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GM CEO Barra says 'we are selling every truck we can build'

DETROIT — General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra said on Monday the automaker is "selling every truck we can build" and expanding North American truck-building capacity, even as U.S. gasoline prices hit record highs. Barra made her comments during the automaker's annual shareholder meeting. GM is pursuing a two-track strategy: Investing heavily in electric vehicles for North America, China and other markets, and funding those investments by trying to maximize profits from its North American combustion pickup truck and large SUV lineups. Barra said GM is planning higher-priced versions of its Silverado large pickup and its large SUV models. GM and its Detroit rivals Ford Motor Co and Stellantis NV rely heavily on sales of large pickup trucks and SUVs for global profits. High U.S. gasoline prices in the past have undermined consumer demand for relatively inefficient models. Nominal pump prices hit an average of above $5 a gallon for the first time ever last week, the federal government said Friday. GM is ramping up production of EVs. Barra said the Cadillac Lyriq electric sport utility is sold out through 2023. In response to shareholder questions, Barra said the "clear priority" for using cash generated by its operations is to "accelerate our EV plans." She did not rule out share buybacks or other approaches to returning cash to shareholders. GM still expects to increase production this year by 25-30%, despite continuing pressure on semiconductor supplies globally. Barra said GM is working to redesign vehicles to reduce the number of processors required by 95%. Barra serves as GM's board chair and CEO. GM shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to separate those roles.

GM uses wind power to build SUVs, trucks

This week started with a chill, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a dire report with scientists warning, "The world we know today is not the world we will see in 50 years," with temperatures rising at their current rates. In the meantime, the trend toward purchasing more SUVs and crossovers continues. Most automakers, though, have set goals toward more sustainable production. That includes General Motors, which, somewhat ironically, plans to use wind power to produce many of its vehicles, including pickups and full-size SUVs. As the Detroit Free Press reports, several wind farms are coming online to support cleaner production as part of a partnership between GM and energy producer CMS Enterprises. At the beginning of October, the 100-megawatt Northwest Ohio Wind Farm began producing energy, supplying GM operations in Ohio and Indiana, where manufactured vehicles include the Chevy Cruze, Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. Hilltopper Wind Farm in Illinois will begin producing another 100 megawatts for GM manufacturing in the region. In Texas, where GM builds the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade, the automaker is getting 50 megawatts from Cactus Flats Wind Farm beginning October 9. Using wind power isn't just about being green, but also for the sake of price stability. As Rob Threlkeld, GM's global manager of renewable energy told the Free Press, "You don't get the price spikes this way, like you do with fuel, and it reduces the environment footprint of the vehicle you're driving." Threlkeld said that renewable energy has already meant "millions of dollars in savings" for GM. GM plans to power all of its global operations with renewable energy by 2050. This week, the automaker was ranked 76 on the EPA's "National Top 100 List" of green manufacturers. It was the only automotive company listed. Related Video: News Source: Detroit Free Press, GM, EPAImage Credit: GM Green Plants/Manufacturing Chevrolet GM GMC Truck SUV wind power sustainability

2017 Chevy Bolt charged up for production

Chevy's decision to call its new electric car the Bolt has stirred controversy and confusion, but regardless, it's well on its way to becoming a production reality. The prototype captured in these shots is heavily camouflaged, but the crossover/hatchback styling cues are still evident. The car also has a tall greenhouse, slight creases in the sides, and a sloping roofline in back. There's a rapidly rising body line that makes for less glass for rear passengers, but that's probably part of the camo. The Bolt is expected to arrive for 2017 and will be sold in all 50 states. The Chevy Bolt carries the promise of bringing EV technology to a broader audience. Chevy said the car will cost about $30,000 after possible tax incentives and could have a range of 200 miles. It will be assembled at General Motors' Orion Assembly factory north of Detroit. The Bolt will augment the plug-in hybrid Volt in Chevy's green fleet, and it will compete against vehicles like the BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf. Related Video: