In a groundbreaking move signaling deeper global cooperation in the automotive industry, General Motors and Hyundai Motor Company have announced plans to co-develop five new vehicles, targeting major markets in Central and South America as well as North America.
The announcement marks the first major product reveal under the strategic collaboration agreement signed between the two automotive giants in September 2024. The partnership aims to leverage their complementary strengths, shared scale, and commitment to innovation and sustainability.
What’s Coming
The two companies plan to co-develop:
- Four vehicles for Central and South America, including:
- A compact SUV
- A passenger car
- A compact pickup
- A mid-size pickup
- One electric commercial van for the North American market.
These vehicles will be built on shared platforms but feature distinctive exterior and interior designs consistent with GM and Hyundai brand identities.
Strategic Division of Labor
- GM will lead the development of the mid-size pickup.
- Hyundai will lead the development of the compact vehicles and the electric van.
Production of these co-developed models is expected to scale up to over 800,000 vehicles annually once fully ramped.
Hyundai’s strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.
By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster, and at lower cost,” added Shilpan Amin, GM’s Senior VP and Global Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer.
Sustainability and Supply Chain Integration
Beyond vehicle development, the two automakers are exploring joint sourcing efforts for materials, logistics, and transport across North and South America. They are also evaluating further cooperation in:
- Raw materials and components
- Low-carbon steel for greener manufacturing
- Propulsion technologies, including internal combustion, hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell systems
A Vision for 2028 and Beyond
- Vehicles for Central and South America are scheduled to launch in 2028.
- The electric commercial van for North America will be U.S.-built, with production expected as early as 2028.
This collaboration marks a rare alliance between two global automotive titans, combining Hyundai’s innovation and mobility focus with GM’s scale and EV expertise to meet the evolving demands of emerging markets and commercial fleets.
