The dividend increase starts in the first quarter, and the share buybacks will run through 2017.
GM shares climbed 5 per cent in premarket trading today.
Company executives also announced that GM expects to make an adjusted profit of USD 5.25 to USD 5.75 per share this year. That's up from previous guidance of USD 5 to USD 5.50 per share. GM also expects improved adjusted earnings before taxes.
The company also says it will post online its entire inventory of 30,000 company-owned used cars online. The inventory includes cars coming off leases and from rental car companies and company employees.
GM shares climbed USD 1.60, or 5.3 per cent, to USD 31.90 in premarket trading about an hour before the market open.