Import brands poised to overtake GM; Foreign makers may snatch production crown in North America.

Byline: Philip Nussel

Benchmarks are a dime a dozen in the auto industry, but here's one that's especially tough on Detroit.

For the first time, import-brand automakers this year will produce as many or more vehicles in North America than General Motors, according to data compiled by Automotive News and other industry analysts.

If trends hold, import brands will finish the year making 4.84 million light vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico, according to figures compiled by CSM Worldwide Inc., of Farmington Hills, Mich.

General Motors stands to finish the year with 4.74 million units, according to CSM. GM says it will make 4.87 …