GM CEO Mary Barra spoke at an Automotive Press Association event last week about a wide range of topics. One of the most discussed topics was the upcoming second term of President Donald Trump and how it will impact GM’s business, especially as it relates to EVs and tariffs.
“I think we’re very goal-aligned,” Barra said of her relationship with Trump, according to the Detroit Free Press. “We want a strong economy. We want a strong manufacturing base in this country. We agree automotive jobs are important. I think there’s a lot that we could work on. But there’s going to be changes. But we’ve worked with many administrations for decades.”
What about the seemingly likely possibility that Trump and the upcoming Republican-controlled Congress will eliminate the federal EV tax credit? “If [tax credits] are removed, it’s additional work we have to do,” Barra said. “But it’s not changing our plan to do it quickly.” Barra is echoing GM CFO Paul Jacobson’s statements that Trump’s victory won’t change GM’s EV plans, and the General still plans on making EVs profitable with or without tax incentives.
As for tariffs, Barra seems to be calling Trump’s bluff on using extreme tariff threats as a tool in “negotiations” rather than a serious policy proposal. “[Higher tariffs] could have a very substantial impact,” Barra said. “But this is part of the negotiations to accomplish these goals … we’re providing input in the background.”
At this point in the interview, Axios journalist Joann Muller asked Barra about her personal experience with Trump and how he’s responded to input from America’s car industry in the past. “My experience has been that he listens intently. He listens very intently,” Barra said.
Barra wrapped up the interview on a confident note about GM’s current position and path into the distant future. She said that instead of doing things the way it always has, GM now asks itself, “How do we have a strong business today but innovate for the future? We’re going to be around for the next 100 years.”
