The Brazilian subsidiary participates in the development of global models and does not discard local production in "a not so far future"
By Alzira Rodrigues | 4/19/23 | Translated by Jorge Meditsch
Contrary to most manufacturers operating in Brazil, which see flex-fuel hybrids as the best way towards local electrification, General Motors maintains its intention to go straight to producing full-electric models, which can happen around 2030.
Revealing the use of the Cruz Alta Proving Grounds and the Brazilian Technological Center in the development of some models of the future global generation of 100% electric vehicles, Santiago Chamorro, GM South America’s president, admitted the production of these models in the country is not so far.
“We want to be pioneers about this. Electrics production demands a minimum volume to justify investments and plant preparation, but we certainly want to go straight toward the technology we believe is the best”, informed him. The executive also revealed the hiring of 250 engineers in the country motivated by participation in global electric projects.
Regarding the investment to adapt local R&D and tests structures, Chamorro said they are part of the R$ 10 billion announced from 2019 through 2025 in the state of São Paulo. He said most of the value previewed for the six-year period has already been used and can take to the anticipation of a new investment cycle in Brazil.
Three models are being tested here, the Blazer EV, the Equinox EV and a third Chamorro call “a surprise”. “At this moment, we are working at a fast pace, and the first phase includes three different zero-emission vehicle global projects from the brand Chevrolet, which will be launched initially in the North American market. Some of them may be considered for local production”, he admitted.
The Cruz Alta Proving Grounds area is equivalent to 1,360 soccer fields and has seven laboratories and 17 test tracks. The Technological Center, in São Caetano do Sul, received reinforcements in research and development areas about one year ago to expand its services range.
Chamorro defended once more the electric car precedence over the hybrid, asserting it fits better the decarbonization projects worldwide. He remembered that GM is investing US$ 35 billion up to 2025 to develop a new global generation of electric vehicles and said that ‘South America has a strategic importance in this project”.
“The ample structure we have in Brazil is being used to contribute mostly to the energy efficiency and connectivity areas, as well as in certification and homologation tests needed to customize EVs to the legislation and preferences of different markets in our region”.
GM already sells the Bolt EV in Brazil and will also commercialize the Blazer EV and Equinox EV. The launch dates were not disclosed yet.
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