Car giants Honda and General Motors (GM) will team up to develop a series of “affordable” electric vehicles from 2027 onwards, with a vow to produce “millions” of machines globally.
The car firms are already working together on a number of projects, including electric, hydrogen and autonomous vehicles. But the new deal is a significant ramp up in scale.
Honda and GM will co-develop a new global architecture for affordable EVs, which will use American car giant GM’s Ultium battery technology. The first vehicle using the platform is due to go on sale in 2027, and the firms have hinted the emphasis will be on developing compact crossovers, given that is the largest vehicle segment worldwide.
The firms will also discuss future collaboration on EV battery technology in an effort to reduce cost and improve performance and sustainability.
“GM and Honda will share our best technology, design and manufacturing strategies to deliver affordable and desirable EVs on a global scale, including our key markets in North America, South America and China,” said GM boss Mary Barra. American giant GM’s brands include Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. The firm no longer owns any brands in the UK after selling Vauxhall to the PSA Group (now Stellantis).
Honda senior managing executive officer Shinji Aoyama said: “This new series of affordable EVs will build on this relationship by leveraging our strength in the development and production of high quality, compact class vehicles.”
While few details have been given of the capabilities of the platform or specific product plans, the initial focus will be on vehicles for the North American market before expanding elsewhere. GM said that its plans include a new full-electric machine that will sit underneath the existing Chevrolet Equinox EV.
GM and Honda are already working together to codevelop two EVs, which will include the Honda Prelude in early 2024 and Honda performance brand Acura’s first EV. The two firms are also working with start-up Cruise to develop the Origin autonomous delivery vehicle.
Honda isn't just working with GM, either: it already has a deal with consumer electronic giant Sony to develop a range of EVs.
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