How Procurement Plays Into GM's EV Manufacturing Progress
General Motors (GM) is making headway in advancing electrification and fostering a future-oriented automotive industry.
Jeff Morrison, Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain at GM, shares insights in his latest blog, 'GM drives America: How we’re creating jobs by investing in manufacturing, focusing on the company's initiatives as they excel in 2025.
Jeff discusses GM's commitment to not only EVs but also maintaining innovations in traditional petrol and diesel engines.
By working closely with their supplier network, GM aims to drive industry progress, generate employment and deliver superior value across the US.
Investing and collaborating for industry advancement
Over the past five years, GM has led American automakers in investing in battery manufacturing and infrastructure.
These commitments are yielding tangible benefits. For example, in 2024, GM's US EV sales increased by 50% and its market share in the domestic EV sector doubled, underscoring that GM's strategy is paying dividends.
Despite finding success in the EV market, GM recognises the ongoing relevance of conventional vehicles powered by petrol and diesel.
This balanced approach ensures that as they bolster their electric offerings, they remain inclusive of all consumers' needs.
Turning to supply chain and workforce development, Jeff elucidates how GM is strengthening these areas to ensure they meet their ambitious targets in both the EV and traditional vehicle sectors.
Addressing EV material challenges
GM is not just a major player in vehicle manufacturing but also a significant contributor to the American economy through job creation and developing advanced manufacturing skills among its workforce.
With 90,000 US employees and $12bn in taxable wages annually, GM's economic impact is profound.
Further, its commitment is demonstrated by significant investments topping $35bn since 2014 to support and develop US facilities.
Additionally, GM's apprenticeship programmes are thriving, providing training across their extensive network of over 30 manufacturing sites – more than any other automaker.
These initiatives form part of broader strategies to address the specific challenges of the EV market, particularly the supply of critical materials.
GM's proactive measures include securing North American sources for critical battery materials like lithium and enhancing recycling efforts to sustain supply chain resiliency.
Especially crucial is the supply of cathode active materials, battery cells and essential components like magnets, which are central to maintaining a robust supply chain.
The overall labour market benefits, too, meaning developments not only meet production demands but also create new job opportunities.
Major milestones and the future of EVs
Significant strides have been made in securing resources and developing infrastructure. GM's collaboration with companies like Vianode and Lithium Americas demonstrates its strategic approach to overcoming resource scarcity. These partnerships are poised to bolster GM's supply chain from 2027 onwards.
What's more, GM's influence was pivotal in the establishment of the first complete rare earth metal, alloy and magnet manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, with operations commencing in late 2025.
Public policy, as Jeff notes, is indispensable in facilitating these advancements. He advocates for reforms and incentives that bolster domestic manufacturing and supply chain investments, which are essential for sustaining America's leadership in automotive innovation and electrification.
As GM progresses, it remains committed to enhancing its manufacturing processes and workforce capabilities, ensuring that it continues to lead in the shift towards a more sustainable automotive industry.
As we move further into 2025, GM is reaffirming its commitment to advancing the future of EV innovation and US manufacturing workforce development by building superior supply chains.
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