General Motors is laying off about 1,000 workers worldwide, cutting costs as it tries to compete in a crowded global auto market.
The workers, mainly white-collar workers, were informed of the decisions early Friday. The company confirmed the layoffs in a statement but provided few details.
“We must optimize for speed and excellence,” the statement said. “This includes working efficiently, ensuring we have the right team structure and focusing on our top priorities.”
GM and other automakers have been navigating an uncertain transition to electric vehicles both in the U.S. and globally, trying to figure out where to invest capital and how quickly the transition will happen.
The company has had to develop and modernize gas-powered models while investing in EV batteries and assembly plants, as well as minerals and other components for the next generation of electric vehicles.
