Hyundai Motor and General Motors are reportedly closing in on a product sharing plan that could reshape both automakers’ commercial vehicle strategies. At the center of these talks, Hyundai is preparing to supply GM with a pair of electric commercial vans, which would allow GM to bolster its lineup without the cost of developing new models from the ground up. For its part, GM could give Hyundai access to midsize pickup trucks, potentially branded under Hyundai for sale in North America — a segment where Hyundai currently lacks a presence.
Beyond EV Models
This emerging partnership appears ready to extend beyond vehicles alone. Apparently, these companies are also discussing collaborations in certain next-generation technologies such as chips, batteries, and materials sourcing. These are critical areas as both automakers confront rising global competition and geopolitical risks. Notably, Chinese EV makers and escalating trade tensions are pushing both companies to explore ways to share costs and strengthen their market positions.
The van-sharing plan is expected to move first, with Hyundai producing compact and full-size electric vans, initially exported from South Korea starting in 2027. North American production could follow by 2028, scaling up to over 100,000 units annually by 2032. In the meantime, any pickup sharing deal—focused on GM’s Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins —might take longer to finalize. And Hyundai isn’t stopping there – the company is interested in GM’s full-size pickup truck line, which includes the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. However, this is where GM is hesitant as the two models combine to outsell the Ford F150, delivering massive profits for the US based company.
In addition to these vehicle exchanges, the companies are exploring a potential small SUV swap, with Hyundai offering the Creta for GM’s lineup in Brazil. Together, these moves reflect a broader strategy by both companies to weather market pressures, expand into new segments, and improve cost efficiencies across supply chains.
What’s in the Plan
Drilling down, we have reviewed the Reuters report and have found the following items worth noting.
Electric Commercial Vans
Hyundai to supply two electric vans to GM, starting with exports from South Korea in 2027.
Models include:
- A compact van based on Hyundai’s ST1 platform.
- A larger electric van sized like the Hyundai Solati, targeting the Mercedes Benz Sprinter.
North American production could begin by 2028, with volumes reaching 100,000 units annually by 2032. - Potential for shared sales and service networks.
Pickup Trucks for Hyundai
- Hyundai is negotiating to sell GM’s midsize pickups (Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon) under its own brand in North America.
- Hyundai is also pushing for access to GM’s fullsize pickups, but GM has not agreed yet.
The pickup deal is expected to take longer to finalize than the van agreement. - Small SUV Swap
Hyundai may provide the Creta small SUV to GM to refresh its lineup in Brazil.
GM could leverage Hyundai’s platforms for expansion in South American markets.
Broader Strategic Collaboration
Talks include potential joint development or purchasing the following:
- Chips
- Next-generation electric vehicle batteries
- Battery materials
Ultimately, the goal of this agreement is to cut costs and accelerate development in response to the following:
- Chinese EV competition
- Geopolitical pressures like tariffs
Market and Competitive Impacts
- GM needs new commercial vans to replace the aging Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
- A van deal helps GM compete against the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster without major R&D investment.
- Hyundai sees this as a gateway into U.S. trucks and commercial vehicles, where it has little presence.
- Tariff Uncertainty — potential U.S. tariffs and trade tensions remain a wildcard impacting final agreements.
For the Win
All in all, an agreement between GM and Hyundai could prove immensely beneficial to the companies and consumers alike. For the companies, each would save development costs on new models and technologies. For consumers, a wider selection of model availability would keep them in their respective showrooms. That’s a win-win solution that will likely yield a robust agreement between the two automotive manufacturers.
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