GM Looks To Launch GMC Hummer EV In Russia

GM has their eyes on selling the Hummer in Russia. Their looking to capitalize on Russia's recent push to make EVs popular to the public.

GM Looks To Launch GMC Hummer EV In Russia

Per a new report from Wards Auto, General Motors is looking to launch the GMC Hummer EV in Russia as the Russian government seeks to encourage greater consumer interest in electric vehicles.

Prior to the discontinuation of the Hummer brand in 2010, GM sold the H2 and H3 in Russia, with production taking place at the contract assembler Avtovor facility in Kaliningrad. This facility also produced various Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Opel models.

“The market of Russia and CIS states remains very important for us… and we do believe that it has high growth prospects, although there is obvious pressure from external factors (such as the economy, politics and the COVID-19pandemic) that we have to overcome,” said GM Russia public relations and marketing director Olga Burlakova. “We would also like to note that Russia has probably one of the most progressive consumers among all markets. They have a good knowledge and deep understanding of technologies and innovations.”

As we covered previously, General Motors recently withdrew the Chevy Camaro from the Russian market. “Currently we focus on premium crossovers and SUVs on the Russian market,” said GM Russia communications’ Anita Ratser in a recent interview with GM Authority. For the moment, the only remaining Chevrolet vehicles offered in Russia are the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Traverse.

It’s also worth noting that General Motors recently sold its cutting-edge St. Petersburg assembly plant to Hyundai.

Now, the Russian government is seeking to popularize electric vehicles among consumers, setting a target of 200,000 EVs on the road by 2025, with the GMC Hummer EV as part of the push for greater EV adoption. Per the recent Wards Auto report, there were roughly 10,000 to 11,000 EVs on Russian roads as of the end of the 2019 calendar year.

The exact trim lineup and equipment spec for the Russian GMC Hummer EV is currently unclear. However, we do know that the North American Hummer EV will offer two body styles, including an SUV and a pickup, with upwards of 1,000 horsepower in top-trim form. Based on the GM BT1 electric vehicle platform, the Hummer EV will utilize GM’s Ultium battery technology. Production for North America is expected to take place at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck facility, with a full vehicle reveal slated for fall of this year.