Freakonomics Radio

442. Is it Too Late for General Motors to Go Electric?

Dec 3, 2020

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, is at the forefront of transforming the auto giant into an electric vehicle powerhouse. She discusses the competitive landscape, highlighting GM's efforts to catch up with Tesla and address climate change. Barra shares insights from her unique journey from co-op student to CEO, emphasizing the importance of diversity and innovation in leadership. The conversation dives into the impact of COVID-19 on manufacturing, online sales strategies, and the challenges of adapting to electric vehicle market demands.

44:41

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Episode guests

Mary Barra

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Navigating the Electric Vehicle Landscape: An Insight into Automotive Strategies

2min

Navigating Change in the Automotive Industry: GM's Electric Future

5min

From Co-op to CEO: A Journey of Transformation

5min

GM's Electric Evolution

10min

Navigating Car Pricing and the Shift to Online Sales

5min

Revitalizing GM: Leadership, Innovation, and Diversity

16min

Navigating Leadership and Regulatory Challenges in the Auto Industry

4min

G.M. produces more than 20 times as many cars as Tesla, but Tesla is worth nearly 10 times as much. Mary Barra, the C.E.O. of G.M., is trying to fix that. We speak with her about the race toward an electrified (and autonomous) future, China and Trump, and what it’s like to be the “fifth-most powerful woman in the world.”

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