GM and Hyundai Announce Strategic Partnership for Shared Vehicles
General Motors (GM) and Hyundai are reportedly finalizing an agreement to share vehicle platforms, potentially reshaping their offerings in North America. The deal, according to a source familiar with the negotiations cited by Reuters, could involve Hyundai supplying electric vans to GM, while GM provides Hyundai with pickup trucks.
The Chevrolet Colorado
The partnership aims to boost the competitiveness of both companies, especially given the increasing pressure from Chinese manufacturers and the economic uncertainties in North America.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement is expected to unfold as follows:
- Electric Vans: Hyundai will manufacture electric vans, imported from South Korea, to be sold under both the Hyundai and GM brands. The plan includes two sizes. The smaller van will be assembled at Hyundai’s Ulsan plant starting in the summer of 2027, with the larger van following in 2028.
- Pickup Trucks: GM will supply mid-size pickup trucks, like the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Hyundai is considering assembling these trucks in North America, possibly at a new or existing plant, starting in 2028.
Discussions have also touched on the possibility of Hyundai supplying compact SUVs to GM for the Brazilian market.
Strategic Implications
This collaboration offers clear advantages for both companies:
- GM: Gains access to electric vans to compete with the Ford and Ram offerings without significant capital investment.
- Hyundai: Enters the pickup truck market with a mid-size offering to compete with vehicles like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.
While both companies issued similar statements, neither issued many official details. GM stated that both companies are “exploring potential areas of collaboration”, as did Hyundai.
Further sharing arrangements, including components and technology, are reportedly under discussion.
