GENERAL MOTORS AIMS TO LAUNCH 13 EVS IN THE MIDDLE EAST BY 2025

General Motors (GM) plans to launch 13 new electric vehicles (EVS) in the Middle East by 2025, spearheaded by the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. The manufacturer aims to deliver the broadest range of EVS in the region across its Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac brands, ranging from trucks and affordable sedans, to luxury vehicles and high-performance machines.

Supporting the company’s vision of a world with 'Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion', GM’S EV development is driven by its modular propulsion system and a flexible, third-generation global EV platform powered by Ultium batteries. GM’S Ultium-based EVS, when produced, will be capable of 0 to 100km/h acceleration in approximately 3.0 seconds, along with a driving range of more than 600 kilometers on a single charge, depending on the vehicle; Ultium has already reduced battery costs by 40% and as EV adoption rates and production increases rapidly through the decade, costs will continue to come down.

Earlier this year GM announced plans to invest $35 billion through 2025 in electric and autonomous vehicles, and will launch more than 30 new EVS globally. The automaker is projecting global EV revenue to grow from around $10 billion in 2023 to approximately $90 billion annually by 2030.

Luay Al Shurafa, president and managing director of General Motors Africa and the Middle East said: “The Middle East is one of GM’S most important international markets and a region of the world known for early adoption of technology. The future is now, and GM’S plans align with ambitious and visionary regional government goals to reach net zero, while illustrating GM’S commitment to a more sustainable and brighter future. It also establishes our place as more than an automaker – we are an innovator changing the world.”

Steve Kiefer, GM senior vice president and president of GM International, said:

“The golden thread for GM is to pioneer innovations that move and connect people to what matters. We have robust plans to grow our core business of designing, building and selling world-class internal combustion, whilst paving the way for electric and autonomous vehicles and finding new roads for software, services and customer experiences. By focusing on the needs of our customers, we are expecting to double global revenue by 2030. The Africa and Middle East region is an integral part of GM’S global growth strategy, and our vehicles address the unique needs of the region for price, range, performance and charging.”

GM also announced its in-vehicle safety and security technology, Onstar, will officially launch in the UAE on 2 December 2021. Onstar, projected to generate $2 billion in annual revenue globally, provides customers with a suite of connected services.

Gary West, managing director of Onstar and Future Mobility for GM Africa & Middle East commented: “Onstar is a service like no other, offering unparalleled levels of safety and security backed by human touch. It is already the leading connectivity platform globally with more than 16 million connected vehicles on the road today. With the approval and support of the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police and the UAE Ministry of Interior, we’re so excited to launch Onstar in the UAE on December 2, following our first regional launch in Kuwait earlier this year. Onstar gives customers peace of mind that no matter what the situation, they can press the red button and get support from an Onstar Advisor 24/7, 365 days a year.”