Transportation Secretary Buttigieg Faces Criticism for Supporting EVs Amid Anti-EV Policies

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

GM-0.39%

TSLA-0.14%

Source: Benzinga

Updated: 1h ago

0mins

Source: Benzinga

Policy Contradiction: Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg supported EVs at the Detroit Auto Show, calling them key to future mobility, while questioning if current policies would allow the U.S. to lead, highlighting internal government divisions on EV policy.
DOT's Opposition: The Department of Transportation criticized Buttigieg's comments on social media, urging him to stay in his lane, reflecting the tension between support and opposition to EVs within the current administration.
Impact of Trump Policies: The Trump administration relaxed Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and ended the $7,500 EV tax credit, significantly impacting the EV market, illustrating the profound effects of policy shifts on the industry.
Automotive Leadership: Despite policy challenges, General Motors CEO Mary Barra reaffirmed her commitment to EVs, emphasizing that a robust charging network and affordability will be crucial for market adoption, indicating a proactive stance from the industry during this transition.

$80.91+Infinity%1D

Analyst Views on GM

Wall Street analysts forecast GM stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for GM is 74.71 USD with a low forecast of 46.00 USD and a high forecast of 100.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.

17 Analyst Rating

14 Buy

2 Hold

1 Sell

Strong Buy

Current: 81.230

Low

46.00

Averages

74.71

High

100.00

Current: 81.230

Low

46.00

Averages

74.71

High

100.00

Mizuho

Vijay Rakesh

Outperform

maintain

$90 -> $100

Al Analysis

2026-01-09

Reason

Mizuho

Vijay Rakesh

Price Target

$90 -> $100

Al Analysis

2026-01-09

maintain

Outperform

Reason

Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh raised the firm's price target on General Motors to $100 from $90 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm adjusted targets in the semiconductors and semiconductor capital equipment group as part of its 2026 outlook. Mizuho sees continued upside for the group in 2026 due to "attractive valuations," but more modest than 2025. The analyst' top sectors in 2026 are AI accelerators and wafter fab equipment, Optical, and memory, while the firm remains cautious on electric vehicles, autos and analog as well as computers and handsets. Mizuho's top picks for 2026 are Nvidia, Lumentum and Broadcom.

Piper Sandler

Neutral -> Overweight

upgrade

$66 -> $98

2026-01-08

Reason

Piper Sandler

Price Target

$66 -> $98

2026-01-08

upgrade

Neutral -> Overweight

Reason

Piper Sandler upgraded General Motors to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $98, up from $66. GM has limited risk from Chinese competition and will continue to generate cash, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Piper believes the company has "too much" earnings power and buyback potential "to ignore."

Unlock Full Analyst Thesis， Get the complete breakdown of rating reason for GM

Unlock Now

Wedbush

Outperform

maintain

$75 -> $95

2025-12-18

Reason

Wedbush

Price Target

$75 -> $95

2025-12-18

maintain

Outperform

Reason

Wedbush raised the firm's price target on General Motors to $95 from $75 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares as the company continues to navigate the macro storms heading into 2026 with a marquee focus on driving cash flow growth through its strong ICE business while executing better than its auto peers who have struggled in the EV transition. The firm believes the company is prepared for all options on the table as it balances its ICE and EV strategies and sees GM embarking down a major path of growth ahead with ICE models starting to make up a larger portion of its business.

Mizuho

Outperform

maintain

$78 -> $90

2025-12-16

Reason

Mizuho

Price Target

$78 -> $90

2025-12-16

maintain

Outperform

Reason

Mizuho raised the firm's price target on General Motors to $90 from $78 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm adjusted targets in the semiconductors and semiconductor capital equipment group heading into 2026. U.S. electric vehicle sales were down 20%-50% month-over-month in October and November, and 2026 launch cancels and delays will be a headwind in 2026, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Mizuho sees a mixed sector outlook with EV headwinds for the analog and auto component supply chain, with industrials potentially performing better.

About GM

General Motors Company designs, builds and sells trucks, crossovers, cars and automobile parts and provides software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The Company's segments include GMNA, GMI, Cruise and GM Financial. Its GM North America (GMNA) and GM International (GMI) develop, manufacture and/or markets vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands. The Company provides automotive financing services through its General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (GM Financial) segment. Its Cruise segment is engaged in the development and commercialization of autonomous vehicle technology. Its software-enabled services and subscriptions, including OnStar, its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and its end-to-end software platform. The Company is also focused on investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and AVs, software-enabled services and subscriptions and new business opportunities.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.