GM CEO Says Recalled Vehicles Are Safe

DETROIT (WWJ) - General Motors CEO Mary Barra is reaching out directly to the company's customers, many of whom are wondering if recalled vehicles are safe to drive, as they wait for parts to arrive at dealerships.

"The simple answer is yes," said Barra, in a video posted on YouTube and GM's Fast Lane blog site.

"GM engineers have done extensive analysis to make sure if you only have the key or the key on only the ring that the vehicle is safe to drive."

The comments come after attorneys in at least one of the many lawsuits filed against GM have asked the company to send notices to customers advising them not to drive the recalled vehicles.

Barra, says GM's engineers were comfortable with their advice about the safety of the vehicles.

"In fact, when they presented this to me, the very first question I asked is 'Would you let your family, your spouse, your children drive these vehicles in this condition?' and they said yes."

In the five brief videos, Barra promised that GM's internal investigation will be thorough, and GM will learn and improve.

"We plan to change whatever processes we need to to make sure we have a world class process as it relates to vehicle safety."

General Motors recently promoted 40 year company veteran Jeff Boyer to the newly created position of Vice President of Vehicle Safety. He will be responsible for making sure that top management at the company learn quickly of any safety issues.

That's something that Barra says hasn't always happened in the past.

"Clearly the fact that it took over ten years shows we have work to do to improve our process."

Barra is likely to be questioned about that timetable as she appears before a house committee next Tuesday, and a Senate committee Wednesday.

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