General Motors 2014 Annual Report Download - page 15

Download and view the complete annual report

Please find page 15 of the 2014 General Motors annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

Page out of 136

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98
  • 99
  • 100
  • 101
  • 102
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • 106
  • 107
  • 108
  • 109
  • 110
  • 111
  • 112
  • 113
  • 114
  • 115
  • 116
  • 117
  • 118
  • 119
  • 120
  • 121
  • 122
  • 123
  • 124
  • 125
  • 126
  • 127
  • 128
  • 129
  • 130
  • 131
  • 132
  • 133
  • 134
  • 135
  • 136

15
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
2014 was a defining year for GM.
The extraordinary challenges we faced with the ignition switch recall and additional
recalls were the ultimate test of our team and our priorities. As we faced these
challenges, we demonstrated our recently refined core values. We confronted our
problems and acknowledged our shortcomings. It was a very difficult year in many
ways, but we are a stronger company because of the way we responded to the crisis.
As the situation unfolded, we were guided
by two principles. First, do the right thing
for those who were affected by the switch
failures; and second, accept responsibility
for our mistakes and commit to doing
everything within our power to prevent
this problem from ever happening again.
In a global meeting with all GM employees last
June, I told them I never want anyone in the
company to put what happened behind them.
This experience must be permanently etched
in our memories because we never want it to
happen again. To fulfill this promise, we made
a public commitment to become the industry
leader in safety. We have made progress on this
promise, but understand there is more to do.
The demands of the recalls were significant.
At the same time, we felt strongly that we
couldn’t use this situation as an excuse for
a disappointing year financially. Successful
businesses find a way to perform, regardless
of the challenges they face. Our performance
wasn’t perfect, but we delivered solid returns.
As I reflect on this past year, I am most proud of
the men and women of General Motors. Under
difficult circumstances, they demonstrated their
character, determination, and commitment to
our customers.
Earlier this year,
Consumer Reports
named the 2014 BUICK
REGAL its top sports sedan, as Buick set its second consecutive
annual global sales record. Sales in 2014 reached nearly 1.2 million
vehicles, including more than 900,000 in China.