Detroit, Rabi'II 3, 1437, Jan 13, 2016, SPA -- General Motors Company (GM) raised its 2016 profit outlook and increased its plan for capital returns to shareholders on Wednesday, following a record year for U.S. car sales. The largest U.S. automaker lifted its 2016 earnings-per-share range to $5.25-$5.75 from the previous outlook of $5.00-$5.50, raised its dividend payment to shareholders by 6 percent, and nearly doubled its share-repurchase program to $9 billion. GM executives said they expect continued profit growth in the United States and China, and break-even results in Europe in 2016. “We made significant progress executing our strategic plan and the results are being demonstrated through our improved earnings,” said GM chief executive Mary Barra. The moves follow booming U.S. auto sales for all carmakers, with GM sales up 8 percent to 3.1 million in 2015. --SPA 21:30 LOCAL TIME 18:30 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w