GM confirms return to Europe

The number one American car manufacturer General Motors is gearing up for its return to Europe with an EV line-up. The Cadillac Lyriq could be among the first to hit the road here, as the carmaker is preparing to kick off EV sales in Europe this autumn, but only in some countries.

GM European President Jaclyn McQuaid confirmed the rumors to Automotive News Europe. Though she did not specify where exactly GM brands will offer their electric cars, insiders expect the first markets to be Nordic countries Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

It is unclear yet when exactly sales will start, but autumn is just around the corner. There is also no mention of whether or not (or when) GM’s electric cars will begin rolling to customers in other European countries.

Lyriq first

GM has not published a list of cars to make it across the pond. However, according to the above source, the Cadillac Lyriq will make the cut. It is sold in the US for about 60 000 dollars (around 55 000 euros), but it will generally cost more here. It has a 100 kWh battery on board and is supposed to cover about 483 kilometers on one charge.

Which other models?

The specialized website Inside EVs reckons that some smaller models could also meet European demand, such as the much more affordable Chevrolet Equinox EV, a compact crossover, and the mid-size Chevrolet Blazer EV. Both will launch in the US this year.

The question remains: will GM try and market its larger EVs in Europe, such as its electric pickup trucks? They would indeed only appeal to a niche customer base. However, Ford just launched its F-150 Lightning in Norway, so there seems to be some interest in this type of vehicle.

Europe’s attraction

GM has been preparing to come back to the European markets since 2021. The first step was taken in November 2022, when McQuaid was appointed President and CEO of GM Europe and set up her office in Zurich. The manufacturer left Europe almost entirely in 2017 when it sold Opel to PSA, which later became Stellantis.

GM has only sold very few high-end models in Europe since, including the Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, and Cadillac XT4. Nevertheless, the American number one has set up an advanced design unit for Europe in the UK and expanded its IT innovation hub in Ireland.

Returning to the old continent could help GM increase sales, but Europe is a very competitive market, and the Chinese are also coming. So, one could say they’re doing it for the sales and prestige: all manufacturers like to be present on the Old Continent; it indeed gives a lot of prestige and street credibility, even in these uncertain and changing times.