Hyundai, GM Join Forces to Co-Develop Five New Vehicles; Aim for 800,000 Annual Sales

In a landmark move that could reshape the automotive landscape across the Americas, Hyundai Motor Company and General Motors (GM) have announced the co-development of five vehicles, as part of their deepening strategic partnership. The joint initiative aims to produce more than 800,000 vehicles annually once full production is reached.

The companies will develop four models for the Central and South American markets — including a compact SUV, a compact car, a pick-up, and a mid-size pick-up — capable of running on either internal combustion or hybrid powertrains. A fifth vehicle, an electric commercial van, will be manufactured in the U.S. and sold in North America, marking both firms’ growing focus on electrification.

While GM will lead the development of the mid-size truck platform, Hyundai will take charge of the compact vehicles and the electric van. Both companies will share platforms but offer brand-specific designs and interiors.

The vehicles are scheduled to launch in 2028, with design and engineering already underway. The electric commercial van is also expected to roll out by the same year.

“This collaboration allows us to respond more efficiently to evolving consumer demands across the Americas,” said José Muñoz, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. Shilpan Amin, GM's Senior Vice President, echoed this, stating the partnership leverages the “complementary strengths and combined scale” of both automakers.

Beyond co-development, the firms will collaborate on joint sourcing, logistics, and possibly even low-emission steel, reflecting a shared focus on sustainable manufacturing.

This alliance stems from a framework agreement signed in September 2024, under which Hyundai and GM continue to explore shared R&D in combustion, hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.