- UAW strike could buy GM time to address nagging EV issues

General Motors (GM.N) is at a higher risk of disruption to electric vehicle production from a prolonged UAW strike compared to its rivals Ford Motor (F.N) and Stellantis (STLAM.MI). However, some analysts believe that the strike could also give GM time to address ongoing issues. While Ford and Stellantis are focusing on introducing revamped combustion-engine models, GM’s immediate focus is on electric vehicles. The company plans to launch or increase production of at least five new electric vehicles, including all-electric versions of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. GM has been facing challenges in battery manufacturing, EV supply chain, and logistics, resulting in lower-than-expected deliveries of its Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EVs. The company has been assembling battery modules by hand due to delivery issues with its automation equipment supplier. Despite these challenges, GM is working to resolve these issues and build momentum. A longer strike could potentially help GM address and resolve some of these ongoing issues in its EV and battery operations, allowing the company to ramp up production faster once the factories start running again. However, other analysts believe that the strike may not work in GM’s favor. GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, has acknowledged that the strike would not be positive for the company and emphasized the need to reach a deal with workers quickly. The potential loss of billions of dollars during the strike would make it hard to justify any potential benefits. The timing of the strike is particularly challenging for GM as it is in a crucial period of ironing out EV issues and facing rising competition in the EV market. Additionally, the UAW strike could impact the flow of critical auto parts to GM operations in Canada and Mexico, further hampering EV production. GM has plants in Mexico and Canada that are involved in EV production. The Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico is building the Chevrolet Blazer EV and adding production of the Chevrolet Equinox EV, while the Ingersoll plant in Canada is planning to produce the BrightDrop Zevo 400 electric delivery van. Overall, the strike poses both potential benefits and challenges for GM’s EV production.