General Motors and Hyundai have recently announced an expansion of their partnership to develop new vehicles. While four out of the five resulting vehicles will be targeted for Central and South America, one will be sold in North America. The focus is on a smaller electric van that will be positioned below Chevrolet’s BrightDrop lineup and will be based on a Hyundai platform, likely derived from the upcoming fully electric version of the Staria minivan.
The collaboration between GM and Hyundai aims to produce 800,000 units annually, with the first jointly developed vehicle expected to debut in 2028. Both companies will sell these vehicles under their own brands, featuring unique interior and exterior designs that reflect the engineering, manufacturing, and innovation of both GM and Hyundai.
In addition to reducing costs and accelerating the launch of new models, the partnership will also explore future propulsion technologies, including fuel cells. Hyundai has experience in hydrogen fuel cells, with models like the Nexo already in production. This could potentially lead to GM vehicles powered by Hyundai fuel cells, offering an alternative to traditional electric vehicles with large batteries.
While GM is planning to introduce a Hyundai-based electric van in the U.S., Hyundai is rumored to be developing its own version of a General Motors electric pickup for Latin American markets. This strategic collaboration between two automotive giants signifies a shift towards innovative technologies and shared resources in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification and sustainability, partnerships like the one between GM and Hyundai pave the way for future advancements in alternative propulsion technologies. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration between two industry leaders.