Agreement between automakers provides for joint development of pickup trucks and engines; new generation of GM's utility will have a complete change of platform
General Motors and Hyundai have joined forces in a strategic partnership that promises to transform Chevrolet’s portfolio in Brazil. The main fruit of this agreement will be the next generation of the S10 pickup, scheduled to debut in 2028. Unlike the recently released update, which focused on design and technology on the already known basis, the new model will be an entirely new project, developed to accommodate electrification systems.
The move is a direct response to the race for efficiency in the midsize pickup segment in Latin America. The memorandum of understanding between the two manufacturers provides for the sharing of technologies and costs, optimizing competitiveness in the face of the advance of Chinese brands and the renewal of traditional competition.
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The Toyota Hilux is already testing mild hybrid versions, while the Ford Ranger is moving towards a plug-in hybrid variant produced in Argentina. According to the GM Authority website, the future S10 should initially adopt a 48V mild hybrid system (MHEV) coupled to the turbodiesel engine, seeking to reduce emissions without sacrificing the load capacity and torque required by the agricultural sector.
In addition to the engine, the project provides for a modular platform that will allow deep structural adjustments, such as the reinforcement of the chassis and new suspension calibrations adapted to the roads in the region. The strategy of maintaining single-cab versions for fleet owners remains on the radar, ensuring the versatility that has sustained sales of the model for decades.
Binational cooperation should not be limited to S10. The agreement paves the way for the development of a new intermediate pickup, successor to the current Montana, which should inherit engine and connectivity technologies from Hyundai. The goal is to create an economy of scale that allows brands to compete for market leadership with technologically superior products and reduced production costs.
