Not everyone saw it that way, including John F. Smith Jr., who was then G.M.'s chief executive.

John F. Smith Jr., G.M.'s chairman and chief executive, joined the talks this evening.

He was a protégé of John F. Smith Jr., who became chief executive after a boardroom coup in 1992.

Both men are contenders to replace John F. Smith Jr., the chairman and chief executive, who is expected to retire soon.

John F. Smith Jr., G.M.'s president, said the 100,000 target would probably be raised.

"To get market share you need great products," said John F. Smith Jr., 61, G.M.'s chairman and chief executive.

John F. Smith Jr., the chairman and chief executive of G.M, signaled the next step today.

The current chief executive, John F. Smith Jr., has cut costs and streamlined management.

More important, he has the ear of John F. Smith Jr., the G.M. chairman, who is also his older brother.

John F. Smith Jr., 51, was named a vice chairman and elected a director, and will continue to oversee international operations.

Not everyone saw it that way, including John F. Smith Jr., who was then G.M.'s chief executive.

John F. Smith Jr., G.M.'s chairman and chief executive, joined the talks this evening.

He was a protégé of John F. Smith Jr., who became chief executive after a boardroom coup in 1992.

Both men are contenders to replace John F. Smith Jr., the chairman and chief executive, who is expected to retire soon.

John F. Smith Jr., G.M.'s president, said the 100,000 target would probably be raised.

"To get market share you need great products," said John F. Smith Jr., 61, G.M.'s chairman and chief executive.

John F. Smith Jr., the chairman and chief executive of G.M, signaled the next step today.

The current chief executive, John F. Smith Jr., has cut costs and streamlined management.

More important, he has the ear of John F. Smith Jr., the G.M. chairman, who is also his older brother.

John F. Smith Jr., 51, was named a vice chairman and elected a director, and will continue to oversee international operations.