Mary Barra is in a very interesting position. After betting big on EVs being GM’s future, the CEO is now faced with the task of navigating the company through a rapidly changing market as it adjusts to softening EV demand, the loss of the $7500 EV tax credit, and tariffs.

Despite these challenges, the CEO remains steadfast and made her feelings very clear at a recent sit down chat hosted by the Automotive Press Association at GM’s new headquarters in Detroit.

Hudson’s HQ building a symbol of change

Before Barra even began to talk about the company’s future, she chose to dedicate some time to talk about GM’s new HQ located on Woodward Avenue after spending decades inside the Renaissance Center.

She claimed that the Ren Cen reflected the old way of doing business and its massive footprint and fortress like design impeded the company’s attempts at creating collaboration especially during COVID. The smaller footprint is a welcome contrast and the simpler design and layout eliminates some of the intimidation factor the Ren Cen had while also paying light homage to the old Hudson’s department store with select touches and features reminiscent of the massive icon.

GM sees the new HQ as a hub for innovation and this is also reflected in the way the various meeting spaces and outside courts are laid out with GM’s latest models being ever present.

GM still committed to EVs, but now has to take a different path

Mary Barra also revealed that GM is still committed to an all-EV future but admitted that the way to get there has become more complex. This complexity has served to hobble GM in recent years with the company still far behind many of its rivals when it comes to offering hybrid and plug-in (PHEV) models. These two types of vehicles serve as bridges for a potential leap into EVs and unhappy customers have shown their displeasure by moving elsewhere for their hybrid needs.

The CEO chose to not talk about future products but revealed the company is taking a more cautious approach to PHEVs a shift from a year ago when the company planned to launch several large PHEV offerings. Barra said several factors led to this newfound shift including the proverbial white elephant in the room, the majority of buyers don;t plug their PHEVs in to recharge them. Instead, GM is investing more money into ICE vehicles with improving fuel economy being a key element of this push.

No regrets on exiting robotaxis

GM was quick to pull out of the robotaxi business in 2024 when it removed all funding from the now defunct Cruise following a near-fatal accident. But while Barra has no regrets about pulling out of robotaxis, sh also made it clear GM is not giving up on automated driving tech either.

This was evident with the Escalade IQL the company had on display at its HQ with this particular SUV featuring the company’s new LiDar-powered eyes-free driving system which allows Super Cruise to become a Level 3 autonomous driving system. AI is also becoming a big part of GM’s new identity with Barra excited about the rollout of Google’s Gemini software into its vehicles.

Barra bullish on retirement rumors

In addition to talking about the company’s future, Barra also chose to walk the tightrope when it came to addressing her own future. With her appointment all the way back in 2014, Barra is currently the second longest reigning CEO in GM history with only Alfred Sloan’s 1923-1946 in the CEO chair surpassing her.

While refusing to outright answer questions about her future, Barra indicated that she still sees things she can do inside the company stating that things are only getting started at GM. “I’m having a lot of fun,” she said too indicating that she’s far from done when it comes to her tenure despite turning 64 back in December.