GM Van Production Halt

GM’s Van Predicament

General Motors is pumping the brakes on its BrightDrop 400 and 600 van production at the CAMI Assembly plant in Canada. Originally launched with high hopes, these electric delivery vans have been languishing on dealership lots, leading to a significant production slowdown.

Stockpile Issues

Optimism surrounding the BrightDrop brand has dimmed significantly. The vans, now under the Chevrolet umbrella, haven’t seen the anticipated sales boost. Consequently, overstocked inventories have become a glaring issue. To address this, GM is halting production temporarily and implementing worker layoffs starting next week. By October, the Canadian plant is expected to run a single shift.

Plant Adjustments

CAMI Assembly in Ontario began producing these vans in late 2022. With over 1,200 employees, the plant is pivotal to GM’s EV ambitions. However, due to inventory demands and market conditions, production will pause for retooling before resuming limited operations in May 2026. This means around 500 employees face indefinite layoffs.

Lana Payne, President of Unifor, has highlighted the impact of these changes, urging both GM and the government to mitigate the economic blow. The focus is not just on production numbers, but also on maintaining jobs and economic stability for Canadian auto workers.

Pricing Puzzles

At $77,900, BrightDrop vans aim to offer robust EV options with 614.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a 272-mile range. Yet, competitors like Ford’s E-Transit Cargo, starting at $51,000, and Mercedes’ eSprinter at $61,180, present more affordable alternatives. This price disparity plays a significant role in why these vans struggle to move off lots.

Driving Dynamics

The driving experience with a BrightDrop van is quite distinct. It’s a smooth ride with decent acceleration, thanks to its electric drivetrain, but it feels bulkier than its lighter-priced competitors. Compared to Ford’s agile E-Transit, the BrightDrop might seem cumbersome on tighter routes, though it brings an impressive range to longer deliveries.

Future Steps

GM remains committed to CAMI Assembly, promising enhancements for the 2026 models. While details are scant, there’s hope for cost-cutting measures, potentially through smaller battery packs, to better compete with rivals. The focus is on innovation and cost-efficiency for future models.

As GM navigates these turbulent waters, the fate of the BrightDrop brand hangs in the balance, balancing production realities with EV ambition.