GM plans to return to Europe with new EV models

According to CEO Mary Barra, the growing demand for electric vehicles in Europe could bring General Motors back to the market. [According to the Detroit Free Press, "We are looking at the growth opportunity we have now because we can re-enter Europe as an all-electric player.

GM ended its nearly 90-year presence in Europe when it sold Opel to PSA Group (now part of Sterantis) in 2017. The sale of the loss-making division allowed GM to focus on the profitable Chinese and North American markets and the development of EV and self-driving technologies that are now finally being rolled out.

GM never completely severed ties with Europe. Even after the sale of Opel, GM continued to offer specialty models like the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette in a handful of European countries. No mention has been made of a timetable for its return as a volume player in Europe.

GM also sees mobility services as an opportunity in Europe, including the services of Cruise AV, a self-driving technology company in which GM is a major shareholder; last fall, GM established a mobility division dedicated to providing self-driving technology, freight and logistics services, and other software and services in in Europe. The division is headed by Mahmoud Samara, who was previously head of Cadillac sales in North America. [Europe is] the second largest and fastest growing electric vehicle market in the world and presents an important opportunity at a time when GM is looking to develop a comprehensive, state-of-the-art EV and AV portfolio," Samara said in a statement last fall.