GM Executives Compete Internally on AI Use, Finance Team Eyes Predictive Power

General Motors executives are competing internally over AI adoption. CFO Paul Jacobson said senior leaders who report directly to CEO Mary Barra compare monthly AI usage data by function and department, creating a friendly competition. He noted his own team is currently in the middle of the pack.

GM is speeding up AI use across multiple divisions. AI tools can already suggest vehicle designs and help spot supply chain risks. Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson said his team aims to speed up the process from design to mass production.

Jacobson pointed out that as Chinese automakers expand globally with cheaper, longer-range EVs, AI has become a core focus for Detroit manufacturers. The US has become a safe haven to some extent, but GM's AI strategy is still in its early stages.

In finance, he wants AI to flip analysts' time allocation—from 80% explaining past results and 20% predicting the future, to 80% focused on forecasting, which would greatly boost the finance team's efficiency.