General Motors Chair Mary Barra is warning of a looming crisis. The CEO of General Motors has sounded a warning bell, cautioning that China’s intensifying efforts to dominate the electric vehicle (EV) market are imposing extreme pressure on global automakers. As Barra acknowledged, General Motors is not insulated from the intense competition, which she dubbed a “race to the underside” with numerous companies throwing money at the problem.
“It’s turned into a mad dash to the bottom with pricing and the scope of subsidies,” Barra told editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell on Wednesday.
This week, General Motors’ CEO expressed the company’s determination to stay competitive despite the influx of low-cost Chinese electric vehicles entering global markets.
While generally a proponent of free trade, Barra acknowledges that certain issues are uniquely challenging when dealing with China. China’s rapid shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids has led to significant upheaval in the country’s auto industry, fueled by substantial government incentives and a dwindling pool of financial resources.
Global automotive powerhouses, including the US and EU, have recently introduced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports in a bid to safeguard domestic industries.
The President announced a 100% tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China.
Legacy automotive manufacturers are facing a significant challenge in keeping pace with the affordable electric vehicles (EVs) emerging from Chinese companies, such as BYD’s Seagull model, which is available for under $10,000 (approximately 69,800 yuan).
In foreign markets, such as South America, the Seagull, also known as the Dolphin Mini abroad, stands out as a highly affordable electric vehicle option, available for approximately $20,000 or 99,800 reals.
General Motors appears to be gunning for a victory in the electric vehicle worth war with China.
General Motors is among the top foreign automakers reaping rewards from China’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Although electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), also known as new vitality automobiles (NEVs), surpassed gas-powered vehicle sales for the first time in China this summer, General Motors’ (GM) sales in the region have declined by double digits this year.
As the demand for gasoline-powered vehicles continues to decline, General Motors’ total gross sales in China dropped by a significant 21% during the third quarter, compared to the same period last year.
Despite challenges, Barra remains optimistic, with its past investments finally starting to yield a positive return. General Motors and its joint ventures marked a milestone in China by purchasing more new-energy vehicle models than fuel-powered cars for the first time in the third quarter, accounting for a significant 53% share.
Inside the United States, General Motors’ electric vehicle sales skyrocketed 60% in the third quarter, with a record-breaking 32,095 units sold. “Gaining momentum ahead of the curve, General Motors’ electric vehicle portfolio is thriving thanks to our diverse range of all-electric models now available to suit nearly every customer’s needs,” said Rory Harvey, GM’s global vice president of markets.
General Motors, driven by strong year-over-year growth from its core brands including Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, edged past Hyundai Motor Group, comprising Kia and Genesis, as well as Ford, to claim the runner-up spot behind only Tesla in Q3, according to reports.
Based on discussions with Barra, further development appears to be the most viable option, especially considering the emergence of additional charging options in the US market.
“As quarterly investments in charging infrastructure continue to grow, I firmly believe that the future is bright for widespread adoption of electric vehicles,” Barra stated.
GM’s Chevy lineup showcases its electric fleet, featuring the Silverado, Equinox, and Blazer EVs, all recharging together at a Tesla Supercharger.
Last month, General Motors’ corporate arm launched its NACS (Neutral At All Costs System) adapter, thereby granting GM electric vehicle owners access to the vast and coveted Tesla Supercharger network.
The General Motors’ chief executive, citing the need to move forward with affordable vehicles that people want to own.
| $45,995 | TBC | 220 | 243 lb-ft | Accessible to order quickly | |
| $48,995 | EPA-estimated 283 (beforehand 279) | 300 (beforehand 288) | 355 lb-ft (beforehand 333 lb-ft) | Accessible now | |
| $56,990 | EPA-estimated 334 (beforehand 324) | 365 (beforehand 340) | 325 lb-ft | Accessible to order now | |
| $61,995 | TBC | The 595 boasts an impressive 0-60mph acceleration of just 3.4 seconds, courtesy of its Extensive Open Watts mode, which has been previously detailed at 557. | 645 lb-ft with Extensive Open Watts | Accessible Q1 2025 |
**Base Model**: $48,995
**LT**: $51,395
**RS**: $56,395
**Premier**: $63,495
The corporation boasts an impressive array of newly introduced electric models, including the highly successful Chevy Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs, which have quickly gained traction among customers.
The all-new 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV has made its debut, available now at an attractive starting price of $45,995, making it an affordable and exciting option for electric SUV enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated $35,000 Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicle has finally rolled into local dealerships. Qualifying electric vehicles are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
