Han media: Hyundai Motor and General Motors jointly develop 5 vehicles to cope with the rise of Chinese automakers
Hyundai Motor and General Motors have decided to jointly develop five models, including pickup trucks and electric delivery vans. This is the first follow-up action after the two companies announced their cooperation last September. The two companies will combine their expertise in electric vehicles and pickup trucks to respond to the rise of Chinese automakers and the tariff war initiated by Trump, among other changes in the global market.
On the 7th, Hyundai Motor stated that it plans to jointly develop five new models with General Motors, including four models for the Central and South American markets (mid-size pickup trucks, small pickup trucks, small sedans, and small SUVs) and one model for the North American market, an electric commercial van. The models for the Central and South American markets are expected to be equipped with both internal combustion engines and hybrid power systems. A Hyundai Motor official said, "Once the jointly developed models achieve mass production, it is expected to produce and sell more than 800,000 units per year."
General Motors will take the lead in developing the mid-size truck platform (basic design), while Hyundai Motor will take the lead in developing the platforms for small vehicles and electric commercial vans. This move aims to combine the strengths of both companies in trucks and electric vehicles. Both companies plan to create a common car platform, developing interior and exterior designs that reflect the characteristics of each brand. New cars for the Central and South American market are being promoted for launch in 2028. The electric commercial van is expected to start production locally in the United States as early as 2028. Hillipan Amin, Executive Vice President of General Motors' Global Procurement and Supply Chain Department, said, "The cars released today target the largest segments in the Central and South American market and the commercial vehicle sector in North America. Through cooperation, General Motors and Hyundai Motor will be able to provide customers with a wider range of choices at a faster speed and lower cost."
Some analysts pointed out that this cooperation between the two companies mainly focuses on developing vehicles for the Central and South American market, aiming to curb the growth of Chinese automobiles. Recently, Central and South America has become a representative market where Chinese companies, including BYD, have rapidly expanded their market share with high-value-for-money vehicles.
In the face of significant challenges to profitability caused by U.S. tariff barriers and the rapid development of Chinese automobiles, Hyundai Motor and General Motors have decided to formulate plans to save various costs. The two companies plan to promote joint procurement of materials, transportation, and logistics in North and South America. Both parties are also considering cooperation in areas such as raw materials, components, and composite systems. Hyundai Motor's Representative Director Jose Munoz said, "We believe that through strategic cooperation with General Motors, we can continuously provide customers with higher value and more choices in multiple segments and markets."
Last September, the two companies signed a comprehensive cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) covering areas such as automotive technology development and production, and material procurement.
A Hyundai Motor official said, "We will continue to conduct detailed discussions on additional vehicle development projects for the global market with General Motors, as well as cooperation in the entire powertrain field, including internal combustion engines, hybrid, battery electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies."
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1839855181395979/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.