40% of All new Launches in China in Next 5 Years to be Electric: GM

General Motors (GM) has highlighted that in electrification, more than 40 percent of its new launches in China in the next 5 years will be electric models.

General Motors (GM) has recently announced its technology rollout plan for electrification, intelligent driving and connectivity in China, with an immersive display at the PATAC Design Dome in Shanghai and virtual presentations from the Warren Design Dome in Michigan. The firm has highlighted that in electrification, more than 40 percent of GM’s new launches in China in the next five years will be electric models.

The company provided a fast-forward look at its technologies developed globally that combine a local perspective. They included GM’s new global EV platform, the Ultium battery system and next-generation EVs to be launched in China.

“As GM’s largest market and a global center of innovation, China will play a crucial role in making our vision a reality,” said Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of GM. “With our joint venture partner SAIC, we are blending global insights and scale with local market expertise to redefine what is possible for our customers and for society.”

The firm has been relentlessly pursuing a future of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, vowing to invest more than USD 20 billion in electric and automated vehicles by 2025. In China, since the introduction of its “Drive to 2030” vision at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, the company has built the largest connected customer base and enhanced its highly localised technical capability and supply chain to support its long-term development.

With its claim to have more than 40 percent of its new launches in China in the next five years to be electrified models, The firm will manufacture all the vehicles in China, and with almost all parts coming from local suppliers. The state-of-the-art Ultium battery system and third-generation global electric platform will integrate GM’s engineering flexibility, technology advances with highly localised manufacturing, and supply chain in China to enhance quality and cost competitiveness.

In connectivity, nearly all GM vehicles in China from its global brands will be connected via flexible platforms and industry-leading scale. GM will capitalize on mega-trends like 5G, artificial intelligence, smart cities and big data. In 2022, 5G will be available on all new Cadillac models and most Chevrolet and Buick vehicles going forward. The most up-to-date connected services will be provided through over-the-air updates.

“We will enhance local integration and global collaboration by capitalising on China-leading market trends and playing to the local industry’s strengths,” said Julian Blissett, GM executive vice president and president of GM China. “We are ready to activate a new era.”