General Motors Pushes Back New Electric Vehicle

General Motors is delaying the unveiling of a secret new electric vehicle, blaming a recent employee strike for slowing down progress on the project.

GM scrapped a plan to pull the curtain back on the new vehicle at the January Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Mary Barra, the company’s chief executive officer, and a spokesman told MotorTrend said a United Auto Workers strike that started in September and stretched more than a month slowed the project.

Barra and the rest of the company have been tight-lipped about the new car, which she said she still expects to be ready later this year. She explained only that the car features advancements in both electronic and autonomous vehicle technology.

GM has also been working with technology company Cruise, which it purchased in 2016, on building self-driving cars under the Chevrolet brand. That includes a fleet of robotaxis that are expected to come without a steering wheel or pedals when they eventually hit the road.

The company has additionally teased plans for an electric version of the Cadillac XT6 sport utility vehicle.

Barra told MotorTrend that GM is moving out of the hybrid vehicle game, saying she does not see the long-term demand from customers to justify the investment. Instead, the company is shifting focus to electric vehicles.

Recalls, Car Owner Rights

As GM looks to an electric and autonomous future, the present remains fraught with manufacturing defects that can pose safety hazards for everyone on the road.

The company recently recalled some 640,000 trucks and SUVs because of a sensor problem that could cause the cars to brake unexpectedly and without warning. The defect increased the risk of crashes involving the cars, according to the company.

GM is not the only car manufacturer that has had problems with faulty parts and other defects. Unfortunately, millions of cars have to be called back each year because of serious problems.

That is where the California lemon law comes in. The law gives car owners in the Golden State some important protections. Most notably, it requires car makers to perform certain repairs while a vehicle is under warranty and to buy back the vehicle if the manufacturer is unable or unwilling to fix the problem. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing and other related costs.

How a California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help

If you are a car owner or lessor who is haggling with your car’s manufacturer over repairs, an experienced California lemon law attorney can help. A lawyer can help you weigh your rights and options to ensure that the carmaker is held fully accountable.

At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. We work tirelessly to get the people we represent the compensation they deserve.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.