Hyundai and GM have officially unveiled plans for the first five vehicles to be co-developed under their strategic partnership, signaling a major advancement in automotive collaboration. This development follows their framework agreement signed in September 2024, aimed at reshaping vehicle production across global markets with a focus on scalability, sustainability, and customer-centric design.
Five New Vehicles Target Key Global Markets
Under this new initiative, Hyundai and GM will jointly develop five new vehicles, targeting two primary regions:
- Central and South America:
- A compact SUV
- A compact car
- A compact pick-up truck
- A mid-size pick-up truck
All four vehicles will be built with flexible powertrain options, offering both internal combustion and hybrid propulsion systems.
- North America:
- An electric commercial van, designed to serve the growing demand in the EV commercial vehicle segment.
Production of these vehicles is expected to ramp up by 2028, with the electric van manufactured in the United States and the four other models tailored for markets across Central and South America.
Over 800,000 Units Annually at Full Scale
Both companies anticipate a strong market reception, projecting combined annual sales to exceed 800,000 units once production is fully scaled. Each vehicle will feature shared platforms with distinct brand-specific interiors and exteriors, ensuring differentiation for both GM and Hyundai customers.
Leadership Roles: Hyundai and GM Divide Development Responsibilities
To maximize efficiency and capitalize on each company’s strengths:
- GM will lead development of the mid-size truck platform
- Hyundai will take charge of the compact vehicle lineup and the electric van
This division of labor ensures that each company brings its best engineering capabilities to the table while keeping development costs lower and accelerating time to market.
Executive Insights: Delivering Value and Choice
José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, emphasized the value this partnership will bring to consumers:
“Hyundai’s strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets. Our combined scale in North and South America helps us to more efficiently provide our customers more of what they want – beautifully designed, high-quality, safety-focused vehicles with technology they appreciate.”
Shilpan Amin, GM Senior VP and Global Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer, highlighted the partnership’s efficiency and reach:
“By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster, and at lower cost. These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how GM and Hyundai will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale.”
Beyond Vehicles: Joint Sourcing and Sustainable Manufacturing
The collaboration extends beyond vehicle development. Hyundai and GM have announced:
- Joint sourcing initiatives for materials, transport, and logistics across North and South America
- Cooperation in raw materials, components, and complex systems
- A shared focus on sustainable manufacturing, including a joint effort to explore low-carbon emissions steel
These initiatives reinforce the companies’ commitment to efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
A Long-Term Global Strategy
This announcement is just the beginning. Both automakers continue to assess additional opportunities for:
Joint vehicle development for other global markets
Powertrain collaboration, including internal combustion, hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies
Conclusion: A Game-Changing Alliance in the Auto Industry
Hyundai and GM’s strategic partnership marks a new era in global vehicle production. By combining strengths and aligning on shared goals, the companies are poised to revolutionize how vehicles are developed, built, and delivered — especially in key markets like Central, South, and North America.
With first vehicle launches expected by 2028 and annual sales projected to top 800,000 units, this collaboration could reshape the competitive landscape in both combustion and electric vehicle markets.
