The partnership forged between Ford and Volkswagen a few years ago has thus far proven to be quite prosperous for both automakers, helping both to cut down on development and production costs via several new models. Thus, it’s no surprise that other automakers have formed similar relationships as of late, including a pair of The Blue Oval’s chief rivals – General Motors and Hyundai – which announced plans to collaborate on key areas via a new joint-venture just this past September. Now, those plans between GM and Hyundai are beginning to take shape.
“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 a recent call with analysts, according to GM Authority, revealing that the company is considering selling all-electric commercial vehicles rebadged as GM models in North America.
Seung Jo didn’t reveal which sorts of commercial vehicles Hyundai might be targeting, but its ST1 EV van platform could be on the table, as that architecture features a customizable ladder frame that’s optimized for cargo loading purposes, perfect for applications like small cube trucks. Another possibility is the Hyundai Elec City electric city bus, which could be used in North American cities for public transport services.
There are plenty of uncertainties in the current political environment that could impact these plans, however. President Donald Trump is mulling the idea of implementing universal tariffs on products imported into the U.S. from a number of countries, and in Europe, the EU has long been working to transition to zero-emissions vehicles by 2035, though it’s facing quite a few challenges in the short-term. “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,” Seung Jo said.
It was right this time. But it's not right all the time.
It's had some work done, but remains in stellar condition.
Users can still take control if necessary.
It took eight years and $175k to put together.
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This Auto go Over Like a LEAD BALLON?????? More Broken Down JUNK On the Roads!!! If we can't build it here in The USA, The w e Shouldn't "IMPORT" it without 100% Tariff!!!! Period....
Nice spelling Boomer.
And nice capitalization. I wonder if it's Trump. He's a boomer.
Duh
Will these also be easy to steal?
It is inevitable that the Big Three will have to collaborate with other carmakers in order to provide products that are desirable. These will be a good add to GM's garage.