Earlier today I saw a tweet from Tom Henderson at GM (http://twitter.com/TomEHenderson) that put a big smile on my face. Tom is a great guy and a huge GM advocate and close friend to us here at GMTS. There is no denying how 2009 went for not only GM but for the rest of the world. It was tough and brought on a strange time and feeling that we were not used to and did not know how to handle. What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger right?

Through this whole mess last year, we stood strong as did most of you loyal supporters of the GM brand and family – and for that we are forever grateful. 2009 came and went, bringing us into a new year and a new chance to see some great changes and a chance to see GM bring out some amazing products that they have been working tirelessly on for the past few years. Trust me when I tell you, we have some really good news that we are dying to release on some new products that will make many of you very happy. More on that in some future posts.

For now, I am excited to share something with you that Tom shared with me. This will make you proud and more than likely put a nice smile on your face. See video on bottom.

This video made me incredibly proud of what GM is doing and their efforts to pay back the money they owe. GM also released this statement today that we thought we would share as well:

General Motors Company Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre today announced that GM has made its final payment of $5.8 billion to the U.S. Treasury and Export Development Canada, paying back its government loans in full, ahead of schedule.

The announcement came at a ceremony here to highlight an investment of $257 million at GM’s Fairfax, Kansas, and Detroit Hamtramck assembly centers.  The investment will prepare Fairfax to build the next generation of Chevrolet’s award-winning Malibu, and make Detroit Hamtramck a second source for Malibu, ensuring that Chevrolet can meet market demand for this popular mid-size sedan.

“GM is able to repay the taxpayers in full, with interest, ahead of schedule, because more customers are buying vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse we build here in Fairfax,” said Whitacre. “We are now building some of the best cars, trucks, and crossovers we have ever built, and customers are taking note.  Our dealers are increasing their sales, we are investing in our plants, and we are restoring and creating jobs.”

The U.S., Canadian, and Ontario governments, as part of the launch of the new GM, provided loans of $8.4 billion and took equity stakes in the new company.  Today’s payment of $5.8 billion ($4.7 billion to the U.S. Treasury and $C1.1 billion to Export Development Canada) completes the payback of these loans.

“GM’s ability to pay back the loans ahead of schedule is a sign that our plan is working, and that we are on the right track.  It is also an important first step toward allowing our stockholders to reduce their equity investments in GM,” said Whitacre. “We still have much hard work ahead of us, but we are making progress toward our vision of designing, building, and selling the world’s best vehicles.

“We appreciate the support the taxpayers have given GM, and our great new products are tangible results of that support.”