General Motors is reportedly in discussions with Hyundai that could lead to GM offering rebadged versions of Hyundai’s electric commercial vehicle lineup in North America. This move would likely involve the Hyundai ST1 or PBV family of vehicles, potentially including the PV5 van.
Such a partnership would allow GM to compete more effectively in the electric commercial vehicle market, specifically against established players like the Ford E-Transit and Ram Promaster EV. A deal is expected to be finalized soon.
Last fall, General Motors and Hyundai announced they were exploring a strategic alliance focused on joint product development, manufacturing, and the advancement of clean energy technologies. While specifics were limited at the time, the objective was to “reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles and technologies to customers faster.”
Reuters now reports that Hyundai may supply electric commercial vehicles to GM. During an earnings call, Hyundai Chief Financial Officer Lee Seung Jo stated, “We are considering re-badging our commercial EVs and supplying GM… The deal will pave the way for our entry into the North American commercial vehicle market.”
Discussions are believed to center around the ST1 or PBV family, which encompasses the PV5 van. Currently, while Ford and Ram offer a range of large commercial vans, GM’s offerings are limited to the older Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
This potential deal could provide GM with a more competitive and likely more affordable offering, positioning them to better challenge rivals such as the Ford E-Transit, Mercedes eSprinter, and Ram Promaster EV.
Notably, this wouldn’t be GM’s first foray into van partnerships; they previously offered a rebadged Nissan NV200 as the Chevrolet City Express. Binding agreements are anticipated to be signed in the first quarter of the year. Beyond this collaboration, Hyundai also announced plans to build hybrid vehicles at its Metaplant America in Georgia. It currently manufactures the Ioniq 5 at this facility and will start producing the Ioniq 9 later this year. Hyundai also intends to leverage its American plants to mitigate potential costs from tariffs.
