GM and Hyundai Eye Strategic Partnership on Electric Vans and Pickup Trucks

General Motors and Hyundai are reportedly nearing a strategic deal that could see the two auto giants sharing electric vans and pickup trucks in North America. Sources close to the matter indicate that Hyundai would manufacture compact electric commercial vans for both companies—starting production in South Korea, with plans to expand manufacturing to the United States by 2028. This move would allow GM to revamp its aging van lineup while giving Hyundai a significant entry point into the commercial vehicle segment in North America.

At the center of the partnership is Hyundai’s newly unveiled electric ST1 van, which could serve as a modern replacement for GM’s long-serving Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana models. While competitors like Ford and Mercedes-Benz have embraced the taller, European-style van design, GM has stuck with its decades-old van architecture. The ST1, along with a larger van model Hyundai is developing to rival the Mercedes Sprinter, could offer GM a fresh alternative in the increasingly competitive electric van market.

In return, GM would supply Hyundai with rebadged versions of its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks. These pickups would be sold under the Hyundai brand in North America, a market where Hyundai has yet to introduce a true work-focused pickup. Notably, full-size trucks like the Silverado and Sierra are not expected to be part of the deal. There’s also talk of Hyundai supplying GM with compact SUVs for sale in Brazil, hinting at the broader global implications of the partnership.

The deal reportedly extends beyond vehicles, with both companies exploring joint efforts in sourcing and developing electric vehicle batteries and semiconductor chips—two critical components for the next generation of vehicles. While details remain unconfirmed, both Hyundai and GM have acknowledged ongoing discussions and say they’re exploring collaboration across several strategic areas.

One key issue potentially impacting the partnership is the uncertainty surrounding U.S. import tariffs, particularly those that originated during the Trump administration. If tariffs are reimposed or revised, they could complicate plans to export Hyundai-built vans from South Korea to the U.S. market. Still, with GM’s electric BrightDrop van struggling to gain significant traction in Canada, the collaboration may offer a much-needed jolt to both automakers’ commercial strategies.