GM autonomous vehicle manufacturing and testing in Michigan
In an interview Tuesday Barra vast discussed shifting of the economic model industry scandal Volkswagen emissions and its reasons for rejecting a merger with Fiat Chrysler.
The following excerpts have been condensed and edited for clarity and space.
Question: You said several times that you are not interested in a merger with Fiat Chrysler Why.
Answer We have already had significant scale We have partnerships There comes a point where there are diminishing returns to scale When you look at the margins, we were very disciplined in our execution of the last five years, we re focused on future, not double on the past.
Q What is your relationship like with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now.
A We have worked hard to have a strong relationship that's built with General Motors being very transparent with the agency, which I think is very important.
Q The person who gets the most publicity in the industry seems to be Elon Musk His philosophy is to talk about future products much more than the traditional auto industry Is this a sign that you need to relax a little, you need to discuss what you have come.
A laugh I'm sure you want me to say yes, I think we are fundamentally different look at our volume and watch the segments in which we compete its product range of both products of its scale, it is completely different.
Q Did the surprise scandal Volkswagen diesel car you.
A surprise is a hard word I'm just a step back and look at what we have been through we had the opportunity to work to continue to drive the culture change we are driving and our goal to become the leaders of 'security industry, as well as building on the base, so we have that s what we re focused on five they got problems they've learned to work through.
Q Is there a significant difference in the automotive industry in general between the emissions performance on the road against the lab.
AI am not an expert Powertrain I think what people need to understand is the calibration of the engines is a very complex process where you are balancing the fuel economy performance and emissions and quality and you've also seen how people drive in hot weather, whether it is cold, if mounted, if it is fast.
Q Are you pretty confident there is still a future for diesel engines.
A I think it plays a role in the portfolio There's a range of propulsion systems and we work on all and we'll adapt to the way the market it leads.
Q Is it fair to say that you are open to increasing wages in all areas in contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers.
A I will not talk about the details until we get there.
Q Google, Tesla, Apple seems to have any independent advertising or self-driving cars you are, behind the scenes, more advanced than people realize about this.
A Things are changing rapidly in autonomous cars because it's so many different ways and standards aren not even put many people can claim leads because people are making progress in various fields.
Next year we will have Super Cruise on one of our Cadillacs on the road that you will be able to take your hands off the wheel and foot pedals with a very creative way to make sure the driver is alert and involved in the driving process.
And we have a lot of effort that is confidential as we work in all aspects of self.
Q If Apple CEO Tim Cook was here today and you could give him a warning about what he needs to know before entering the automotive industry, what would it be.
A I respect enormously Tim Cook, and I do not think he really needs advice from me, laughing.
Q But do you think Apple is a viable competitor in the automotive industry.
A I did not realize that what I read in the papers But I would be stupid not to assume that they will.
Q Is it a priority for you to beat your competitors, including Tesla on the market affordable electric car.
A I think it is important to demonstrate our technical capabilities is important to make this statement it is not only electrification, but it is affordable electrification begins to eliminate anxiety beach in a beautiful package .
Q simple question Uber is a good thing or a bad thing for General Motors.
AI don t look at it as a good thing or a bad thing it represents personal mobility exchange If we can respond to what customers want and to do so in a flexible and responsive to their needs, that's how we will win.
Q Are you concerned about the state of the Chinese economy at the moment or is it a temporary blip there are auto sales and will return next year.
AI don t think it s his temporary blip It moderator We believe over the next 10 to 15 years, the market will still grow even 10 million units We have a very strong position that we're increasingly I see that the transition of this huge growth for more moderate growth over time and more volatile.
Q In Southeast Asia time, the Trans-Pacific Partnership is obviously a huge topic Have you taken a position on whether the agreement should go through the President.
A haven t we took position Over time, General Motors has been very supportive of free trade, but at this point, it is new, we still need to understand all the provisions of the agreement.
Q The Federal Reserve procrastinating on rates for a while now If and when they increase the rates, it will have a significant impact on consumers in America.
A Well, I do not know if I'm the best person to answer that question, but I think it's been a resurgence We will continue to be well positioned and respond to the market is clear that the low fuel prices are and very favorable market.
Q Does the possibility that your car could be hacked should be concerned about people something.
A I think it's a real problem, we have calibrated report aerospace and military and to continue working to evaluate whether we have the right systems, the right design We are committed to ensure that our vehicles are safe.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter NathanBomey.
Download our applications and receive alerts for breaking news, sports, entertainment and more Search Freep in your application store or use these links from your iPhone app Android app for phone and camera app iPad Do not forget to like us on Facebook.
216 CONNECT 56 TWEET LINKEDIN 10 reviews INFORM PLUS.
Mary Barra GM is working secretly to drive in cars selfdriving, barra, work, lead, cars.