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, comparable to Tesla and Chinese rivals 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 in Asia and Latin America, the company is losing sales to competitors like BYD and Geely.

Key Takeaways:

  • G.M. will offer Gemini, Google's A.I. system, in both electric and gasoline vehicles starting next year, allowing drivers and passengers to ask for restaurant recommendations, directions, and information from the owner's manual.
  • In 2028, G.M. will introduce a more advanced version of its driver-assistance software, Super Cruise, that will allow drivers to take their eyes off the road when driving on many highways.
  • The electric version of the Cadillac Escalade will be the first model to feature the new eyes-off technology.
  • Vehicles will be equipped with a more powerful computer system to enable faster software updates and handle artificial intelligence demands.
  • G.M. will mass-produce batteries using more manganese and less nickel and cobalt in 2028, reducing manufacturing costs by thousands of dollars.
  • The company expects to be the first carmaker to offer lithium manganese rich technology (LMR) batteries, cutting the cost of electric vehicle manufacturing.
  • Automakers are under pressure to reduce battery costs to compete with Chinese manufacturers and maintain electric vehicle sales after the elimination of tax credits.

Statistics:

  • General Motors sold about 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, reflecting investors' belief in the smaller carmaker's lead in new technologies like autonomous driving.
  • G.M. brands Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC are second only to Tesla in electric vehicle sales in the United States.
  • Tesla's stock market value exceeds G.M.'s by more than 20 times, despite G.M. selling twice as many vehicles worldwide in the third quarter.

Sources:

  • "General Motors Unveils AI-Powered Technology Features" by an unattributed author, The New York Times (Article name not provided)
  • PHOTOGRAPH BY BRETT CARLSEN FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES (Caption and credit for image)