GM's Electric Crossovers Make a Comeback in Europe

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【Summary】GM has confirmed that it is returning to the European market with the Cadillac Lyriq crossover, starting with Switzerland. If successful, GM plans to expand Cadillac EV sales to France and Sweden before entering other countries. However, there may be challenges due to a subsidy probe on Chinese EVs, including the Lyriq.

FutureCar Staff Oct 06, 2023 6:19 AM PT

GM's Electric Crossovers Make a Comeback in Europe

In 2017, General Motors sold Opel and Vauxhall to Frances PSA Group — which later merged with Fiat Chrysler to form Stellantis — basically ending its involvement with the European market. However, the company vowed a return in 2023 and that's now taking place in Switzerland.

The American automaker has officially confirmed that it has begun taking orders on the battery-powered Cadillac Lyriq crossover, with deliveries assumed to commence in the first half of 2024. However, the Swiss penchant for EVs is only serving as a springboard. Assuming things go well, GM wants to expand Cadillac EV sales to France and Sweden before deciding which country to tackle next.

Ideally, Cadillac wants to find itself in at least five European countries over the next couple of years.

With the region boasting some of the highest take rates of all-electric vehicles, GM is clearly wondering if there's room for it on the battlefield. Europeans have already started seeing an influx of Chinese EVs. But the European Union has launched a subsidy probe on all models originating from China (including those carrying domestic badges) — potentially causing trouble for the Lyriq, which is manufactured in both Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Shanghai, China.