General Motors Corp., the largest U. S. auto maker announced on Thursday that its fourth-quarter net loss widened to $9.6 billion, or $15.71 a share, compared to a loss of $1.5 billion, or $2.70 a share during the year-ago period.

Adjusted loss totaled $5.9 billion, or $9.65 a share, compared to net income of $46 million, or 8 cents a share, in the year-ago period, reflecting the sharp drop in worldwide vehicle sales.

In addition, company's revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 fell to $30.8 billion from $46.8 billion.

The company posted a deeper than expected loss as estimated by most industry analysts, who anticipated a loss of $6.91 a share on revenue of $35.5 billion. It may be noted that General Motors is presently working with the U. S. government on a funding plan to remain in business as sales continue to fall to record lows worldwide.

The scrip of the automaker shed 21 cents, or 8.2%, at $2.34 in premarket trading on Thursday morning.