GM Discontinues Electric Van, Leaving More Than 1,000 Canadian Workers Uncertain | Carscoops

      The company faltered by investing in electric delivery vans, leading to consequences for its employees.

      General Motors has ceased production of the BrightDrop electric delivery vans, which have been slow to sell. This situation stems from GM's poor investment in electric vehicles, resulting in over 1,000 workers losing their jobs as the future of CAMI remains uncertain.

      GM discontinued production of the underperforming BrightDrop vans at the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, citing that the “commercial electric delivery van market developed much slower than expected.”

      The automaker began manufacturing these vans in late 2022, but the launch was problematic due to BrightDrop being its own brand with a limited dealership network. Last year, the BrightDrop vans were integrated into Chevrolet, which aimed to enhance sales beyond the seven locations available in the U.S.

      Unfortunately, sales did not improve, leading to a buildup of unsold vehicles. Recently, GM donated 59 vans to the American Red Cross, but this was just a small fraction, prompting the company to halt production earlier this year.

      Production was initially set to restart in May, but it was paused again for retooling ahead of the 2026 model year. While there was a brief resumption in May, BrightDrop is ultimately being discontinued, and there will be no 2026 models produced.

      GM attributed this decision to several factors, including sluggish sales, changing regulations, and the removal of tax credits in the U.S. They stated that this was part of “broader adjustments” being made to electric vehicle capacity in North America.

      Unfortunately, blue-collar workers are suffering due to GM's poor investment in electric vehicles. The company announced that “hourly employees will receive six months of salary along with the possibility of lump sum payments and additional benefits.” Furthermore, CAMI Assembly will be evaluated for potential future opportunities.

      The Unifor union expressed outrage, attributing the decision to harmful and destabilizing auto policies during the Trump administration, although this neglects the reality of poor sales for years.

      Unifor National President Lana Payne remarked, “The reality is that CAMI was hit from both directions by Trump as he aggressively acted to undo EV supports and imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian auto assembly plants. Now, more than 1,000 workers and their families are suffering due to Trump's political interference and GM's inability to maintain stability.”

      Union officials further stated that GM “abandoned” its employees, who “deserve a future at CAMI – not a dead end.” This frustration has been exacerbated by the decision to eliminate a shift at Oshawa Assembly in January, raising fears about GM’s long-term manufacturing presence in Canada.

      In light of these circumstances, Unifor announced plans to meet with GM and the Canadian government to urgently “advocate for a new product mandate and ensure CAMI remains a cornerstone of Canadian auto production.”

      GM Canada President Kristian Aquilina stated, “The decision to halt production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van is based on market demand and does not reflect the dedication and expertise of our CAMI workforce.” He added, “This remains an uncertain period for our employees at CAMI, and we are devoted to collaborating closely with our workers, Unifor, and the Canadian and Ontario governments as we assess the next steps for CAMI’s future.”