Watch CBS News

GM CEO Calls 2014 A "Defining Moment"; Cautiously Optimistic for 2015

DETROIT (WWJ) - With low gas prices and sales on the rise, most auto executives have good reason to look forward to 2015.  For General Motors CEO Mary Barra, it has to be an improvement on 2014.

"It was a year of great disappointment and also great progress."

Barra made history when she was  named the first female CEO of a major auto company.   She was mobbed by reporters at her first major public event--the 2014 auto show.  Within a few months, she drew even more attention--in the wake of GM's ignition switch recall.

"It was a year that no-one expected," Barra told reporters at a special roundtable session at GM headquarters.  "But, I think what we demonstrated was that we were going to do the right thing for the customers, face challenges head on, be transparent, and pretty much it was  do the right thing,  even when the right thing is hard."

The difficulties have brought General Motors management team together, says Barra, and have started important changes in the company's culture.  She says workers are now much more accountable, and evaluation has come down to a simple question.

"Did you accomplish your goals or not?  Here's what you committed to do.  Did you, or did you not?"

The upcoming North American International Auto Show will feature several introductions from General Motors, including a second generation Chevrolet Volt.  Barra said GM was able to take substantial cost out of the Volt, but wouldn't say if they were able to meet their goal of taking out ten thousand dollars in cost.

Another major challenge will be the 2015 talks with the United Auto Workers Union.  Barra said that will require creative problem solving.  She wouldn't comment on the controversial two-tier wage system that many workers want to get rid of.

Sales for the coming year should come in between 16.5 and 17 million, says Barra.  She said GM will also be helped by a number of new products, some of which have yet to be introduced.

"As I look forward to 2015, I'm cautiously optimistic about both the industry and about General Motors.  When issues arise, which I know they will, we're going to face them decisively and aggressively. "

Connect with Jeff Gilbert
Email: jdgilbert@cbs.com
Facebook: facebook.com/carchronicles
Twitter: @jefferygilbert

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.