GM plans to relaunch plug-in hybrid models in North America, expected to be available in 2027
[Smart Car News] According to reports from Detroit NewsonlinerouletterealmoneyGeneral Motors plans to introduce its first plug-in hybrid vehicles to the North American market in 2027. This move coincides with the time when the new exhaust emission reduction regulations will come into effect at the same time. Although GM said it would not abandon its all-electric vehicle plan, demand for pure electric vehicles in the U.S. market has declined in recent months, so the company's strategy has changed.
GM CEO Mary Barra said in an interviewonlinerouletterealmoney:"Plug-in and hybrid vehicles are an important addition to meeting regulatory requirements and providing consumers with more choices. As U.S. environmental regulations change, we need to re-evaluate our strategy."
Although GM sells several plug-in hybrid models in China, GM's last plug-in hybrid in North America was the Chevrolet Volt, which retired in 2019. However, we may see a renamed or slightly improved Buick Micro Blue 6 or Wuling Starlight in the North American market. The Micro Blue 6 is a station wagon that looks very similar to the European-sized Opel Astra, while the Starlight is a larger midsize sedan.
Considering that the global auto market seems to favor crossovers and SUVs, the plug-in hybrid version of the Chevrolet Equinox Plus in China has a greater chance of appearing in the North American auto market.
General Motors President Mark Reuss confirmed to the media in a recent interview that plug-in hybrid technology similar to that seen in the Chinese market may be used in cars in the U.S. market, but not in the exact same model. In other words, any plug-in hybrid model in the U.S. market will be produced more locally than in China.
(This article comes from Mobile China)