GM issues second stop-to-sale order due to software issues, CEO acknowledges mistakes

On February 19, General Motors (GM) put out a stop-sale order on all 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize trucks, following a December stop-sale order of 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EVs. This move marks the automaker’s second stop-sale order in the last three months. 

The automaker prompted the first order in response to the December announcement of the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. The order addressed software issues owners identified, such as sporadic glitches with the car’s screens and difficulties with DC fast charging.

Last week, GM revealed that a significant number of its 2024 midsize pickups were parked near the Missouri assembly plant in Wentzville, where they are manufactured. The reason for this is the software issues that have rendered them unsellable. GM says it had already shipped some of the midsize pickups to dealers, but it is halting all sales of the vehicles. 

Spokesman Kevin Kelly said, stated that the company will continue to include software updates in the process as their vehicles become more technologically advanced. He also mentioned that, while the company is disappointed about the sales pause, they remain committed to providing quality products and a satisfying customer experience.

CEO Mary Barra spoke at the Wolfe Research Global Auto and Auto Tech Conference in New York and expressed her regret for the mistakes made by the company in the previous year. She apologized for delaying the introduction of GM’s new software team and acknowledged the long-term need to revamp the software development and validation process.

Notably, Barra implied how the automakers’ new hire, Mike Abbott, has assembled an amazing team, including hires from numerous tech giants, such as Apple, Google, and Meta. Both the software development process and the validation procedure have previously undergone extensive revisions. She further guaranteed that the software would “exceed customers’ expectations” and set GM apart from rival automakers once the company implemented the process in every subsequent vehicle.