In the past 24 months, General Motors has navigated significant labor challenges, including a major strike by the United Auto Workers in late 2023 that halted production at several plants and cost the company billions, ultimately leading to a new contract with substantial wage increases and better benefits for workers. Another key development was the fallout from its Cruise autonomous vehicle subsidiary, where a serious pedestrian accident in October 2023 prompted regulatory scrutiny, the suspension of operations, and the resignation of Cruise's CEO, as detailed in this New York Times report. GM also advanced its electric vehicle strategy by opening its first Ultium Cells battery plant in Ohio in 2022, a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, which ramped up production to support models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV. This move underscores GM's push towards electrification amid global supply chain disruptions.

General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, is a multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles and parts under brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick, with a strong presence in North America and growing markets in China and South America. Currently, GM is positioning itself as a leader in the transition to sustainable mobility, committing to an all-electric lineup by 2035 and investing heavily in battery technology and autonomous driving. The company reported $171.8 billion in revenue for 2023, reflecting resilience despite economic headwinds, according to its annual report. With over 163,000 employees worldwide, GM emphasizes innovation in connected vehicles and software-defined features to appeal to tech-savvy consumers.

GM's competitive advantages in technology include its proprietary Ultium battery platform, which offers modular designs for faster EV development, and its Super Cruise hands-free driving system, which uses advanced sensors and AI for highway autonomy. The company integrates software and IT applications extensively, such as OnStar for vehicle connectivity, telematics for fleet management, and over-the-air updates for infotainment systems, positioning it well in an automotive industry ripe for innovation through electrification and autonomous tech. GM's tech teams collaborate on AI-driven features via Cruise, focusing on machine learning for perception and decision-making in self-driving cars. Industry reputation for career development is solid, with structured programs like rotational assignments and mentorship, while salaries for software engineers average around $120,000 annually, competitive but varying by location, as per Glassdoor data.

GM faces weaknesses such as high legacy costs from pensions and healthcare for retirees, which strain profitability, alongside vulnerabilities to semiconductor shortages that have repeatedly disrupted production lines. Opportunities abound in the expanding EV market, where GM can leverage government incentives like those from the Inflation Reduction Act to scale Ultium production and capture market share in electric trucks. Threats include intense competition from Tesla's innovative ecosystem and traditional rivals like Ford and Toyota, who are also accelerating EV transitions, as well as regulatory pressures on emissions and safety standards. Supply chain dependencies on rare earth materials pose risks amid geopolitical tensions.