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GM Might Sell Rebadged Hyundai Electric Commercial Vans In The U.S.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed by GM and Hyundai Motor Group in September is taking shape, and we’re getting glimpses of what the collaboration between two of the world’s largest automakers will look like. In recent statements on an analyst call, a Hyundai executive revealed that the Korean automaker is considering selling electric commercial vehicles in North America rebadged as GM models.

“We are considering re-badging our commercial EVs and supplying GM… The deal will pave the way for our entry into the North American commercial vehicle market,” Hyundai Chief Financial Officer Lee Seung Jo said on the call, according to Reuters.

Hyundai ST1.

Hyundai ST1

It’s unclear at this time which commercial vehicles Hyundai and GM are considering marketing in North America. One possible candidate is the Hyundai ST1, a commercial EV platform with a customizable ladder frame optimized for cargo loading. Its most common application will likely be as a small cube truck. Hyundai also makes the Elec City electric city bus, which could be marketed as a GM model for North American cities.

“We expect more business uncertainties this year than ever before due to potential policy changes not just in [South Korea] but also in the U.S., while there will be tougher emission rules in Europe,” Lee added, referring to a potentially tariff-happy Trump administration and recent political unrest in Seoul.

GM CEO Mary Barry and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung signing memorandum of understanding.

On the subject of tariffs, Hyundai plans to increase localized manufacturing in the U.S. for USDM vehicles to minimize potential tariff costs. It also plans to build hybrid models at its new Metaplant America in Georgia, which opened in 2024. There, it’s currently producing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and soon the Ioniq 9.

In other GM/Hyundai collaboration news, we reported in November that the automakers were considering jointly developing a pickup truck for the Latin American market. The report from Pulse at the time stated that one truck would be marketed under both GM and Hyundai brands to broaden reach in more segments in more global markets while keeping development costs low.

George is an automotive journalist with soft spots for classic GM muscle cars, Corvettes, and Geo.

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Comments

  1. Umm, BrightDrop/Chevy vans?

    Reply
  2. Lower quality alternative.

    Reply
  3. Typical General Motors crap Make America great again by putting Americans back to work!

    Reply
  4. Parts and service in 8, 10 years will be… ?

    No fleet is going to bet their revenue-generating hardware on a joint venture import trying to get into the US market.

    Reply

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