- GM has embraced AI and it’s writing tons of code for the company.
- Much of the AI focus has been on autonomous driving technology.
- CEO Mary Barra is “very excited” about new Silverado and Sierra.
Consumers remain skeptical about autonomous driving technology and they likely won’t be reassured by a recent statement from GM CEO Mary Barra.
During the company’s first quarter earnings call, the executive revealed “nearly 90% of the code written by our autonomy team is generated by AI.” That’s a stunning figure and Barra said the “way we’re building this technology is a reflection of how seriously we’re embracing AI across the enterprise.”
More: GM’s Designers Were Supposed To Fear AI, Instead They’re Using It To Do What Pencils Can’t
The revelation is interesting as GM is gearing up to introduce the next-generation of Super Cruise, which will allow for “eyes-off, hands-off” driving. It’s launching in 2028 on the Cadillac Escalade IQ.
As we have previously reported, the next-generation system will work on the highway and alert occupants as well as fellow motorists with a series of turquoise lights to indicate it’s being driven autonomously. The system will be far more advanced than the current Super Cruise system and use lidar as well as radars and cameras.
Besides talking about autonomous driving, Barra said “I’m very excited about the new truck that we have coming out at the end of the year.” That’s a reference to the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, which can’t come soon enough as their electric counterparts have been a disappointing failure.
Among the other interesting tidbits from the call was that GM is being impacted by the war in Iran. They’re expecting “some softness” in their international operations due to the conflict and recently reallocated approximately 7,500 full-size SUVs that were originally destined for the Middle East.
The company decided to keep them in the United States “partly because of the conflict and the logistical challenges of getting them to market, but also partly to help bolster some of our lower inventory levels here in the U.S.” As a result, it wasn’t much of a problem. However, the longer the conflict goes on, the more likely it is to cause issues.
