Autoline Daily Interview With GM President, Mark Ruess

[Wrenchturner44]

Hello Everyone,

I just finished watching this Autoline After Hours segment. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it from an education and "new ideas" perspective. I think GM may have some advantages here if everything ramps as they say. Take a quality hour out of your day if you can and watch this video, and I hope that you get as much out of it as I did.

 

[paulri]

Can someone who watched the video summarize the points he made? I keep refreshing this page, but never see any comments on what the guy was saying.

 

[Wrenchturner44]

In summary I would say that you cannot count GM out in the EV space. Yes they realize that they have a bit of catching up to do, but they are focused on many contributions and facets that will be contributory changes to the EV adoption, and use practices that may come about because of such. For example, one thing he mentioned was the value of the existing GM dealer body.... beyond the obvious of what they do today. He said that there is a plan to have all GM dealers provide a network of EV charging capability in addition to normal dealer services. That is pretty powerful (pun intended) when you think about it. Think about being able to go to GM dealer, to charge your vehicle, access an indoor leisure space, and get a possible needed repair or maintenance item in one stop.

 

[Cujet]

Traditionally, GM has been a powerhouse of innovation. From the first electric starter to the invention of Freon and the "safe" air-conditioning we have all come to love. Hydraulic valve lifters/lash adjusters, the automatic transmission, manual syncronizers, and more recently the EV-1, Volt and well, who knows what's next.,

 

[UncleDave]

I like the autotline daily guys and their in depth interviews.

It's starting out with McElroy nut swinging talking about "how fast GM is moving" and " they can hardly believe the pace".

 

[paulri]

For what it's worth, I've only watched the first half but it does seem like a very intelligent interview. He's giving a great look at GM as they transition to being an EV company. The interviewers are not hostile, but they are asking some very in-depth questions.

 

[paulri]

Here (42:09) Reuss is questioned about the dealer model of GM vs. direct to customer approach.

 

[paulri]

Can someone explain what he means by "high volume, LTM strategy"? at 49:54.

I see that LTM means "last twelve months" but I thought that was more of an accounting strategy. Or does it mean something else?

 

[64bawagon]

After he stuffed that new Vette into the wall at the Detroit G.P. a couple years ago, I just cant take anything he says seriously

 

[UncleDave]

After he stuffed that new Vette into the wall at the Detroit G.P. a couple years ago, I just cant take anything he says seriously

Was that him? Serious lack of talent.

 

[64bawagon]

Was that him? Serious lack of talent.

Sad part was that he has done some racing in the past. He might want to leave the traction control/stability system on next time

 

[UncleDave]

Sad part was that he has done some racing in the past. He might want to leave the traction control/stability system on next time

I checked this out after reading your post and apparently he's actually not just a suit with an ego, but has done some time on the ring.

Not his day that day, no point in trying to be a hero on a pace lap with far faster cars behind you.

It was speculated he turned off traction control, but I didnt see that he confirmed that.

 

[Job]

After he stuffed that new Vette into the wall at the Detroit G.P. a couple years ago, I just cant take anything he says seriously

Fail to see the logic, although I haven’t listened to the EV presentation to see if he was talking about his racing skills.

 

[E365]

Here’s a shortened review of the full interview.

 

[paulri]

Can someone explain what he means by "high volume, LTM strategy"? at 49:54.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Can someone explain what he means by "high volume, LTM strategy"? at 49:54.

LTM is "Last twelve months"; it is used because it is considered what is recent business performance and reflects current trends or action plans.
LTM is a critical metric when a company is at an inflection point.

 

[paulri]

Alright--he was explaining their global raw materials partnerships in Australia & Canada, where they get cobalt et al. for their batteries.

Did he just throw in the term "LTM" there because it is a buzzword? I'm struggling to find out how it pertains to what he was talking about.

LTM is "Last twelve months"; it is used because it is considered what is recent business performance and reflects current trends or action plans.
LTM is a critical metric when a company is at an inflection point.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Alright--he was explaining their global raw materials partnerships in Australia & Canada, where they get cobalt et al. for their batteries.

Did he just throw in the term "LTM" there because it is a buzzword? I'm struggling to find out how it pertains to what he was talking about.

No. LTM and NTM are key business metrics. C level execs are responsible for ongoing success of the company and wealth of the share holders.
We operate in the fiscal quarter but that is a mere point in time.
The car companies are at an inflection point driven by EVs and Tesla's success.
It is a major disruption.

 

[Wrenchturner44]

Jeff, you are absolutely correct! Stellantis outlined more about financial transformation of their company and business when they presented their EV strategy day.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Jeff, you are absolutely correct! Stellantis outlined more about financial transformation of their company and business when they presented their EV strategy day.

I worked for a multi billion dollar Silicon Valley high tech company for most of my career. Predictive analytics. I know all about inflection points and disruption. Perhaps more importantly, C level leadership. A company in startup mode operates much differently than a mature company and requires different leadership. Hence strategic point of inflection. It is taught in local Business Schools as Silicon Valley is all about disruption, as you might guess. There is no status quo. You grow or you go.