Goldman Trims Its Earnings Outlook for GM

General Motors Corp., the largest auto maker, had its 2001 earnings estimate lowered by Goldman, Sachs & Co. because of lost production related to the recall of about 6,000 of its 2002 mid-size sport-utility vehicles. The earnings estimate for the year was reduced to $4.60 a share from $4.75 because GM has idled the Ohio plant that makes the vehicles until April 16 to resolve the problem, a Goldman analyst said. GM is recalling the vehicles because of a faulty suspension part. The company has produced about 30,000 of the redesigned Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada SUVs and is recalling those already sold. Cars still on dealer lots also are being repaired. GM’s shares fell 85 cents to close at $52.58 on the NYSE.