GM hints at electric re-entry to Australia

American auto giant General Motors (GM) has hinted it will re-enter the Australian market with a view to its all-electric future.

Reports have emerged that GM’s head of strategic markets, alliances and distributors, Christian Soemmer, has confirmed the automaker wants to expand its reach globally, and that both Australia and New Zealand are “an absolute key pillar of that region.”

While the GM group famously pulled the Holden brand from the local market, it has retained a presence in Australia in the form of GM Special Vehicles, which has a significant electric component.

However, now it appears it is eyeing a greater presence in Australia – and this is likely to include a range of electric vehicles.

The group’s stable of brands has several electric offerings, most notably the Hummer EV. It also has introduced the premium Cadillac Lyriq that promises 600km of driving range and an augmented reality windscreen.

More recently, an all-electric Chevrolet Silverado ute was teased by GM CEO Mary Barra, who said it will officially commence testing in Detroit in August.

Of all these electric offerings, the Silverado ute probably has the best chance of filling a much needed gap in the Australia EV market. Notably, the Union of Concerned Scientists has underlined the huge benefits to be had from electrifying the utility truck segment.

But as reported by News.com.au, Soemmer has hinted that any one of these offerings could come here – although not when, and with a big caveat that supply chain issues and chip shortages would mean delays.

News reported that Soemmer said the company is doing “deep analysis and research” on whether its EVs would be welcomed in Australia, saying, “They are very high in demand but we also believe that Australia is an important market for us. It’s a cornerstone in terms of our future for strategic markets and also GM international,” he says.

President of GM International, Shilpin Amin also noted that converting EVs to right hand drive is a simpler task than for ICE cars.

“Because of how efficient it is to build it up front with left and right-hand-drive markets in mind no longer do you need the volumes to justify it. You can actually do it pretty efficiently at all volumes for markets around the world,” he was quoted as saying.

The American automaker has committed to going all-electric from 2030, and is making its own Ultium batteries to power a whole stable of electric cars.

It has recently secured three deals with LG Chem, Livent and POSCO Chemical to supply key battery materials, Detroit Free Press reports.