General Motors recently revealed its “electrification roadmap” for the Chinese market, a country notorious for investing heavily in EV infrastructure and cleaner vehicles. However, GM’s EV strategy seems a little underwhelming.
The release states the only forthcoming electric vehicle of any kind will be the 2017 Cadillac CT6 PHEV. That’s it. It reiterates the Chevrolet Malibu XL (our 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid) will be launching, along with a 2017 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid as well.
There is no mention of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV heading to the People’s Republic, and the 2017 Chevrolet Volt seems to be missing in action, too.
We find it hard to believe GM would fall behind in a market where purchasing an electric vehicle is easier than ever, but the near future holds no real promise just yet.
Comments
I suspect the absence of the Volt and Bolt in that market is that it does not make financial sense because importing these vehicles from the US they would face heavy import taxes in the Peoples Republic and there is no existing production facility set up to produce them there.
Bingo! I think that pretty much sums up the matter. Once they set up a facility to produce these cars you bet they’ll start promoting and selling them there.
@GM plans to launch more than 10 electrified models in China by 2020, but no details as yet