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GM, Which Also Controls Chevrolet, Is Ready to Shake Up the Brazilian Automobile Market, and This Time the Secret Lies in a Strong Partnership: the American Giant Bets on Wuling Models in Tests in Brazil to Face Notable Chinese Brands Like BYD.
The movement of the Chevrolet parent company is clear. The brand wants to fight for space in a market increasingly dominated by Chinese manufacturers, especially BYD. To this end, General Motors (GM), its controller, has brought Wuling, a low-cost Chinese brand with which it has maintained a solid partnership since 2002, to Brazil.
Recently, Wuling models were spotted testing in Brazil, including the compact electric SUV Yep Plus and the medium Starlight S, with electric and hybrid versions. This new venture reinforces Chevrolet’s ambition to expand its presence in the electrified vehicle segment, which is no longer just a trend but a necessity.
Wuling Models: The Future in Brazilian Showrooms
Among the vehicles that may reach Brazilian consumers, two stand out:
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Hyundai sells an executive minivan that looks like a VIP room on wheels: Custin carries 7 people, uses a 1.5 turbo engine with 168 hp, 8-speed automatic transmission, and costs around R$ 157,000 in direct conversion in Vietnam.
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The 7-seater Toyota that seems too cheap to exist in Brazil: Rush has a 1.5 engine, manual or automatic option, and a converted price close to R$ 81,000, while here families need to aim for much more expensive SUVs.
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The 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar diesel shows 314,000 km and still draws attention for its reputation for durability; the seven-seater 4×4 SUV handles trails, but signs of severe use may conceal losses for used car buyers.
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Peugeot publicly acknowledged the errors of the PureTech engine, which caused serious failures in hundreds of thousands of cars, and introduced the new Turbo 100 as a definitive solution, a 1.2 turbo tested for over 3 million kilometers that replaces the faulty belt with a more durable chain.
Yep Plus: Compact, electric, and full of technology, it is already undergoing tests and promises to be one of the major highlights for 2025. The model comes equipped with a 102 hp engine, a range of 400 km, and a robust technology package, including 10.25-inch displays and advanced safety systems.
Starlight S: With electric and hybrid versions, this medium SUV reinforces GM’s commitment to expanding electrified car options in the market.
Although the famous Wuling Mini EV – a compact electric that costs around R$ 25,000 in China – is not planned for Brazil, the strategy is clear: GM (Chevrolet) intends to integrate Wuling models into its portfolio, living alongside classics like the Onix and Tracker.
Bet on Electrification Beyond Chevrolet
During the AutoData Perspectives 2025 Congress, Fábio Rua, Vice President of GM South America, revealed that an affordable electric vehicle is part of the brand’s plans for the end of the decade. Even without details on local production, the message is evident: Chevrolet is heavily investing to lead the transition to electrification in Brazil.
A Weighty Competition
The arrival of Wuling models in testing in Brazil highlights GM’s move to compete on equal footing with brands like BYD and other Chinese manufacturers. GM’s strategy, which owns the very popular Chevrolet brand in Brazil, combines affordability, technology, and electrification, targeting consumers looking for innovation without giving up cost-effectiveness.
With these innovations, GM promises to give the competition a run for its money and attract a new generation of drivers in Brazil.
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