Gm General Motors Archive

GM stops selling the Chevy Blazer EV to deal with ‘software quality issues’

Richard LawlerDec 23, 2023

Andrew J. HawkinsDec 21, 2023

EVs are dividing dealers.

Ford says half of its dealers in the US, or around 1,550, are opting to sell electric and hybrid vehicles in 2024. That’s down from around two-thirds of dealers that said they would sell EVs about a year ago.

GM found the same for its Buick dealers, 50 percent of whom are opting out of the brand’s decision to go all-electric. Money is playing a role, with GM telling its dealers they would need to commit to spend upwards $400,000 to prepare their stores to sell and service EVs. Chevy dealers aren’t being offered buyouts, meaning they’re stuck trying to sell the not-exactly-stellar-sounding Chevy Blazer EV.

Ford says half its dealers are waiting to opt in on EV sales, service

[Detroit Free Press]

Andrew J. HawkinsDec 20, 2023

This reviewer’s Chevy Blazer EV left him stranded in rural Virginia.

Verge contributor Kevin Williams has a harrowing tale about his first test ride of the new Chevy Blazer EV in InsideEVs. First, the infotainment display disappeared. Then it came back but started flashing. Then the instrument cluster crapped out. And after plugging into a fast charger, the whole thing just kind of gave up.

I’m supposed to be getting the Blazer EV in a few weeks, and now I’m a little nervous! Do I need a chase car?

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Left Me Stranded In Rural Virginia

[InsideEVs]

Cruise lays off nearly a quarter of its staff after grounding its robotaxi fleet

Andrew J. HawkinsDec 14, 2023

GM announces Cadillac Vistiq, a midsize electric SUV coming in 2025

Andrew J. HawkinsDec 14, 2023

Richard LawlerDec 14, 2023

Cruise AV confirms nine leaders dismissed as its safety investigation continues.

Reuters reports GM-backed robotaxi startup Cruise told employees:

Following an initial analysis of the October 2 incident and Cruise’s response to it, nine individuals departed Cruise... we believe that new leadership is necessary to achieve these goals.

CEO Kyle Vogt already resigned, and now we know COO Gil West, policy officer Jeff Bleich and government affairs SVP David Estrada are also out.

Cruise was “days away” from green lighting robotaxis without a steering wheel in September. But after one of its cars struck and then dragged a woman in October, things have gone downhill. Now the industry wants help from Pete Buttigieg.

The AV industry sends an SOS to Pete Buttigieg

Andrew J. Hawkins

Dec 11

Wes DavisDec 13, 2023

GM thinks MotorTrend “misrepresented” its own executive’s comments about CarPlay and Android Auto.

Yesterday, we linked to a MotorTrend story paraphrasing GM infotainment head Tim Babbitt saying CarPlay and Android Auto can actually distract drivers. In an email to The Verge, GM communications director Anna Yu said his comments weren’t accurately reflected, calling Apple and Google “valued” partners. She added:

GM’s embedded infotainment strategy is driven by the benefits of having a system that allows for greater integration with the larger GM ecosystem and vehicles.

GM is ditching CarPlay for your safety.

Wes DavisDec 12, 2023

GM is ditching CarPlay for your safety.

MotorTrend paraphrased GM infotainment boss Tim Babbitt’s reasoning for ditching Android and Apple:

When CarPlay and Android Auto have issues, drivers pick up their phones again, taking their eyes off the road and totally defeating the purpose of these phone-mirroring programs.
If drivers were to do everything through the vehicle’s built-in systems, they’d be less likely to pick up their phones and therefore less distracted and safer behind the wheel.

It wasn’t clear if he said this with a straight face.

GM Says It's Ditching Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for Your Safety

[MotorTrend]

GM’s hydrogen ‘power cubes’ will be used to power massive mining trucks

Andrew J. HawkinsDec 12, 2023

Umar ShakirDec 11, 2023

Those GM-partnered EV charging stations feel inspired.

Skipping the gas station is one of the most freeing aspects of switching to an EV, but sometimes people miss it for the amenities — like using those squeegees to clean their windshields while refueling.

Well, say hi to this GM Ultium-branded gas-station-looking EV charging hub in Ohio, which looks like it’s part of the recently announced EVgo and Pilot partnership. It’s got the familiar canopy, accessories, and the pull-up-at-the-petrol-pump vibe.