This final note on the way out, more evidence GM is doing something different, marketing-wise.

We've already told you it dropped paid ads on Facebook. And it's not gonna spend $4 million for a 30-second Super Bowl ad. Today: soccer.

GM said today Chevrolet is signing on as a key sponsor of the English football club Manchester United. A five-year deal, exact financial terms not disclosed. GM said it's trying to appeal to a more global customer base.

Interestingly, the deal was announced in -- no, not Detroit. Nope, not Manchester.

Shanghai.