GM's Mary Barra commits to all-electric light-duty vehicles by 2035

General Motors CEO Mary Barra reaffirmed the company's commitment to exclusively sell electric light-duty vehicles by 2035 during an interview with CBS News. Despite a recent slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) demand, Barra emphasized that the company never anticipated a linear growth trajectory in this market. In the second quarter, GM sold 21,930 EVs in the U.S., which is notably lower than Tesla's sales of 164,264 EVs during the same period, highlighting the competitive landscape in the EV sector. Barra noted that approximately 40% of GM's technical workforce is relatively new, having joined the company within the last five years. This influx of young talent is motivated by a desire to contribute to the transition towards electric vehicles, indicating a shift in workforce dynamics as the automotive industry evolves. In response to the current market challenges, GM is planning to expand its EV lineup, which already includes seven models. The company is set to introduce the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ, priced around $130,000, and will begin production of the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV next year. These initiatives reflect GM's strategy to enhance its offerings in the face of increasing competition from other automakers. The ongoing transition to electric vehicles is critical for GM as it seeks to establish itself as a leader in the EV market. The company's commitment to this goal, despite current market fluctuations, underscores its long-term vision for sustainable transportation and innovation in the automotive sector.