General Motors Unveils AI-Powered Technology Features

Strategic Insights -

At an event in New York, attended by CEO Mary T. Barra, General Motors unveiled new technology features that include an artificial intelligence assistant and self-driving software that will allow drivers to take their eyes off the road in certain situations. The company aims to showcase its status as a technology leader, rivaling Tesla and Chinese companies like BYD. These innovations signify a fundamental shift in G.M.'s evolution, according to the company. G.M. is second only to Tesla in electric vehicle sales in the United States, but faces competition from Chinese carmakers in other markets.

Key Takeaways:

  • General Motors will offer Gemini, Google's A.I. system, in both electric and gasoline vehicles starting next year, allowing drivers and passengers to ask for recommendations, directions, and information from the owner's manual.
  • The company will introduce a more advanced version of its driver-assistance software, called Super Cruise, in 2028, which will allow drivers to take their eyes off the road on many highways, initially available only on divided highways.
  • The electric version of the Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicle will be the first model to get the new eyes-off technology, with vehicles equipped with a more powerful computer system enabling faster software updates and more capacity to handle the demands of artificial intelligence.
  • General Motors will mass-produce batteries that use more manganese and less nickel and cobalt for use in electric vehicles starting in 2028, cutting the cost of manufacturing an electric vehicle by thousands of dollars.
  • The company expects to be the first carmaker to offer lithium manganese rich technology, which will store as much energy as typical batteries containing a lot of expensive nickel and cobalt.
  • G.M. is under pressure to cut the cost of batteries to compete with Chinese manufacturers and maintain electric vehicle sales after the elimination of tax credits.

Statistics:

  • G.M. sold twice as many vehicles worldwide in the third quarter as Tesla did, but Tesla has a stock market value more than 20 times as large as G.M.'s.
  • Batteries are the most expensive component in electric vehicles, with a cost that has been reduced by up to $7,500 with tax credits.
  • By using more manganese and less nickel and cobalt, G.M. expects to cut the cost of manufacturing an electric vehicle by thousands of dollars.

Sources:

  • [The New York Times article](https://www.nytimes.com/article?-tag=general-motors-autonomous-vehicles)