- GM and Hyundai are exploring a range of opportunities, which could benefit both automakers.
- Hyundai could get a version of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks.
- GM could acquire two electric vans, which could replace the Chevy Express and GMC Savana.
General Motors and Hyundai announced they were exploring a partnership focused on joint product development, manufacturing, and clean energy technologies last fall. The companies were coy on specifics, but reports emerged in January that Hyundai could supply GM with electric vans.
Fast forward to today and the pieces are starting to fall into place as Reuters is reporting that Hyundai could give GM two electric commercial vans. In return, GM could give Hyundai a pickup that would be based on the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
More: Hyundai Could Supply GM With Electric Commercial Vehicles
This is interesting to note and it makes us wonder if the truck could serve as a replacement for the Santa Cruz. The company only sold 32,033 units in the United States last year and the model starts at $30,200 which is only $3,295 less than the Colorado.
Hyundai is also said to be keen on offering a version of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. However, GM “hasn’t put that option on the table” and this implies it could be a big ask.
One of the vans is said to be based on the Hyundai ST1 and it would reportedly be imported from South Korea. However, the automaker is reportedly considering North American production by 2028. This could occur at either an existing plant, a contract manufacturer, or at an all-new facility. The latter would ramp up slowly, but could have an annual production capacity of more than 100,000 units by 2032.
The report goes on to say GM is expected to eliminate the aging Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans soon, so the Hyundai-sourced EVs could serve as their replacements. However, the threat of tariffs looms large.
Aside from vehicles for the United States, the companies are reportedly discussing the possibility of Hyundai providing GM with compact crossovers for Brazil. Unsurprisingly, it’s expected to be based on the Creta, which is built in the country.
Hyundai is also said to be considering deals that extend far beyond vehicles and include joint purchasing and development of everything from batteries to computer chips.
