The future of smart communities, including smart transportation, was highlighted at this fall’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 47th Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
During the panel discussion, “Smart Cities and You” hosted by Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.), David Albritton, executive director of Global Product Development Communications at General Motors (No. 42 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list), explained that the automotive giant has been placing a heavy emphasis on technology and fostering future talent.
“Smart Cities and You” panel discussion.
“We’re having more computer engineers at GM than we’ve ever had before because the technology in cars has changed so dramatically,” Albritton said.
He explained that over the past 10 years in Detroit, General Motors has heavily, financially invested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and developing local talent to become industry leaders in smart transportation.
According to the Edison Electric Institute, “Smart transportation integrates electrification and digitization with existing community systems to improve the safety and mobility and provide greater access to community services. This includes automated and electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, and technologies to improve traffic flow.”
In September, General Motors and Black Girls CODE (BGC) announced a partnership, which creates a new, Detroit-based BGC chapter of the organization that helps get girls of color get interested in pursuing careers in STEM.
“We’re on the forefront of electric, self-driving cars and connectivity that allows our cars, trucks and crossovers to communicate with each other all with a long-term vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion,” General Motors CEO Mary Barra said at the launch event. “And, with all that innovation, today’s vehicles have millions of lines of code.
“In fact, there are now more job openings in Detroit for computer programmers than there are in manufacturing. GM needs skilled STEM talentand that’s why we’re on a mission to help build the next generation of STEM leaders, including women.”
“GM needs skilled STEM talent and that’s why we’re on a mission to help build the next generation of STEM leaders, including women,” said Barra.
Undoubtedly, the new collaboration will produce future employees at the forefront of smart transportation technology, an example of which is General Motors’ newChevy Bolt EV.
During CBCF, several journalists from across the country had the opportunity to test drive the Bolt, which has 238 miles of electric range. The Bolt offers 200 horsepower from the electric motor, and features a 60-kWh battery pack. The standard integration of Android Auto and Apple Car Play, and the Chevy MyLink infotainment system is featured. Journalists used the Bolt for excursions throughout Washington, D.C. including a visit to The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.
Albritton also shared at the panel discussion that, in select markets, General Motors is testing autonomous vehicles that can make our roadways safer.
“With autonomous cars, it’s all about safety,” he said. “In 2015, more than 35,000 people died on the road in the United States. Autonomous cars can help reduce that number significantly.”
