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.
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Barra's Early GM Experience
- Mary Barra's career at GM began as a co-op student, working as a quality inspector checking car parts.
- This hands-on experience, coupled with her engineering background, shaped her understanding of the industry.
GM's Early EV Venture and Retreat
- Despite prototyping EVs in the 1980s and launching the EV1, GM halted production in 2003, citing high costs and low demand.
- This decision coincided with Tesla's emergence, highlighting GM's missed opportunity in the EV market.
GM's EV Strategy
- GM's recent EV announcements are not impulsive reactions but reflect careful planning and changing consumer perceptions.
- Growing consumer interest and demand for EVs played a key role in accelerating GM's electrification strategy.