GM launches electric vehicle production in Brazil

General Motors has begun producing electric vehicles at its plant in the Brazilian state of Ceará, operated jointly with the Comexport Group. The new electric SUV Chevrolet Spark EUV is now rolling off the production line, with the Chevrolet Captiva EV to follow in 2026.

Produktions beginn chevrolet spark euv in brasilien mit praesident luiz inacio lula da silva — President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the start of production
Image: GM

Earlier this year, GM announced an investment of 7 billion reais (approximately 1.1 billion euros at current exchange rates) in its Brazil operations, part of which was earmarked for electrifying the former factory of the Brazilian off-road vehicle manufacturer Troller. General Motors is repurposing the existing facility in partnership with the Ceará Automotive Plant (PACE), part of the Comexport Group, and has retrofitted the plant for battery-electric vehicle production.

GM has now officially inaugurated electric vehicle production at the PACE plant in the presence of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The facility will initially produce the Chevrolet Spark EUV, which was launched this year. Unlike the discontinued 2017 Spark EV battery-electric compact car, a further development of the Daewoo Matiz, the new Spark EUV is an electric SUV.

Developed by the Chinese joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling, the Spark EUV is based on the Baojun Yep Plus, an electric vehicle designed to resemble a compact Jeep.

In addition, GM plans to begin production of the new Chevrolet Captiva EV at the Brazilian plant next year. This model is identical to the Wuling Starlight S and also originates from China. According to GM, the mid-sized SUV offers seating for up to five passengers and delivers a range of 304 km in the Metro cycle. The model will be sold in South America, Mexico, and the Middle East.

Santiago Chamorro, President of GM South America, commented on the production launch: “Bringing the production of the Spark EUV and Captiva EV to Brazil is a step consistent with everything we advocate for the domestic industry: competitiveness, technology and long-term vision. The country has the capacity, scale and talent to advance in electrification, provided that the moves are responsible and aligned with the stage of the market.”

gmauthority.com, gm.com.br (Portuguese), gm.com.br (Captiva EV – Portuguese)

This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition.