GM is in the middle of a restructuring programme

Beating market expectations, GM made a net profit of $891m (�438m) in its second quarter, compared with a loss of $3.4bn for the same period last year.

The firm's third straight quarterly profit was helped by improved sales in overseas markets.

GM is also benefiting from a cost-cutting restructuring programme.

'Commitment paying off'

In its domestic North American market, where the company continues to experience a fall in sales, GM said its net profit for the quarter was $78m, compared with a loss of $94m a year ago.

GM's overall revenues totalled $46.8bn, down 13% from a year earlier, but better than market expectations.

"We again saw improved results in sales, income and cash flow this quarter, driven by the continued successful implementation of our business strategies," said Rick Wagoner, GM chairman and chief executive.

"In particular, our heavy commitment to key growth markets around the world really paid off in strong growth and earnings."

Mr Wagoner added that its US operations had made "huge improvements", but that much more still needed to be done.

GM is in the middle of reducing its global workforce by 34,000 positions.