Like the broader auto industry, GM is going electric, with plans to fully transition its light-duty vehicle lineup to all-electric powertrains by the 2035 timeframe. Obviously, The General’s manufacturing base will need to make the transition as well, and some autoworkers have expressed concerns that the move to EVs could result in job losses, given all-electric vehicles typically require fewer parts to produce. Now, however, GM says it will actually boost employment next year, despite the move towards EVs.
In a recent statement made via video, GM Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Sustainability, Gerald Johnson addressed the concerns of autoworkers with regard to possible job cuts in light of GM’s EV transition. Johnson’s comments arrive on the heels of opening negotiations between GM and the United Auto Workers (UAW) labor union, with GM and the UAW currently in talks ahead of expiration for the current four-year contract on September 14th.
“As GM moves forward toward an all-electric future, we are focused on bringing all of our employees with us,” Johnson states in the video. “We’ll do this by rapidly scaling our capacity to produce EVs while also continuing to make the best ICE trucks and SUVs in the industry.
Johnson says that the transition to EVs will “look different for everyone,” but states that GM will produce ICE vehicles and EVs concurrently, and in fact, producing both types of vehicles is required for the company’s wellbeing.
“There are people out there that claim EV production will require fewer employees. I simply don’t agree with that,” Johnson adds, saying that internal GM studies confirm that the employee base needed for future EV production is “very similar” to what’s needed to a comparable ICE vehicle.
“In fact, at least 80 percent of the build process at an assembly plant remains exactly the same for EVs as it does for ICE vehicles,” Johnson says.
Looking ahead, Johnson says GM will add additional shifts at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan next year, as well as other facilities. The GM Lansing Delta Township plant currently produces the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave, both ICE-powered crossovers, while the ICE-powered GMC Acadia crossover will be built at the plant in the near future.
“We actually expect our employment numbers to grow in 2024,” Johnson says.
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Comments
Will they offset the recent layoffs?
Are they accounting for the drop in sales from people who don’t want EV’s?
Sounds like GM is going WOKE and won’t wake up until their sales wind up in the bottom of the ocean! In my opinion there will never be enough charging stations available to meet the demand that will be needed. And don’t forget the wait times in the lines to charge the vehicles. What about all the 3rd world countries? They will never be able to support EV charging locations or even have the money to buy the vehicles. Tomg
If GM simply transitions to EVs with workers from other parts of the company while some age out and retire, I dont see why the impact to even if lesser employees should be a big deal. GM has the right…gulp…to down size if thats what EVs require assuming they do justice to the EXISTING EMPLOYEES only and not be pressured into hiring more beyond what is needed. Just saying and coming from a company that just out right lays you off and gives you 30 days today I am no longer associated with. An no I dont believe unions would have fixed that.
Simply untrue.
Gerald Johnson closed the Lordstown complex and others with the word unallocated. 4,500 GM jobs gone and not replaced.
The new Ultium battery plant which GM is a part owner has 1600 low paying jobs.
This is already happening. Jobs are being lost.
Wake up sheeple.
The assembly plants will be fine, it’s the engine plants that will lose jobs.
Mr. Johnson is correct, but he picks his words carefully. Assembly jobs will mostly remain the same. I would guess the job losses would be at the plants that build ICE engines and transmissions. Electric motors are simpler and require way less parts. EVs don’t use complex transmissions either.An EV transmission has two gears, forward and reverse. No 8 speed or 10 speed (plus reverse) transmissions in an EV.
I suspect there will be ICE trucks for a while longer.
So, would it be a good investment to purchase new replacement engines and transmissions for resale after 2035? Or will Republicans take over and reverse the craziness?
Odds are that GM will not get more share of the retail EV market than it has of the ICE market. Survival is going to be a bloody battle with casualties. Pricing, costs and quality will be battle fields.
The manufacturer battles are only part of it, it’s the customers who will need winning over, I don’t know anyone who wants an EV.
Brandon is wrong if he thinks the high cost of gas will get people to switch to EV’s, that will just get him voted out of office.
To all the EV Nay-sayers: have you ever actually driven a real EV? Have you talked to EV owners?
I am 82 years old and certainly don’t fit the profile of an EV adapter. Yet, my Lyriq is the 5th EV I have had. I recently completed a 1500 mile trip in the Lyriq. Great car. DRIVE IT TO BELIEVE IT.
So you were able to catch some good nap time at the charging stations. Good for you.
We own our second Tesla. Really like it BUT our experience would tell us it is NOT the vehicle for everyone. Surprised by the vitriol between EV owners and those who don’t want one. It should be a choice not a government mandate.