On the heels of yet another recall related to faulty ignition switches, GM (IW 500/5) CEO Mary Barra took to the camera to own the mistakes GM has made in addressing the problems with more than 3 million vehicles.
"These are serious developments that shouldn't surprise anyone. After all, something went wrong with our process in this instance, and terrible things happened," Barra said in an internal GM video.
"As a member of the GM family and as a mom with a family of my own, this really hits home for me. And we have apologized, but that is just one step in the journey to resolve this.”
The chief executive, who assumed the position in January, outlined the company's plans to be more aggressive in its handling of the recall, plans that involve adding a second production line at its supplier to double the availability of parts needed to fix the impacted vehicles.
"The bottom line is we will be better because of this tragic situation if we seize the opportunity," Barra said.
The recalls, which involve affect: all 2005 through 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5, 2003 through 2007 Saturn Ion, 2006 and 2007 Chevrolet HHR, 2005 and 2006 Pontiac Pursuit, 2006 and 2007 Pontiac Solstice and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles.
In addition to Barra's video statement, she also named Jeff Boyer to the newly created position of vice president of global vehicle safety.
Boyer, who for nearly 40 years has held various engineering and safety positions at GM, will focus on product safety issues.
“This new role elevates and integrates our safety process under a single leader so we can set a new standard for customer safety with more rigorous accountability," Barra said.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers in the vehicles they drive,” said Boyer. “Today’s GM is committed to this, and I’m ready to take on this assignment.”
