As the deadline for potential U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles looms, Hyundai Motor Company and General Motors (GM) are reportedly finalizing plans for extensive collaboration, including the sharing of electric commercial vans and mid-size pickup trucks.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Hyundai will supply GM with its electric van model for sale under the GM brand. Initially, these vans will be imported from South Korea, but both companies are considering North American production starting in 2028. This could involve building a new factory, expanding existing facilities, or outsourcing production.

In return, GM will share its mid-size pickup truck platforms, likely including the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, with Hyundai. Discussions are also underway for Hyundai to provide a small SUV for GM to sell in Brazil.

While Hyundai has expressed interest in sharing GM's popular full-size pickup trucks, sources say GM has excluded these from the current negotiations.

This strategic partnership comes as both companies face increasing competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and navigate a global trade landscape marked by protectionist policies. By sharing vehicle platforms and potentially collaborating on technology development, Hyundai and GM aim to reduce costs and accelerate innovation.

"Hyundai is expected to leverage its new Georgia plant and its partnership with GM to mitigate the impact of potential tariffs," said Lee Hang-gu, a research fellow at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute. "This collaboration will allow them to gain time and increase local production and investment."

The partnership between Hyundai, the world's third-largest automaker, and GM, the largest in North America, could signal a broader trend of collaboration among global automakers seeking to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]