In a virtual keynote at CES 2022, General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra outlined the waves of change that are coming as society moves toward the mass adoption of electric vehicles. CES 2022 saw GM take another huge step forward in realizing its all-electric future with the reveal of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Equinox EV, Blazer EV and Cadillac’s InnerSpace autonomous vehicle. The Cadillac concepts further build on Cadillac’s Halo Concept Portfolio and show the way forward for personal mobility.
“Technology driven by purpose will change the world,” said Deborah Wahl, GM global chief marketing officer. “GM is redefining how people and goods are moved. Our commitment to a vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion has positioned us to lead. As we implement our growth strategy, we have an opportunity and, frankly, an obligation to create a better future for generations to come. We are witnessing what’s possible when innovators and problem solvers embrace the opportunity to change the world, knowing they have the tools and technology to do precisely that. With that capability comes the responsibility to use it. GM’s Ultium Platform means we no longer need to imagine a zero-emissions future; we can start building it. That’s the Ultium Effect.”
GM in ME
Ultium underpins vehicles including the GMC HUMMER EV and the Cadillac LYRIQ, two of the 13 new EVs earmarked for the Middle Eastern region by 2025. Following the MOU signed with Emirates Post recently, Ultium also powers the BrightDrop EV600, which is a key component of General Motors’ strategy for the delivery and logistics sector globally and regionally.
In tandem with GM’s global strategy and the USD$35B global EV and AV investment commitment announced last year, GM Africa and Middle East’s goal is to deliver the best and broadest range of EVs in the Middle East across its Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac brands – with an EV for every customer and every wallet.
Luay Al Shurafa, President and Managing Director of General Motors Africa and the Middle East said, “Our ambidextrous regional strategy is a testament to the importance of the Middle East as a key pillar of GM’s global outlook, the opportunity to lead in EV and AV adoption. We are building a multi-brand, multi-segment EV strategy in one of GM’s most important international markets and a region renowned for its early adoption of technology. We have good reason to be optimistic about the future of EVs across the Middle East as we introduce 13 new EVs over the next three years and continue to innovate and create meaningful partnerships that support the ambitious regional government goals to reach net zero.”
Chevrolet Silverado EV
Headlining GM’s global announcements at CES 2022 is the Chevrolet Silverado EV. This reimagined full-size pickup was developed from the ground up and leverages the power of GM’s Ultium Platform. At launch across the US market, the Silverado EV will be available in two configurations, an RST First Edition and a fleet-oriented WT model – both offer a revolutionary mix of performance, capability, technology and style. Chevrolet also previewed the Equinox EV at CES: an affordable, functional, compact SUV that builds on the brand’s commitment to leverage the Ultium Platform. Chevrolet has committed to providing a wide range of EVs and the Equinox makes a natural next step as it is the second-highest selling brand nameplate in the US.
GM’s Cadillac brand was also present at CES and expanded its vision of personal autonomous future mobility with the InnerSpace concept — a dramatic, two-passenger electric and autonomous luxury vehicle. The stunning InnerSpace concept builds on Cadillac’s Halo Concept Portfolio, including the PersonalSpace vertical take-off-and-landing vehicle and the SocialSpace personal autonomous vehicle introduced at CES last year. Together the trio illustrate a potential future for multi-modal luxury travel when GM’s Ultium EV and Ultifi software platforms are fused with autonomous driving technology.
