GM brakes its vé projects to bet on vans and petrol SUVs

General Motors changes course. Faced with a palpable slowdown in the growth of electric vehicle sales (VE), the American manufacturer redirects its industrial strategy by once again focusing on vehicles that North American consumers are demanding: full size vans and petrol engine SUKs.

The Orion assembly plant in Michigan, which was initially intended to devote itself to electric models such as the Silverado EV and Sierra EV, will rather welcome the production of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra and Cadillac Escalade in 2027. This is confirmed by GM on a daily basis Detroit Free Press, officially ending persistent rumors since June.

A clear response to a request that stagnates
While investments and announcements around electric vehicles have been omnipresent in recent years, GM recognizes that the market is changing. The initial enthusiasm seems to run out of steam, and sales of models do not take off at the expected rhythm. The result? : The company will invest its resources in what really reports, as shown by the sales increases of the GMC Yukon (+22 % in the first half of the year 2025).

The Orion factory continues for the moment to produce battery modules for the Factory Zero factory, but its future is now focused on vehicles with thermal engines. And this, despite the public subsidies initially granted for the production of electric vehicles.

The Bolt EV always on the program
The next Bolt EV, scheduled for 2027, should be assembled at the Fairfax factory, in Kansas. GM wishes to emphasize that this turn will not affect its development. The manufacturer therefore reserves a place in the world of electric vehicles, but without abandoning models with thermal motors, especially since new federal laws reduce the penalties for polluting emissions.

Political support, despite the flip-flop
Michigan’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer, supported GM’s decision, saying: “No matter what you are driving (petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric), as long as it is made in Michigan. »A clear message: local use takes precedence over ideology.

Original Auto123 content.