After months of speculation, the first details are emerging from the strategic agreement between Hyundai Motor Group and General Motors. Initially announced last year, the deal aims to expand collaboration between the two automakers to tackle the growing challenges of vehicle design and production.
GM will gain an all-electric commercial van.
Production will take place in the United States.
Five new vehicles are planned, with a focus on the South American market.
In today’s volatile global climate, it’s not surprising to see automakers joining forces to reduce risk. By 2028, this partnership will yield five new models: a compact car, a small SUV, and two pickups — one subcompact and one compact. While EVs will be part of the mix, the majority will still use gasoline or hybrid powertrains.
2025 Hyundai ST1For North America, the impact will be more limited, with only one electric van planned. Industry rumours suggest GM could market its own version of a Hyundai or Kia model, such as the Hyundai ST1 or Kia PV5. The PV5 appears to be the frontrunner, as it’s newer and can be built in the United States — a significant advantage given current tariff conditions.
That said, the Hyundai ST1 also has potential. Based on the Staria van, it offers the flexibility of a gasoline-powered variant.
For GM, this move could finally replace its ageing GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vans, whose designs date back to the 1990s.
Targeting 800,000 Units Annually
The two automakers expect this collaboration to generate annual production of roughly 800,000 vehicles — a crucial volume for both companies. And this isn’t just a badge-engineering exercise; each model will feature styling and interiors tailored to its respective brand identity.
2026 Kia PV5A Partnership Beyond Vehicles
The alliance extends well beyond product development, encompassing the sharing of technology, materials, components, electronics, software, and electrification solutions.
Hyundai CEO José Muñoz emphasized the scope of the deal:
“This strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue delivering value and choice to our customers across multiple segments and markets. Our combined scale in North and South America allows us to meet customer expectations more effectively — with well-designed, high-quality vehicles focused on safety and equipped with technologies they value.”
GM’s senior vice-president Shilpan Amin echoed the sentiment:
“By working together, GM and Hyundai will deliver more choice to customers, faster and at lower cost. These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how we will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale.”
