JULY 27, 2006

Who wants to merge with this?

General Motors has reported a net loss of $3.2bn for the second quarter of 2006. This was described by GM officials as "significantly improved" because the company's automotive operations are doing rather better than has been the case of late. The company lost $987m in the same period last year and this year's big loss was put down to charges related to payments to reduce the number of people employed by the firm.

GM is in the process of discussing a global alliance with Renault and Nissan.