GM CEO Mary Barra on Tesla: “We Want A Level Playing Field”

Tesla Motors is always in the news for the legislative and legal battles they find themselves in on a state-by-state basis. Most recently was the traditional automotive state of Michigan. A bill that was recently signed into law essentially reinforces the dealership franchise laws of the state. This didn’t occur without a bit of controversy, however. HB5606 was modified, if by a single word at the last moment and Tesla wasn’t pleased. GM was. They released the following statement, “We believe that House Bill 5606 will help ensure that all automotive manufacturers follow the same rules to operate in the State of Michigan; therefore, we encourage Governor Snyder to sign it.”

GM CEO Mary Barra just announced a $300 million dollar investment in Michigan till the end of the year. The goal is to ramp up production of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. Major components of the Volt’s production process will be transitioned from Mexico to Warren, MI. Barra claims the investment is being made not as a cheerleader for Michigan, but as part of a more global strategy. “We don’t invest here because we want to be popular,” Barra said. “We invest here because we believe the talent and ingenuity of this region are key components in our plan to win globally. That’s the only standard that matters.”

While Barra was in Detroit, announcing the millions GM is putting into Volt production, she was asked about Tesla Motors. Her opinion is par with what many dealers have said previously, they seek equality. “We’re not afraid of competition, we just want a level playing field.” That level playing level, at least in Michigan, won’t be including Tesla in the near future.