and other items used in the vehicle manufacturing process. Expenditures for special tools are recorded at cost and are capitalized. We amortize all non-powertrain special tools over their estimated useful lives using an accelerated amortization method. We amortize powertrain special tools over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Impairment charges related to special tools are recorded in Automotive cost of sales.

Goodwill

Goodwill arises from the application of fresh-start reporting and acquisitions accounted for as business combinations. Goodwill is tested for impairment for all reporting units on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or more frequently, if events occur or circumstances change that would warrant such a review. When the fair value of a reporting unit falls below its carrying amount an impairment charge is recorded for the amount, if any, by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Fair values of reporting units are established using a discounted cash flow method. Where available and as appropriate, comparative market multiples and the quoted market price for our common stock are used to corroborate the results of the discounted cash flow method. Our reporting units are GMNA, GME, GM Financial and various reporting units within the GMIO and GMSA segments. Due to the integrated nature of our manufacturing operations and the sharing of assets, other resources and vehicle platforms among brands within GMNA and GME and because financial information by brand or country is not discrete below the operating segment level, GMNA and GME do not contain reporting units below the operating segment level. GM Financial also does not contain reporting units below the operating segment level. GMIO and GMSA are less integrated given the lack of regional trade pacts and other unique geographical differences and thus contain separate reporting units below the operating segment level. Goodwill would be reassigned on a relative-fair-value basis to a portion of a reporting unit to be disposed of or upon the reorganization of the composition of one or more of our reporting units, unless the reporting unit was never integrated.

Intangible Assets, net

Intangible assets, excluding Goodwill, primarily include brand names (including defensive intangibles associated with discontinued brands), technology and intellectual property, customer relationships and dealer networks.

Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line or an accelerated method of amortization over their estimated useful lives. An accelerated amortization method reflecting the pattern in which the asset will be consumed is utilized if that pattern can be reliably determined. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, a straight-line amortization method is used. We consider the period of expected cash flows and underlying data used to measure the fair value of the intangible assets when selecting a useful life. Impairment charges related to intangible assets are recorded in Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or Automotive cost of sales.

Amortization of developed technology and intellectual property is recorded in Automotive cost of sales. Amortization of brand names, customer relationships and our dealer networks is recorded in Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or GM Financial operating and other expenses.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

The carrying amount of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets to be held and used in the business are evaluated for impairment when events and circumstances warrant. If the carrying amount of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired, a loss is recorded based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Product-specific long-lived asset groups are tested for impairment at the platform or vehicle line level. Non-product specific long-lived assets are tested for impairment on a reporting unit basis in GMNA, GME, and GM Financial and tested at or within our various reporting units within our GMIO and GMSA segments. Fair value is determined using either the market or sales comparison approach, cost approach or anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale are considered held for use until disposition. Product-specific assets may become impaired as a result of declines in profitability due to changes in volume, pricing or costs.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

Attribution, Methods and Assumptions

The cost of benefits provided by defined benefit pension plans is recorded in the period employees provide service. The cost of pension plan amendments that provide for benefits already earned by plan participants is amortized over the expected period of benefit which may be: (1) the duration of the applicable collective bargaining agreement specific to the plan; (2) expected future working lifetime; or (3) the life expectancy of the plan participants.

The cost of medical, dental, legal service and life insurance benefits provided through postretirement benefit plans is recorded in the period employees provide service. The cost of postretirement plan amendments that provide for benefits already earned by plan participants is amortized over the expected period of benefit which may be the average period to full eligibility or the average life expectancy of the plan participants, or the period to the plan's termination date for the plan which provides legal services.

An expected return on plan asset methodology is utilized to calculate future pension expense for certain significant funded benefit plans. A market-related value of plan assets methodology is also utilized that averages gains and losses on the plan assets over a period of years to determine future pension expense. The methodology recognizes 60% of the difference between the fair value of assets and the expected calculated value in the first year and 10% of that difference over each of the next four years.

The discount rate assumption is established for each of the retirement-related benefit plans at their respective measurement dates. In the U.S. we use a cash flow matching approach that uses projected cash flows matched to spot rates along a high quality corporate yield curve to determine the present value of cash flows to calculate a single equivalent discount rate.

The benefit obligation for pension plans in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany represents 92% of the non-U.S. pension benefit obligation at December 31, 2012. The discount rates for plans in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany are determined using a cash flow matching approach, similar to the U.S. approach.

In countries other than the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and those located in the Eurozone discount rates are established depending on the local financial markets, using a high quality yield curve based on local bonds, a yield curve adjusted to reflect local conditions using foreign currency swaps or local actuarial standards.

Plan Asset Valuation

Cash Equivalents and Other Short-Term Investments

Money market funds and other similar short-term investment funds are valued using the net asset value per share (NAV) as provided by the investment sponsor or third-party administrator. Prices for short-term debt securities are received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Independent pricing services utilize matrix pricing which considers readily available inputs such as the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as dealer supplied prices. Money market mutual funds which provide investors with the ability to redeem their interests on a daily basis and for which NAVs are publicly available are classified in Level 1. Other cash equivalents and short-term investments are classified in Level 2.

Common and Preferred Stock

Common and preferred stock for which market prices are readily available at the measurement date, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they are actively traded and are classified in Level 1. Such equity securities for which the market is not considered to be active are valued via the use of observable inputs, which may include, among others, the use of adjusted market prices last available, bids or last available sales prices and/or other observable inputs and are classified in Level 2. Common and preferred stock classified in Level 3 are those privately issued securities or other issues that are valued via the use of valuation models using significant unobservable inputs that generally consider among others, aged (stale) pricing, earnings multiples, discounted cash flows and/or other qualitative and quantitative factors. We may consider other security attributes such as liquidity and market activity in assessing the observability of inputs used by pricing services or dealers, which may affect classification in the fair value hierarchy.

Government, Agency and Corporate Debt Securities

U.S. government and government agency obligations, foreign government and government agency obligations, municipal securities, supranational obligations, corporate bonds, bank notes, and preferred securities are valued based on quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Debt securities which are priced via the use of pricing services that utilize matrix pricing which considers readily observable inputs such as the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as dealer supplied prices, are classified in Level 2. Securities within this category that are typically priced by dealers and pricing services via the use of proprietary pricing models which incorporate significant unobservable inputs are classified in Level 3. These inputs primarily consist of yield and credit spread assumptions. We may consider other security attributes such as liquidity, market activity, price level, credit ratings and geo-political risk in assessing the observability of inputs used by pricing services or dealers, which may affect classification.

Agency and Non-Agency Mortgage and Other Asset-Backed Securities

U.S. and foreign government agency mortgage and asset-backed securities, non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage securities, residential mortgage securities and other asset-backed securities are valued based on quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Securities which are priced via the use of pricing services that utilize matrix pricing which considers readily observable inputs such as prepayment speed assumptions, attributes of the collateral, yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as dealer supplied prices are classified in Level 2. Securities within this category that are typically priced by dealers and pricing services via the use of proprietary pricing models which incorporate significant unobservable inputs are classified in Level 3. These inputs primarily consist of prepayment curves, discount rates, default assumptions and recovery rates. We may consider other security attributes such as liquidity, market activity, price level and other factors in assessing the observability of inputs used by pricing services or dealers, which may affect classification.

Investment Funds, Private Equity and Debt Investments and Real Estate Investments

Investments in exchange traded funds, real estate investment trusts and mutual funds, for which market quotations are generally readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price, official closing price or publicly available NAV (or its equivalent) on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded, and are classified in Level 1. Investments in private investment funds (including hedge funds, private equity funds and real estate funds) are generally valued based on their respective NAV (or its equivalent), as a practical expedient to estimate fair value due to the absence of readily available market prices. Investments in private investment funds, which may be fully redeemed at NAV in the near-term are generally classified in Level 2. Investments in funds, which may not be fully redeemed at NAV in the near-term, are generally classified in Level 3.

Direct investments in private equity, private debt and real estate securities, are generally valued in good faith via the use of the market approach (earnings multiples from comparable companies) or the income approach (discounted cash flow techniques), and consider inputs such as revenue growth and gross margin assumptions, discount rates, discounts for lack of liquidity, market capitalization rates, and the selection of comparable companies. As these valuations incorporate significant unobservable inputs they are classified as Level 3.

Fair value estimates for private investment funds, private equity, private debt, and real estate investments are provided by the respective investment sponsors or investment advisers and are subsequently reviewed and approved by management. In the event management concludes a reported NAV or fair value estimate (collectively, external valuation) does not reflect fair value or is not determined as of the financial reporting measurement date, we will consider whether an adjustment is necessary. In determining whether an adjustment to the external valuation is required, we will review material factors that could affect the valuation, such as changes to the composition or performance of the underlying investment(s) or comparable investments, overall market conditions, expected sale prices for private investments which are probable of being sold in the short term, and other economic factors that may possibly have a favorable or unfavorable effect on the reported external valuation. We may adjust the external valuation to ensure fair value as of the balance sheet date.

Derivatives

Exchange traded derivatives, such as options and futures, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they are traded and are classified in Level 1. Over-the-counter derivatives, including but not limited to swaps, swaptions and forwards, which are typically valued through independent pricing services with observable inputs are generally classified in Level 2. Derivatives classified in Level 3 are typically valued via the use of pricing models which incorporate significant unobservable inputs, but may also include derivatives which are valued with the use of significant observable inputs which are not subject to corroboration. The inputs part of the model based valuations may include extrapolated or model-derived assumptions such as volatilities and yield and credit spread assumptions.

Due to the lack of timely available market information for certain investments in the asset classes described above as well as the inherent uncertainty of valuation, reported fair values may differ from fair values that would have been used had timely available market information been available.

Extended Disability Benefits

Estimated extended disability benefits are accrued ratably over the employee's active service period using measurement provisions similar to those used to measure our other postretirement benefits (OPEB) obligations. The liability is composed of the future obligations for income replacement, healthcare costs and life insurance premiums for employees currently disabled and those in the active workforce who may become disabled. Future disabilities are estimated in the current workforce using actuarial methods based on historical experience. We record actuarial gains and losses immediately in earnings.

Labor Force

On a worldwide basis, we have a concentration of the workforce working under the guidelines of unionized collective bargaining agreements. At December 31, 2012 50,000 of our U.S. employees (or 62%) were represented by unions, the majority of which were represented by the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agriculture Implement Workers of America (UAW). The current labor contract with the UAW is effective for a four-year term that began in October 2011 and expires in September 2015. The contract included a $5,000 lump sum payment to each eligible UAW employee in the year ended December 31, 2011 and three additional lump-sum payments of $1,000 to be paid annually in the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014. These lump-sum payments expected to total $381 million are being amortized over the four-year contract period.

Job Security Programs

Effective with our current labor agreement with the UAW the Job Opportunity Bank Program was eliminated and the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) program and the Transitional Support Program (TSP) were retained. These modified job security programs provide employees reduced wages and continued coverage under certain employee benefit programs depending on the employee's classification as well as the number of years of service that the employee has accrued. A similar tiered benefit is provided to Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) employees. We recognize a liability for these SUB/TSP benefits over the expected service period of employees, based on our best estimate of the probable liability at the measurement date.

Stock Incentive Plans

We measure and record compensation expense for all share-based payment awards based on the award's estimated fair value which is the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant, or for restricted stock units (RSUs) granted prior to our public offering, the fair value of our common stock as of the date of the public offering. We record compensation cost for the awards on a straight-line basis over the entire vesting period, or for retirement eligible employees over the requisite service period.

Salary stock awards granted are fully vested and nonforfeitable upon grant; therefore, compensation cost is recorded on the date of grant.

The liability for stock incentive plan awards settled in cash is remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period.

Policy, Product Warranty and Recall Campaigns

The estimated costs related to policy and product warranties are accrued at the time products are sold and are charged to Automotive cost of sales. These estimates are established using historical information on the nature, frequency and average cost of claims of each vehicle line or each model year of the vehicle line and assumptions about future activity and events. Revisions are made when necessary, based on changes in these factors. Trends of claims are actively studied and actions are taken to improve vehicle quality and minimize claims.

The estimated costs related to product recalls are based on a formal campaign soliciting return of that product are accrued when they are deemed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated.

Income Taxes

The liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recorded in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date under the law.

Deferred income tax assets are evaluated quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. We establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on a more likely than not standard. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each applicable tax jurisdiction. We consider the following possible sources of taxable income when assessing the realization of deferred tax assets:

•Future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;

•Future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;

•Taxable income in prior carryback years; and

•Tax-planning strategies.

The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers all available positive and negative evidence factors, including but not limited to:

•Nature, frequency, and severity of recent losses;

•Duration of statutory carryforward periods;

•Historical experience with tax attributes expiring unused; and

•Near- and medium-term financial outlook.

It is difficult to conclude a valuation allowance is not required when there is significant objective and verifiable negative evidence, such as cumulative losses in recent years. We utilize a rolling three years of actual and current year anticipated results as the primary measure of cumulative losses in recent years.

Income tax expense (benefit) for the year is allocated between continuing operations and other categories of income such as Discontinued operations or Other comprehensive income (loss). In periods in which there is a pre-tax loss from continuing operations and pre-tax income in another income category, the tax benefit allocated to continuing operations is determined by taking into account the pre-tax income of other categories.

We record uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby: (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position; and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

We record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions in Income tax expense (benefit).

Derivative Instruments

We are party to a variety of foreign currency exchange rate, commodity, interest rate swap and interest rate cap derivative contracts entered into in connection with the management of exposure to fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates.

In connection with certain long-term supply contracts that we have entered into, we have identified embedded derivatives which we have bifurcated for valuation and accounting purposes.

GM Financial is exposed to market risks arising from adverse changes in interest rates due to floating interest rate exposure on its credit facilities and on certain securitization notes payable. GM Financial's special purpose entities (SPEs) are contractually required to purchase derivative instruments as credit enhancements in connection with securitization transactions and credit facilities. These financial exposures and contractual requirements are managed in accordance with corporate policies and procedures and a risk management control system is used to assist in monitoring hedging programs, derivative positions and hedging strategies. Hedging documentation includes hedging objectives, practices and procedures and the related accounting treatment.

The accounting for changes in the fair value of each derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as an accounting hedge, as well as the type of hedging relationship identified. Derivative financial instruments entered into by our automotive operations are not designated in hedging relationships. Certain of the derivatives entered into by GM Financial have been designated in cash flow hedging relationships. Derivatives that receive hedge accounting treatment are evaluated for effectiveness at the time they are designated as well as throughout the hedging period. We do not hold derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recorded at fair value and presented gross in the consolidated balance sheets. Internal models are used to value a majority of derivatives. The models use, as their basis, readily observable market inputs, such as time value, forward interest rates, volatility factors and current and forward market prices for foreign currency exchange rates and commodities. We estimate our nonperformance risk using our corporate credit rating, the rating on our secured revolver, and yields on traded bonds of companies with comparable credit ratings and risk profiles. Derivative contracts that are valued based upon models with significant unobservable market inputs, primarily price, are classified in Level 3.

We record the earnings effect resulting from the change in fair value of automotive operations derivative instruments in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. We record the earnings effect resulting from the change in fair value of derivative instruments entered into by GM Financial in GM Financial operating and other expenses.

Effective changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in Cash flow hedging gains (losses), net within a separate component of Other comprehensive income (OCI). Amounts are reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income when the underlying hedged item affects earnings. All ineffective changes in fair value are recorded in earnings. We also discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that a derivative instrument has ceased to be effective as an accounting hedge or if the underlying hedged cash flow is no longer probable of occurring.

We enter into contracts with counterparties that we believe are creditworthy and generally settle on a net basis. We perform a quarterly assessment of our counterparty credit risk, including a review of credit ratings, credit default swap rates and potential nonperformance of the counterparty. Based on our most recent quarterly assessment of our counterparty credit risk, we consider this risk to be low.

The cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the same categories as the hedged items in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation

The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, that use the local currency as their functional currency, are translated to U.S. Dollars based on the current exchange rate prevailing at each balance sheet date and any resulting translation adjustments are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose local currency is not their functional currency are remeasured from their local currency to their functional currency, and then translated to U.S. Dollars. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. Dollars using the average exchange rates prevailing for each period presented.

Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions and the effects of remeasurements discussed in the preceding paragraph are recorded in Automotive cost of sales and GM Financial operating and other expenses unless related to Automotive debt, which are recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net.

The following table summarizes the effects of foreign currency transactions and remeasurement (dollars in millions):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement losses	$	117	$	55	$	210

Recently Adopted Accounting Principles

In 2012 we adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (ASU 2011-05) that requires presentation of all non-owner changes in equity in one continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. We elected to provide a separate statement of comprehensive income for all periods presented. The amendments in this update do not change the items that must be reported in OCI or when an OCI item must be reclassified to net income. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not affect our consolidated statements of financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

ASU 2011-05 was modified in December 2011 by the issuance of ASU 2011-12, “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05.” This update indefinitely defers certain provisions of ASU 2011-05 that require the disclosure of the amount of reclassifications of items from OCI to net income by component of net income and by component of OCI.