GM Leadership Expresses Regret Over Past Discontinued Models
General Motors President Mark Reuss recently expressed regret regarding several discontinued models, including the Cadillac CT6, the original Chevrolet Bolt, and the historic EV1. Reuss highlighted the difficulties in making such decisions, noting that while they seemed appropriate at the time, hindsight often reveals different outcomes. This candid reflection comes as GM navigates a complex transition toward electric vehicles, adjusting its strategies in response to market demands and production challenges.
The Cadillac CT6, a luxury sedan, was phased out in North America in 2020. This decision coincided with the conversion of GM's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant into 'Factory Zero,' dedicated to producing electric trucks and SUVs. However, this transition hasn't been without hurdles, as evidenced by recent employee layoffs due to weaker-than-anticipated demand for models like the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ. Interestingly, the CT6 continues to be produced and sold in China, with a second generation launching in 2023, showcasing its continued relevance in that market.
Beyond the CT6, Reuss also pointed to the discontinuation of the original Chevrolet Bolt as another decision he now views differently. While the Bolt nameplate is set to return in 2027, it will not be as a direct successor to the previous hatchback. Instead, the new model will replace the crossover-style Bolt EUV, featuring enhancements like faster charging and an extended range. Positioned as America's most affordable electric vehicle at an anticipated price point of $29,990, it aims to cater to a broader audience.
Reflecting further into the past, Reuss mentioned the EV1, GM's pioneering electric vehicle from the 1990s, stating that its cancellation was a regrettable move, though he was not part of the company at that time. He praised the EV1 as a truly innovative automobile, underscoring the long-term vision that was perhaps overlooked in its early stages.
Reuss's open acknowledgment of these past missteps is a rare instance of a high-ranking executive publicly dissecting corporate decisions. He acknowledged that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles has not progressed as rapidly as GM initially projected. This evolving market reality has prompted a recalibration of Cadillac's strategy, with the brand now developing a new combustion-engine CT5. This move suggests a departure from Cadillac's earlier ambition to transition to an all-electric lineup by the end of the decade, indicating a more pragmatic approach to its future product development.