Enterprise Risk management at General Motors
	
 		
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Case Details:
  
Case Code : ERMT-027 
Case Length : 09 Pages 
Period : 2003 
Pub Date : 2003 
Teaching Note :Not Available Organization : General Motors 
Industry : Auto and Ancillaries Countries : Global 
 
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Background Note
	
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In the early years of the auto industry, hundreds of car makers produced a few 
models each. Sensing an opportunity for consolidation, William Durant formed the 
General Motors Company in Flint, Michigan, in 1908. Durant bought 17 companies, 
some of which included Oldsmobile, Cadillac, and Pontiac.  
 
Then a bankers' syndicate forced him to step down. In 1915 he regained control 
when he formed a company with racecar driver Louis Chevrolet. They soon formed 
GMAC and bought businesses including Frigidaire (sold in 1979) and Hyatt Roller 
Bearing. 
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Overview of Risks
Changes in economic conditions, volatility in financial markets, significant 
terrorist acts, or political instability in the major markets where GM procured 
material, components, and supplied principal products might affect the company's 
performance. Shortages of fuel or interruptions in transportation systems, labor 
strikes, work stoppages, or other interruptions might adversely affect its 
performance... 
 
Legal Risks 
Like most domestic and foreign automobile manufacturers, over the years GM had 
been using some brake products incorporating small amounts of encapsulated 
asbestos. These products, generally brake linings, were known as 
asbestos-containing friction products. There was adequate scientific data 
demonstrating that these asbestos-containing friction products were safe and did 
not create an increased risk of asbestos-related disease... 
	
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Market Risks 
 
GM was exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest 
rates, and certain commodity and equity prices. GM entered into a variety of 
foreign exchange, interest rate, and commodity forward contracts and options, to 
hedge these exposures. A risk management control system was utilized to monitor 
foreign exchange, interest rate, commodity and equity price risks, and related 
hedge positions. GM also measured the sensitivity of the fair value of financial 
instruments. The analysis assumed instantaneous, parallel shifts in exchange 
rates, interest rate yield curves and commodity and equity prices...  | 		
	 
 
Derivative Instruments: Accounting & Valuation
GM's financial exposures were managed in accordance with corporate policies and 
procedures. All derivatives were recorded at fair value on the consolidated 
balance sheet. Effective changes in fair value of derivatives designated as 
cashflow hedges and hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation were 
recorded in net unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives, a separate component of 
accumulated other comprehensive loss... 
Exhibits
Exhibit I: General Motors: Financial Highlights 
Exhibit II: General Motors: Sensitivity Analysis 
Exhibit III: General Motors: Financing & Insurance Operations 
Exhibit IV: General Motors: Fair Value of Financial Instruments 
 
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