General Motors

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American multinational automaker whose principal vehicle brands include Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.

Last updated November 1, 2026

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Overview

General Motors Company is a major American automotive manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Its principal consumer-facing brands are Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac, which collectively cover mainstream cars, pickup trucks, sport-utility vehicles, commercial vehicles, and luxury automobiles. GM also operates vehicle-financing activities, the OnStar connected-vehicle and safety-services business, ACDelco aftermarket parts, and defense-related vehicle operations. Through joint ventures and affiliated operations, particularly in China, the company has also participated in the production and distribution of vehicles under brands including Wuling and Baojun. The business began on September 16, 1908, when William C. Durant created General Motors as a holding company around Buick. Durant rapidly assembled a portfolio of vehicle and component companies, including Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Oakland, and the companies that became GMC. Financial overextension led to his removal from management in 1910, but he later helped regain control with backing from Chevrolet founder Louis Chevrolet and financial partners. Chevrolet was incorporated into GM in 1918, giving the company a broad ladder of brands and price points. Alfred P. Sloan Jr. transformed GM into a highly organized, multidivisional corporation. His management system assigned distinct market positions to the company’s brands, used annual styling changes to stimulate replacement demand, and integrated product development, manufacturing, distribution, and financing. GM expanded internationally and diversified into bodies, transmissions, diesel engines, aircraft, locomotives, household appliances, insurance, computing, and defense. For much of the twentieth century it was the largest automaker in the world and a central institution in American industrial life. GM was also an important site of labor and social history. The United Auto Workers’ Flint sit-down strike of 1936–1937 resulted in GM recognizing the UAW as the exclusive representative of its production workers. During the Second World War, GM converted much of its industrial capacity to military production, while its German subsidiary Opel continued operating under wartime conditions in Germany. The company later became associated with major engineering developments including automatic transmissions, diesel locomotives, safety systems, fuel-cell research, electric vehicles, and aerospace electronics. From the 1970s onward, oil shocks, foreign competition, changing regulation, costly diversification, and uneven product quality weakened GM’s traditional market position. The company’s early electric vehicle program produced the EV1 in the 1990s, but the program ended after leased vehicles were recalled and dismantled, becoming a lasting subject of public debate. GM subsequently acquired and sold numerous businesses, including EDS, Hughes Aircraft, Lotus, and Saab-related operations, while reducing its brand portfolio. The financial crisis and collapse in North American vehicle demand pushed the pre-bankruptcy General Motors Corporation into Chapter 11 in 2009. A federally supported restructuring created the current General Motors Company, reduced debt and labor obligations, and left a smaller portfolio centered on Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. The company sold or discontinued several historic marques, including Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer, and Saab-related assets, although Hummer later returned as an electric GMC sub-brand. In the 2020s GM has emphasized battery-electric vehicles, software, connected services, autonomous-driving research, commercial mobility, and electrification of its truck and SUV range. It announced an ambition to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035 and reach carbon neutrality in its products and operations by 2040, although subsequent market conditions, slower-than-expected EV adoption, and commercial pressures led to revisions in the pace and scope of those p…

History

General Motors originated in 1908 as a holding company formed by William C. Durant around Buick. It expanded quickly through acquisitions of Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Oakland, Rapid, Reliance, and other manufacturers. Durant’s aggressive expansion caused financial problems, and bankers removed him from operational control in 1910. He later helped establish Chevrolet and returned to GM with financial backing before being displaced again in 1920. Alfred P. Sloan Jr. subsequently built the modern multidivisional structure, separating brands by price and market position while coordinating them through centralized finance, engineering, and purchasing. During the 1920s and 1930s GM acquired or developed major industrial capabilities. It purchased Vauxhall and Opel, established or expanded financing through GMAC, acquired Fisher Body, and developed businesses in aircraft engines, diesel power, refrigeration, insurance, transmissions, and locomotives. Its labor relationship changed permanently after the Flint sit-down strike, when GM recognized the UAW in 1937. During the Second World War the company redirected its factories toward aircraft, engines, tanks, trucks, and other military equipment, making it one of the largest industrial contributors to Allied production. Postwar GM became a symbol of American mass production and consumer prosperity. Its divisions introduced styling, automatic transmissions, safety equipment, advanced engines, diesel locomotives, and aerospace technologies. The company’s scale peaked in the postwar decades, but the 1970s oil crises, stricter environmental requirements, imported competition, and quality problems exposed weaknesses in its large-vehicle-centered strategy. The company experimented with diesel engines, variable-cylinder technology, alternative powertrains, and acquisitions outside automobiles, with mixed results. In the 1980s and 1990s GM pursued diversification through EDS, Hughes Aircraft, Lotus, Saab, and other investments, while also reducing or selling non-core holdings. It developed the Impact concept and then the EV1, an early modern battery-electric vehicle offered only through leases in limited markets. The EV1 program ended in the early 2000s, while GM continued fuel-cell, hybrid, and later battery-electric research. The company’s brand portfolio contracted as Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, and other operations were discontinued or sold. The 2008 financial crisis led to severe liquidity pressure and the 2009 Chapter 11 reorganization of General Motors Corporation. The current General Motors Company emerged with a smaller brand structure and substantial public-sector assistance. It continued under Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac, later reintroducing Hummer as an electric vehicle line under GMC. Mary Barra became CEO in 2014, during the company’s ignition-switch crisis, and GM subsequently placed greater emphasis on safety governance, software, electrification, autonomous driving, and connected services. The company’s current strategy combines profitable trucks and SUVs with a gradual transition toward electric and software-defined vehicles.

2021
Electric-transition targets announced
[10]Electric-transition targets announcedgm.com
GM announces long-term targets for electrifying its light-duty portfolio and reducing operational and product emissions.
2014
Ignition-switch crisis
[3]U.S. Department of Justice: GM ignition-switch settlementjustice.gov
GM recalls millions of vehicles and faces investigations over a defect associated with fatalities and delayed internal disclosure.
2010
GM returns to public markets
[1]General Motorsen.wikipedia.org
The reorganized company completes a major initial public offering.
2009
Current General Motors Company emerges from bankruptcy
[9]Current General Motors Company emerges from bankruptcyen.wikipedia.org
A restructured GM begins operations after the predecessor corporation’s Chapter 11 reorganization.
1996
EV1 enters limited production
[8]EV1 enters limited productionen.wikipedia.org
GM begins leasing the EV1 battery-electric car in selected U.S. markets.
1966
Electrovan demonstrated
[7]Electrovan demonstrateden.wikipedia.org
GM develops the Electrovan, an early vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
1939
Hydramatic transmission introduced
[6]Hydramatic transmission introduceden.wikipedia.org
Oldsmobile introduces GM’s commercially successful automatic transmission technology.
1937
Flint sit-down strike settlement
[5]Flint sit-down strike settlementen.wikipedia.org
GM recognizes the United Auto Workers as the representative of its production workers after the historic strike.
1926
Pontiac is introduced
[1]General Motorsen.wikipedia.org
GM launches Pontiac and expands its brand architecture between Chevrolet and the higher-priced divisions.
1918
Chevrolet joins GM
[1]General Motorsen.wikipedia.org
Chevrolet Motor Company is consolidated into General Motors, strengthening the company’s multi-brand market ladder.
1908
General Motors is founded
[1]General Motorsen.wikipedia.org
William C. Durant establishes General Motors as a holding company centered on Buick.

Products and positioning

A full-line global automaker spanning mainstream, truck, commercial, premium, luxury, electric, connected, and financing offerings.

Mainstream vehicles · 1911
Chevrolet
GM’s broad-volume brand, offering passenger vehicles, crossovers, pickup trucks, SUVs, performance cars, and battery-electric models. Chevrolet is central to GM’s North American scale and includes important truck lines such as Silverado as well as utility vehicles such as Tahoe and Suburban.
Premium vehicles · 1903
Buick
A premium-oriented GM division positioned above Chevrolet. Buick has emphasized quiet, comfortable vehicles and, in contemporary markets, crossovers and SUVs aimed at customers seeking a more upscale experience without Cadillac pricing.
Trucks and SUVs · 1911
GMC
GM’s truck- and professional-vehicle-focused brand. Its portfolio includes Sierra pickup trucks, Yukon SUVs, commercial vehicles, and the electric Hummer line. GMC emphasizes capability, towing, utility, and premium truck presentation.
Luxury vehicles · 1902
Cadillac
GM’s luxury division, known for large SUVs, sedans, performance variants, and increasingly electric models. The Escalade is its best-known flagship SUV, while the Lyriq represents the division’s battery-electric transition.
Connected vehicle services · 1996
OnStar
A GM service platform providing connected-vehicle communications, emergency assistance, navigation-related functions, diagnostics, safety services, and other subscription features through compatible vehicles.
Automotive parts · 1916
ACDelco
GM’s aftermarket parts brand, supplying replacement components, maintenance products, batteries, filters, and other service items for GM and non-GM vehicles.

Controversies

2026
General Motors recalls Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 over tire pressure label error
General Motors is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package because the tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires and preventing the TPMS from displaying a low tire pressure warning. The recall potentially affects eight vehicles; dealers will inspect, update the ECM software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a TPMS re-learn process as necessary.
Source
2026
Montana attorney general sues General Motors and OnStar
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen sued General Motors and OnStar, alleging that they deceptively enrolled customers and sold their driving data to data brokers without consent. The source does not report a determination of the allegations.
Source
2026
General Motors reaches $220 million settlement over customer data
General Motors agreed to pay $220 million to settle allegations that it sold customers' private data, which was used by insurance companies to set rates. The settlement involved Michigan and 35 other states.
Source
2021
Chevrolet Bolt battery-fire recalls
GM recalled Bolt EV vehicles after battery-related fire reports and worked with LG on identifying manufacturing defects and replacing affected battery modules or packs.
Source
2021
GM announces recall of certain Chevrolet Bolt EVs for battery software update
General Motors announced a recall of approximately 69,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs from model years 2017 through 2019 that were equipped with batteries manufactured at LG Energy Solution's South Korean factory. The planned recall involves installing diagnostic software and, where necessary, replacing battery module assemblies in order to address fire risks.
Source
2021
GM recalls 410,019 Chevrolet and GMC trucks over airbags
General Motors announced the recall of 410,019 model-year 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks because their side airbags were not safe for passengers. According to the report, the inflator end cap can detach, and three ruptures occurred the previous month. The recall covers the specified model years and vehicle lines.
Source
2021
GM recall covers vehicles with faulty air-bag warning light
The U.S. government's highway safety agency approved General Motors' request to recall 285,622 vehicles across specified 2021 models because a software issue could cause the air-bag warning light to operate inconsistently. GM said it would update the vehicles' software free of charge.
Source
2021
GM and LG agree on Bolt EV recall costs
General Motors said it reached an agreement with LG, LG Chem's parent, on Bolt EV recall costs; LG agreed to pay GM up to $1.9 billion.
Source
2021
LG Chem agrees to pay GM $1.9 billion over Bolt recall costs
General Motors said it reached an agreement with LG Chem for LG Chem to pay $1.9 billion to compensate GM for costs associated with the Chevrolet Bolt battery recall.
Source
2021
General Motors recalls vehicles over fuel-pump control-module issue
General Motors recalled 14,901 vehicles because the power control module may cause the fuel pump to operate intermittently or fail. The article identifies the affected models as the 2021 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade. The control module was to be replaced by authorized retailers at no cost, and customers were to be notified on November 8.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2021Everybody In
United States
GM used “Everybody In” to promote its Ultium battery platform and position electrification as accessible across Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC products.
Outcome. Supported GM’s public electric-vehicle strategy and product announcements.
Source
2012Chevrolet Find New Roads
United States · International
Chevrolet adopted “Find New Roads” as a global brand platform linking the marque with exploration, optimism, innovation, and everyday mobility.
Outcome. Became a major long-running Chevrolet brand message.
Source

Brand decisions

2022
Reintroduce Hummer as an electric vehicleProduct launch
Background
GM sought to use an established nameplate to create attention around electric trucks and SUVs.
Action taken
GMC launched the Hummer EV pickup and SUV as high-output battery-electric vehicles.
Aftermath
The products served as technology and brand flagships for GM’s electric truck strategy.
Source
2021
Commit to long-term vehicle electrificationStrategy
Background
GM sought to respond to emissions policy, changing consumer expectations, and competition in battery-electric vehicles.
Action taken
The company announced an ambition to phase out new light-duty internal-combustion vehicles by 2035 and pursue carbon neutrality by 2040.
Aftermath
GM continued launching Ultium-based vehicles but later adjusted the timing and scale of its EV production plans as demand and profitability developed.
Source
2009
Restructure through Chapter 11Strategy
Background
The predecessor corporation faced insolvency during the financial crisis and a collapse in vehicle demand.
Action taken
GM used bankruptcy proceedings to reduce liabilities, close or sell brands, renegotiate obligations, and create the current General Motors Company.
Aftermath
The reorganized company returned to public ownership in 2010 with a narrower brand portfolio.
Source

Recent events

2026-10-30
36-state coalition settles with General Motors over driver data sales[42]General Motors reaches $220 million settlement over customer datanewsroomamerica.com
Reported: 2026-10-31
General Motors reached a settlement with a 36-state coalition resolving allegations that it illegally sold consumers’ private driver behavior and location data to third parties. Alaska will receive $2.5 million as part of the settlement.
2026-10-29
GM reaches $220 million settlement over customer data[41]General Motors reaches $220 million settlement over customer datafox2detroit.com
Reported: 2026-10-29
General Motors agreed to pay $220 million to settle allegations that it sold customers’ private data, which was used by insurance companies to set rates. The settlement involved Michigan and 35 other states.
2026-10-28
General Motors refreshes its visual identity[59]通用汽车更新品牌视觉形象marketing-interactive.com
Reported: 2026-10-28
General Motors refreshed its brand identity, including a new logo with a gradient of blue tones, rounded edges and lowercase lettering.
2026-10-28
GM announces planned launch of a new GM.com site[59]通用汽车更新品牌视觉形象marketing-interactive.com
Reported: 2026-10-28
General Motors announced plans to launch a new GM.com site on January 11, 2021, to share information and stories about its work across electrification, safety, citizenship and autonomous driving.
2026-10-27
GM announces transfer of its stock listing to Nasdaq[60]GM宣布将股票上市地点转至纳斯达克cnbc.com
Reported: 2026-10-27
General Motors announced plans to transfer its common-stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange to Nasdaq, with trading expected to begin on Nov. 17. The company expects to keep its “GM” ticker symbol.
2026-10-27
General Motors announces investment in Lansing-area facilities[61]通用汽车宣布投资兰辛地区设施techcrunch.com
Reported: 2026-10-27
General Motors said it plans to invest more than $2 billion over the next several years in the broader Lansing region, including $1.25 billion to prepare the Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant for future vehicle production.
2026-10-21
GM announces planned OnStar in-vehicle AI assistant[62]通用汽车宣布计划推出 OnStar 车载 AI 助手cnbc.com
Reported: 2026-10-21
General Motors announced that its proprietary OnStar in-vehicle AI assistant is expected to launch in the coming months on the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq through an over-the-air update, before expanding to other models. The assistant will be available through a subscription.
Unconfirmed
Montana attorney general sues General Motors and OnStar[20]Montana attorney general sues General Motors and OnStark96fm.com
Reported: 2026-10-20
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen sued General Motors and OnStar, alleging they deceptively enrolled customers and sold their driving data to data brokers without consent. The source does not report a determination of the allegations.
2026-10-20
General Motors raises free cash flow expectations and narrows 2026 guidance[63]通用汽车提高自由现金流预期并收窄2026年指引cnbc.com
Reported: 2026-10-20
General Motors raised its free cash flow expectations and narrowed its full-year 2026 guidance.
2026-10-12
GM CEO says 'eyes-off, hands-off' driving technology remains on track for 2028 debut in Cadillac Escalade IQ[64]通用汽车CEO称“脱眼脱手”驾驶技术仍按计划于2028年率先搭载凯迪拉克Escalade IQcnbc.com
Reported: 2026-10-13
General Motors CEO Mary Barra said on Monday, October 12, 2026 that the automaker remains on track to introduce its 'eyes-off, hands-off' driving technology by 2028, debuting in the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ before expanding to other models. She said she recently tested the technology and was impressed by how much it had improved since an earlier ride in March. The personal-autonomy program follows GM's December 2024 exit from its Cruise robotaxi business.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.

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