General Motors (GM) is making significant moves in both its software and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. The automaker has hired Tim Twerdahl, a veteran of Apple, to lead its software services unit as vice president of product management. Twerdahl brings experience from his time at Apple, where he worked on products like AirPods and Apple TV. He most recently served as the head product officer of sustainable building design firm Juno.
This hiring comes amidst reports of job cuts in GM’s software and services division, highlighting the company’s focus on streamlining its operations. These cuts, which reportedly exceed 1,000 jobs, are part of a cost-saving strategy.
In a separate development, GM has partnered with Samsung SDI to establish a joint venture for the production of EV batteries in the United States. This partnership will see the construction of a battery cell manufacturing plant with an initial annual production capacity of 27 GWh, aiming for mass production by 2027. The plant has the potential to expand its capacity to 36 GWh.
The joint venture signifies a strategic move for both companies. It allows Samsung SDI to gain a foothold in the North American EV market and expand its customer base for its high-quality, safe batteries. For GM, the partnership provides access to a reliable supply of EV batteries, a crucial component for its electric vehicle ambitions.
GM shares are currently trading lower by 0.58% at $48.97. The company’s software and EV initiatives are expected to play a significant role in its future growth.
