Hyundai and GM to launch jointly-developed EV in 2028
In a major move to expand their global electric and hybrid portfolios, Hyundai Motor Company and General Motors have confirmed plans to co-develop five new vehicles under their ongoing strategic collaboration. The announcement includes a jointly developed electric commercial van, aimed at the North American market and expected to launch as early as 2028. The remaining vehicles will feature either a combustion or a hybrid drivetrain.
Details about the vehicle are, of course, still rare. The companies state that the electric van “will be manufactured in the U.S. as early as 2028,” and that Hyundai will take the lead in terms of development. GM refers to the van as “a smaller sibling to Chevrolet’s BrightDrop vans.” On a side note: in April, GM paused production of the latter at its plant in Canada for six month due to weak demand.
As mentioned above, the collaboration will also yield four flexible-platform vehicles for the Central and South American markets—”a compact SUV, a car and pickup, as well as a mid-size pickup”—capable of supporting internal combustion or hybrid powertrains. These models are likewise scheduled to reach market in 2028, with development efforts currently in progress.
The carmakers will share platforms for all five vehicles. However, they emphasise that they will “develop unique interiors and exteriors consistent with their respective brands.” Meaning the vehicles should be recognisable as a GM and a Hyundai. Hyundai and GM expect to surpass combined annual sales of 800,000 units once full-scale production is achieved. It is not clear what percentage the only fully electric vehicle could account for.
In addition to vehicle development, the two manufacturers are aligning operations across the supply chain and sustainability initiatives. Joint sourcing programmes are planned across North and South America for materials, transport, logistics, and complex systems. The companies will also explore the use of low-carbon emissions steel to support decarbonised manufacturing processes.
The announcement follows the signing of a framework agreement in September 2024. While no concrete measures were announced at the time, GM and Hyundai had said that they would potentially collaborate on a development and production level, as well as look into joint procurement of battery materials and steel.
“Hyundai’s strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Our combined scale in North and South America helps us to more efficiently provide our customers more of what they want – beautifully designed, high-quality, safety focused vehicles with technology they appreciate.”
Shilpan Amin, GM Senior Vice President and Global Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer, highlighted the market relevance of the upcoming models. “By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster, and at lower cost,” he said. “These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how GM and Hyundai will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale.”
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