he continued growth of DIRECTV. Hughes added approximately 200,000 net new DIRECTV subscribers in the second quarter, bringing the total subscriber base to 11.4 million. LOOKING AHEAD Sales levels in the first half of 2001 were more robust than initially projected, while some moderation is expected in the second half of the year. GM now expects that total U.S. vehicle sales will be approximately 16.8 million units in calendar-year 2001. In the European market, sales have moderated from the strong levels last year. GM expects industry vehicle sales in Europe to be in the range of 19 million to 19.5 million units for the calendar year. Regarding the earnings outlook, the present analysts' consensus of approximately $0.83 per share for the third quarter of 2001 appears reasonable and is consistent with GM's outlook for the quarter. GM's outlook for the full year remains at $4.25 per share. # # #In this press release and related comments by General Motors management, our use of the words "outlook," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "objective," "plan," "goal" and similar expressions is intended to identify forward looking statements. While these statements represent our current judgment on what the future may hold, and we believe these judgments are reasonable, actual results may differ materially due to numerous important factors that are described in GM's most recent report on SEC Form 10-K (at page II-10,11) which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports on SEC Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Such factors include, among others, the following: changes in economic conditions, currency exchange rates or political stability; shortages of fuel, labor strikes or work stoppages; market acceptance of the corporation's new products; significant changes in the competitive environment; changes in laws, regulations and tax rates; and, the ability of the corporation to achieve reductions in cost and employment levels to realize producti...
