GM's Whitacre Strives to Create Stability
DETROIT - General Motors Co. Chairman Ed Whitacre said his appointment to lead the automaker indefinitely as CEO will help provide stability to a team that's now “set at the top,” reported Automotive News.
Whitacre overhauled GM's top executive structure when he took over as interim CEO in December. Among the changes: naming Mark Reuss president of GM North America and Susan Docherty chief of U.S. sales. Today, the company removed “interim” from Whitacre's title.
Whitacre, 68, said he feels no need to make more immediate changes, although most of his lieutenants are GM lifers.
Some middle management may need rearranging, he said, but the overall goal is to reduce turmoil.
“This place needs some stability,” Whitacre said in announcing his expanded role during a press conference. “I guess that's me.”
The appointment cements the Detroit 3 as a group run by outsiders. Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Co.'s CEO since 2006, is a former Boeing Co. executive. Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler Group's CEO, is an accountant and lawyer who took command of Fiat S.p.A. in 2004.
More Industry
Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
Consumer Outlook on the Rise
Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.
Read More →
Pennsylvania Dealership Under New Retailers
The sale of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store puts a family auto group on a leaner path as first-time dealers take the helm.
Read More →