Edmunds: GM retail share to hit 22.4 pct in Oct.

(AP) SANTA MONICA, Calif. - General Motors Co.’s retail market share will climb to 22.4 percent in October, helped by new product launches and surging ad spending, according to a preliminary analysis by Edmunds.com.

That figure would up from GM’s third-quarter average retail market share of 19.1 percent, the automotive research Web site said.

The boost comes in large part from several new vehicle launches. Edmunds said shoppers on its Web site have recently been looking at the Cadillac CTS wagon, the Buick Lacrosse, the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain _ all recent launches.

In addition, ad campaigns like its much-touted 60-day money-back guarantee program are resonating with customers, the Web site said.

"But GM is climbing from a low base," Edmunds CEO Jeremy Anwyl said in a statement. "Continuing to gain share will be increasingly difficult as other manufacturers fight for consumers."

GM has continued to suffer weak sales following its reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this summer. U.S. sales, including sales to fleet customers, fell 45 percent in September. Sales for the Detroit automaker are down 36 percent during the first nine months of the year.

Automakers are scheduled to report October sales on Nov. 3.