GM May Stabilize U.S. Market Share This Year

General Motors Co.'s share of the American light vehicle market in 2012 tumbled 1.7 points to an 88-year low of 17.9%.

But the company which has been trying for decades to halt the slide from its peak share of 51% in 1962 could finish 2013 at the same level as last year, according to Bloomberg News.

The news service cites its survey of analysts, who expect GM sales to be bolstered by the arrival of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra fullsize pickup trucks in the second quarter. The two pickups accounted for 22% of the company's U.S. sales last year.

The automaker's U.S. share has shrunk in nine of the past 10 years. GM remains the country's sales leader, but Ford (15.5%) and Toyota (14.4%) are narrowing the gap.