General Motors chief executive Dan Akerson has said the automaker is working through the Japan ‘quake-related parts shortage and also is facing a shortage of engineers in the US.
“Based on what we’ve seen so far, I’m confident we’ll continue to work through it, continue to adapt and respond as necessary and ultimately emerge from this crisis stronger than ever,” the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) quoted Akerson as saying during his speech at Society of Automotive Engineers conference in Detroit.
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He did not elaborate.
He also showed concern over the shortage of US engineers.
“It threatens to undermine the industry and our nation’s ability to compete in the global economy,” Akerson said.
The WSJ noted that “dozens” of recruiters had set up shop outside the conference in Detroit looking for new potential recruits and “hundreds” of job openings were posted near stands where recruiters were flagging down passing engineers and technicians.
Akerson said more companies needed to invest in organisations that support the development of maths and science in high school and that companies should also support employees who want to volunteer to be a student mentor.
