GM's first female CEO speaks to 'Good Morning America'

The Detroit Auto Show kicked off Monday, and the focus isn't just on what new vehicles will soon be on the market, but who is leading those automakers.

General Motors' incoming CEO Mary Barra is the company's first female CEO. The auto show is her first public appearance since being named CEO.

Barra tells 'Good Morning America' that it's an achievement her family is very proud of.

'Just sitting at the dinner table, shared with the kids that I had been selected for this role and they were very excited,' Barra said.

Barra found out she first had a thing for cars in college, and since then her entire professional life has centered around the auto industry.


According to USA Today, 'Barra joined GM as an intern in 1980 and has worked for the automaker her whole career.'

Other rivals, like Ford Motor and Chrysler Group have ranking female executives, but neither have a woman in charge.

In high school Barra was voted most likely to succeed – That drive plus her a passion for cars sounds like the perfect combination GM's first female CEO.