General Motors Mission and Vision Statement Analysis

General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. GM is one of the largest automakers in the world and produces popular brands such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick. GM has also invested heavily in electric and autonomous vehicle technology in recent years.

General Motors Mission Statement

General Motors’ mission statement is: “We stand together to drive the world forward. Everybody in. Our goal is to deliver world-class customer experiences at every touchpoint and do so on a foundation of trust and transparency.”

General Motors’ mission statement highlights the company’s commitment to driving innovation and progress in the automotive industry. The phrase “We stand together” emphasizes the collaborative and teamwork-oriented culture at GM, indicating that the company values cooperation and collective effort in achieving its goals.

The statement’s mention of “driving the world forward” suggests that GM aims to be a leader in the industry, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.

The phrase “Everybody in” is likely a nod to GM’s focus on inclusivity and diversity, indicating that the company is committed to creating an inclusive culture where all employees are valued and given opportunities to contribute.

The statement’s emphasis on delivering “world-class customer experiences” underscores GM’s focus on meeting and exceeding customer expectations, which is critical in a highly competitive industry.

Finally, the mention of “trust and transparency” suggests that GM values integrity and ethical behavior in all of its business practices, indicating a commitment to building and maintaining long-term relationships with customers, employees, and other stakeholders.

Overall, GM’s mission statement appears to be a clear and concise expression of the company’s core values and priorities, emphasizing innovation, teamwork, customer focus, inclusivity, and ethical behavior.

General Motors Vision Statement

General Motors’ vision statement is: “Our vision is a world with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.”

General Motors’ vision statement outlines the company’s aspirations for a future that is safer, cleaner, and more efficient. The statement’s emphasis on “zero crashes” suggests that GM is committed to developing advanced safety technologies that can help prevent accidents and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the road.

The mention of “zero emissions” highlights GM’s focus on environmental sustainability, indicating that the company is investing heavily in developing electric and other alternative fuel vehicles that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Finally, the statement’s emphasis on “zero congestion” suggests that GM is also focused on developing solutions to alleviate traffic and reduce congestion on the road, which can help make transportation more efficient and improve the quality of life for people living in urban areas.

To put it short, GM’s vision statement expresses the company’s commitment to creating a better, more sustainable future for everyone by developing innovative technologies that can help address some of the most pressing challenges facing the automotive industry today.

General Motors Core Values

General Motors’ core values are: “Be Inclusive, Think Customer, Innovate Now, Look Ahead, One Team, Be Bold, It’s on Me, Winning With Integrity.” Let’s analyze each value in detail:

• Be inclusive – Creating an environment where all voices can be heard

This value highlights GM’s commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity where all employees feel valued and supported. By creating an environment where all voices can be heard, GM can tap into the diverse perspectives and experiences of its workforce, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.

• Think Customer – Putting the customer at the center of every decision

Putting the customer at the center of every decision is critical for any business, and GM is no exception. By prioritizing the needs and preferences of its customers, GM can ensure that its products and services meet their expectations and deliver value. This value underscores GM’s focus on building long-term relationships with its customers and delivering world-class customer experiences.

• Innovate Now – Bringing urgency to achieving our vision every day

This value highlights GM’s sense of urgency in achieving its vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. By embracing a culture of innovation and experimentation, GM can stay ahead of the curve and develop cutting-edge technologies to help it achieve its goals.

• Look Ahead – Stepping back and considering what the company should be doing

This value emphasizes the importance of taking a long-term view and considering what the company should do to stay competitive and achieve its goals. By stepping back and reflecting on its strategy and priorities, GM can make informed decisions that position it for success in the future.

• One Team – Working together despite the distance

Working together despite the distance is critical for any company, especially one as large and complex as GM. By fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork, GM can leverage the collective talents and expertise of its workforce to drive innovation and achieve its goals.

• Be Bold – Respectfully speaking up, exchanging feedback, and boldly sharing ideas without fear

This value encourages GM employees to speak up, exchange feedback, and share ideas without fear of reprisal. By creating a culture that values open and honest communication, GM can foster a sense of trust and transparency, which can lead to more effective collaboration and decision-making.

• It’s on Me – Taking personal responsibility for your work and contributions to our culture

Taking personal responsibility for one’s work and contributions to the company’s culture is essential for building a high-performance organization. This value emphasizes the importance of accountability and encourages employees to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence.

• Winning With Integrity – Doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult

Doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult, is critical for building a culture of trust and integrity. This value highlights GM’s commitment to ethical behavior and underscores the importance of upholding the highest standards of conduct in all aspects of its business.

General Motors Mission Statement History

Here is a mission statement history of General Motors with grouping outlines by year from new to old:

• Recent Years (2010-Present)

General Motors’ current mission statement is: “We stand together to drive the world forward. Everybody in. Our goal is to deliver world-class customer experiences at every touchpoint and do so on a foundation of trust and transparency.” This statement emphasizes GM’s commitment to customer-centricity, innovation, and sustainability.

• 2009-2010

In 2009, General Motors filed for bankruptcy and underwent a major restructuring. During this period, the company’s mission statement emphasized its commitment to “design, build, and sell the world’s best vehicles” and “create a strong business built on strong brands.”

• The early 2000s

During the early 2000s, GM’s mission statement focused on its commitment to “deliver superior quality vehicles” and “build long-term relationships with customers.” This statement emphasized GM’s focus on customer satisfaction and quality.

• 1990s

In the 1990s, GM’s mission statement emphasized its commitment to “lead the industry in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of the world’s best vehicles.” This statement highlighted GM’s focus on product excellence and innovation.

• 1970s-1980s

During the 1970s and 1980s, GM’s mission statement emphasized its commitment to “maintain a position of leadership in the automotive industry” and “provide products and services of the highest quality and greatest value.” This statement reflected GM’s dominance in the industry at the time and its focus on delivering value to customers.

• 1960s

In the 1960s, GM’s mission statement emphasized its commitment to “design, build, and sell the world’s finest automobiles.” This statement highlighted GM’s focus on product excellence and quality.

Overall, GM’s mission statement has evolved over time to reflect the company’s changing priorities and strategic objectives. Despite these changes, GM has consistently emphasized its commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, building strong relationships with customers, and maintaining a leadership position in the industry.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, General Motors is one of the largest and most iconic automobile manufacturers in the world. The company has a long and storied history, marked by periods of great success and significant challenges. Throughout this history, GM has remained committed to delivering high-quality products and services, building strong relationships with customers, and maintaining a leadership position in the industry. This commitment is reflected in the company’s various mission statements and core values, which emphasize innovation, customer-centricity, sustainability, and integrity. 

As GM continues to navigate the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, its mission and values will undoubtedly continue to evolve, but the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation will remain unwavering.