DealBook Summit: G.M.’s Chief Executive Remains Bullish on Electric Vehicles

Podcast: DealBook Summit, The New York Times
Date: December 4, 2025
Guests: Mary Barra (G.M. Chair & CEO), Andrew Ross Sorkin (host)

Overview

This episode features a live interview from the 2025 DealBook Summit with Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors. Hosted by Andrew Ross Sorkin, the discussion focuses on the future of electric vehicles (EVs), regulatory and political challenges, competition with China, autonomy and labor concerns, and Barra’s personal reflections on leadership at G.M.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The State and Future of EVs in the U.S.

• Short-term Uncertainty:
  Barra argues that it’s “way too soon to tell” if the EV revolution is stalling, citing incentive fluctuation and evolving consumer demand. (02:34)

  “I think we'll get into second quarter of next year and that's when we'll start to know what true EV demand is. But we're well positioned. Whether you want an internal combustion engine vehicle… or an EV, we have great portfolios in both.” (02:34-03:17)

• Technological Innovation and Consumer Focus: Barra underlines ongoing innovation, partnerships (e.g. with LG Energy Solutions), and commitment to reducing EV costs:

  “We’re innovating with LMR technology with our partner LG Energy Solutions… will take up to $10,000 off the cost of an EV.” (03:51-04:50)

• Regulatory Dependency: Industry investment decisions were “based on the regulatory situation under the Biden administration.” (05:18)

2. National Standards vs. State Regulations

• One National Regulatory Standard:
  Barra is a long-standing advocate for a national emission standard to avoid inefficiencies and confusion from state-by-state rules:

  “If we want to put the best product on the road as efficiently as possible, we need one national standard.” (06:09)

  She details the logistical issues of disparate state requirements:

  “I looked at where's the consumer and the consumer... they need to know this vehicle is going to be there day in and day out.” (06:09-07:41)

• California’s Emission Standards and Political Maneuvering:
  Barra tells Sorkin she lobbied for one standard, not against California, reiterating that lobbying is aligned with clarity and rational portfolio planning.

3. Politics, Lobbying, and Changing Policies

• Navigating Political Shifts:
  Barra insists that policy, not politics, drives G.M.'s strategy, but Sorkin presses on perceptions of opportunism:

  “We can’t be blind to [policies]. We have to make the investments to get to where the regulatory environment they set. We've seen a complete change in that... That's the world CEOs of automakers are living in.” (08:53-09:49)

• Direct Criticism – Governor Gavin Newsom:
  On Newsom’s “G.M. sold us out. Mary Barra sold us out”:

  “I'm not going to talk about the rhetoric. Let's focus on results. We have the largest EV portfolio of anyone selling vehicles in this country.” (10:06)

4. Global Competition and Tariffs

• EV Adoption Abroad:
  Sorkin presses if the U.S. lags amid China’s 60% EV sales, but Barra points to G.M.’s global resilience and successful restructuring in China (luxury and premium brands).

  “We're going to continue to do that. We have a strong business in South America. We're, you know, in back in Europe from an EV perspective. So I think we can be strong across the globe.” (10:52-11:17)

• Tariffs and Subsidies:
  Barra supports “a more level playing field,” noting that U.S. automakers faced uneven tariffs for years:

  “I think there's been a lot done with tariffs to have a more level playing field. I wouldn't say it's level now, but for years we faced either tariffs or non-tariff trade barriers.” (12:36-13:21)

• Competition with China:
  Quoting Elon Musk:

  “If there are no trade barriers established, they (China) will pretty much demolish most other car companies in the world.” (Sorkin quoting Musk, 13:21)

  Barra responds:

  “So I do agree with Elon that … Chinese OEMs have gotten much better, especially as we move to EVs. But… China is heavily subsidizing their industry… there has to be a government response or that could happen.” (13:34-14:02)

5. EV Incentives and Policy Stability

• Consistent Policy Desired:
  Barra sidesteps direct advocacy for specific incentives:

  “What I would like is consistency. I want clarity… Because we invest over a period of years.” (15:15-15:43)

6. Relationships with Tesla and the White House

• Elon Musk & Exclusion Debate:
  Barra clarifies her stance and praises Tesla’s contributions:

  “I actually privately had that conversation with him [President Biden]. I said, actually, I think a lot of that credit goes to Elon and Tesla.” (16:41-16:50)

7. Autonomous Vehicles – Lessons from Cruise

• Evolving the Autonomy Strategy:
  G.M. has shifted to focus on personal autonomy rather than competing in robotaxis.

  “We did… make the decision to focus on personal autonomous vehicles, because that's our business today… There's significant differences between personal autonomy and… a robo-taxi fleet.” (17:15-19:21)

• Near-Term Goals:
  Announced recent plans for “highway L4 capability” starting with the Escalade IQ in 2028.

8. Labor and Skills in the Modern Auto Industry

• Challenges in Skilled Labor:
  Barra echoes industry challenges, calling for greater respect for skilled workers and highlighting G.M.’s investments in apprenticeship and transition programs for military veterans:

  “I wish we didn't have a negative view of people, whether they're plumbers, electricians, die makers, because… the capability is incredible… They're very important.” (19:43-21:03)

• Ongoing Workforce Training:
  Continued investment in internal training, leveraging community colleges, and adapting to new technologies (electric and autonomous vehicles).

9. Personal Reflections and Leadership

• Nearly 50 Years with G.M.:
  Barra expresses emotional connection to G.M. and pride in customer relationships:

  “What other industry do people write songs about? Do they name their cars?” (22:41)

  She emphasizes the deeply personal nature of cars in American life, and her ongoing passion:

  “This is not an easy industry, but it is a rewarding one when we look at what's happening. We're an industry in transformation not only from how the vehicle's propelled, but all the technology…” (22:41-23:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the uncertainty of EV demand:
  “I think we'll get into second quarter of next year and that's when we'll start to know what true EV demand is.” — Mary Barra (02:34)

• On lessons from Cruise and autonomy:
  “We did… make the decision to focus on personal autonomous vehicles, because that's our business today…” — Mary Barra (18:53)

• On competition with China:
  “So I do agree with Elon that I think [Chinese] capabilities… have gotten much better, especially as we move to EVs. But… China is heavily subsidizing their industry…” — Mary Barra (13:34)

• On her philosophy as CEO:
  “We want to build great vehicles for consumers and delight and surprise them…” — Mary Barra (08:53)

• Personal connection to G.M.:
  “What other industry do people write songs about? Do they name their cars?” — Mary Barra (22:41)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Intro & Mary Barra’s Tenure: 00:49–02:00
• The State of U.S. EVs: 02:00–05:30
• Regulation, Standards & Lobbying: 05:30–10:27
• EV Policy & China Competition: 10:27–14:03
• Tariffs & Global Industry: 14:03–15:43
• Discussion on Policy Consistency: 15:43–16:18
• Elon Musk, White House Relations: 16:18–16:56
• Autonomous Vehicles & Cruise: 16:56–19:21
• Labor Market and Skills: 19:21–21:47
• Barra’s Reflections on Leadership: 21:47–23:24

Tone and Style

The conversation is candid, direct, and frequently nuanced. Barra is pragmatic, cautious with predictions, and data-driven, while Sorkin adopts a probing, sometimes skeptical tone. The tone remains respectful but energetic, reflecting the crossroads at which the auto industry finds itself.

For listeners, this episode offers a revealing account of how G.M. is steering through industry transformation, global competitiveness, and shifting regulatory environments, as well as the enduring human dimension of automobile manufacturing.