Show Notes with links:
General Motors is rethinking its vehicle lineup, with CEO Mary Barra announcing plans to integrate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into select North American models. This move aims to balance federal fuel economy regulations and EV commitments.
- Barra didn’t disclose specific details about the plan or what models will be introduced as hybrids.
- The shift represents a pivot from GM's previous focus on fully electric vehicles and is a response to stricter federal fuel economy and emissions standards, balancing consumer demand and regulatory compliance.
- GM has used plug-in hybrid technology in models overseas, but the only hybrid model available in the US is the traditional hybrid Chevrolet Corvette
- "GM remains committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions from our light-duty vehicles by 2035, but in the interim, deploying plug-in technology in strategic segments will deliver some of the environmental benefits of EVs as the nation continues to build this charging infrastructure," said CEO Mary Barra during GM’s earnings call.
- In the 2010’s, GM pioneered PHEV technology with the Chevy Volt, but discontinued the car in 2019.
Elon Musk's unprecedented $55.8 billion (you heard that right) pay package from Tesla, once a symbol of his extreme goals and abilities, is now facing a major legal setback. A Delaware judge is questioning the compensation's approval process, pointing to Musk's intricate connections with Tesla's board.
- Delaware Court's ruling challenges Tesla's board on Musk's pay deal, scrutinized for "extensive ties" with directors, potentially reshaping executive compensation norms.
- The case, brought by shareholder Richard Tornetta, argued that Musk controlled the approval process and misled investors, leading to a unique trial in late 2022.
- "Musk was the paradigmatic ‘Superstar CEO,'" Chancellor McCormick wrote, highlighting his dominant role in the compensation approval process and his influence over the board.
- Tesla's stock dipped following the ruling, underlining market sensitivity to leadership and governance issues within high-profile companies.
- The high compensation package is largely performance-based, aligning his earnings with the ambitious growth targets of Tesla and to the overall achieved value of the company. His pay structure, which primarily consists of stock options rather than a traditional salary, incentivizes long-term success and innovation in high-risk sectors.
- With this package in limbo, he may only be the third richest person in the world with a mere $151B to his name.
Is Shoppable TV about to become the norm? Yesterday we talked about Amazon Prime’s move to introduce in-stream and many are asking if this will be a watershed moment in blending e-commerce seamlessly with streaming content.
- Last year Walmart and NBCUniversal pioneered shoppable ads on Peacock, integrating AI technology during "Below Deck Mediterranean" episodes for a seamless while Roku leveraged a partnership with Shopify, allowing viewers to directly purchase from Shopify merchants through Roku Action Ads.
- Interactive ads, like those in NFL games, offer viewers the chance to shop products instantly, demonstrating a significant leap in ad engagement.
- Viewer behavior shows a trend towards shopping while watching TV, with over 50% interacting with shoppable ads, highlighting potential market growth.
- "Interactive video ads...garner nearly 20 times more interactions," says Danielle Carney, Amazon's head of NFL ads, emphasizing the effectiveness of this new format
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