Detroit, Michigan — January 31, 2016 — General Motors has announced it will create a team dedicated to speeding up development of self-driving and electric cars.
Long-time GM employee Doug Parks has been named Vice President for Autonomous Technology and Vehicle Executive and will lead the team. He was previously GM’s VP for Global Product Programs. Parks will report to Mark Reuss, GM’s head of global product development.
Sheri Hickok, currently GM’s Chief Engineer for “next generation” pickup trucks, will also join the team in the capacity of Executive Chief Engineer. Pam Fletcher, GM’s Executive Chief Engineer for Electric Vehicles, will take on additional responsibilities for strategic planning related to autonomous and electric vehicles.
GM plans to launch the electric Chevrolet Bolt later this year. The vehicle, expected to be priced around $35,000, is projected to run over 320 kilometres on a single charge. This roughly doubles the range of other electric vehicles in that price range.
