GM to Phase Out E-GM Internet Unit

General Motors Corp. said it’s phasing out the E-GM unit, formed in August 1999 to unite the largest auto maker’s Internet businesses in an effort to spread electronic commerce throughout the company.

The move, which began this year and doesn’t have a set ending date, is part of the original plan for E-GM, spokeswoman Ryndee Carney said. The unit already has shrunk to 100 workers from 160 as employees move to other parts of the company. None of the E-GM staff will lose their jobs, she said.

E-GM has been responsible for the auto maker’s OnStar in-vehicle communications service, which has 2 million subscribers, and GM BuyPower, a Web site that lets customers pick out a car and find a dealer. GM has said BuyPower generated $8 billion in sales last year.

The Detroit company’s shares rose 45 cents to $47.30 on the NYSE.