GM Shoots Down Reports of Stalled EV Demand at Silicon Valley Office Opening

Things are looking up for GM. After some difficulty with software and manufacturing, the automaker's electric vehicles are rolling off the factory floors and into the driveways of customers. 

In the background of that, the automaker consolidated two of its Silicon Valley offices into a single space and held a slightly informal grand opening attended by GM CEO Mary Barra and other members of the executive team. For automakers, Northern California has become an incredibly important location for software development. The talent pool is vast thanks to heavy hitters like Apple, Facebook, Intel, and Google residing in the area and it makes sense to recruit these individuals where they live. 

"We're expanding here because as we look at how significant the transformation that's happening in the auto industry, software is going to play a key role," Barra said during a presentation. 

The occasion was also an opportunity for GM to restate its EV commitments. Marissa West, President of GM North America told attendees "We are intent on meeting the customer where that are. Our vision as an all-electric future, we have, I believe, the best portfolio and the most choice to help guide customers in that journey." 

GM is aware that the road to EVs is a marathon and not a sprint. West reminded the group that the automaker would launch six internal combustion engine vehicles and six electric this year. As for recent headlines, "You may be reading reports where the growth in EVs and EV demand has stalled and that's simply not true. We actually see notable growth, particularly in the EV retail space," West said. 

Sticking to its plan to continue bringing EVs to market should squelch growing concerns about EV adoption stalling. As one of the big three, GM's dedication to an emissions-free future will result in increased job opportunities in manufacturing, battery production, and charging infrastructure.

"We have a responsibility to take and make the industry – that is so important to so many people – and to make it better," Barra said.