THe GM-Hyundai Partnership: A Closer Look
- Adam Bernard
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
GM and Hyundai have finally announced more details on what they plan to collaborate on--and the list is notable for both what's included and what's excluded.
On the list, with a target total annual volume of 800,000 units, all targeting a 2028 launch...
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
Hybrid-capable compact SUV (Hyundai to lead). Although Hyundai and Chevy both have entries in this segment (Tucson and Equinox), this could be a new, more cost-conscious model based on Hyundai's global compact platform.
Hybrid-capable compact car (Hyundai to lead). Neither brand has an entry in this segment--only smaller sedans and hatchbacks--so this becomes a market expansion opportunity.
Hybrid-capable compact pickup (Hyundai to lead). Hyundai's Santa Cruz isn't exported, but might be considered too premium and lifestyle-oriented for this market. GM has the Chevy Montana, but that vehicle is not quite compact, so, like the compact car, this could be a market expansion opportunity for both brands.
Hybrid-capable midsize pickup (GM to lead). This is likely based on the next-generation (or updated current-generation) S10, which is a different animal than the North American Colorado. The relationship here might be comparable to Ford and VW with their midsize Ranger and Amarok pickups. One open question is the hybrid capability; GM doesn't have this technology for RWD vehicles on the shelf anywhere at the moment, so there's some work to be done to get something ready in three years.
NORTH AMERICA
Electric commercial van (Hyundai to lead). Hyundai's Staria-based ST1 midsize commercial van is already in the market, but only as a cargo box variant. Federalizing this and adding additional variants (e.g., passenger and panel van) and prepping one of Hyundai's US plants seems like the quickest route to get to a 2028 launch.
The biggest surprise that wasn't on the list? Hybrid technology (beyond the four entries for Central and South America). While GM has a handful of hybrids in China, there's nothing in North America--mild, full, or plug-in. And while GM has promised PHEVs for 2027 (but hasn't specified which products), that might not be enough; almost every other global automaker has mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid tech on the shelf, and GM sticking with its own PHEV might be insufficient to remain competitive. That being said, Hyundai may have said, "No, thanks" to maintain a competitive advantage.
Overall, this seems to be a bigger win for GM than Hyundai, given that Hyundai is going to be leading the development work on four of the five projects. That being said, the absence of hybrid tech (beyond Central and South America) is an unfortunate missed opportunity for GM.
Comments