After GM’s Ignition Switch Crisis, the Company Now Talks Nonstop About Safety
Key takeaways
- The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt sees what its driver can’t, as one example of safety advances.
- Mary Barra’s early tenure as General Motors’ CEO was marked by a safety crisis: the ignition switch recall that tested her leadership abilities from the outset.
- More than a decade later, GM employees say the emphasis on safety has grown stronger.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt sees what its driver can’t, as one example of safety advances.
Mary Barra’s early tenure as General Motors’ CEO was marked by a safety crisis: the ignition switch recall that tested her leadership abilities from the outset. She managed the debacle that resulted in 124 deaths and 275 injuries, and began a culture change that included making safety a priority.
More than a decade later, GM employees say the emphasis on safety has grown stronger. The culture is even more important than when Barra took over as CEO, said Jeff Ronne, global director for the company’s Global Safety Strategy. “It is the No. 1 thing talked about at all meetings and events.”