General Motors has started production of the Chevrolet Captiva EV in Brazil, marking the second all-electric Chevrolet model to be assembled locally following the introduction of the Spark EUV.
The electric SUV is being assembled at the Comexport Planta Automotiva do Ceará (PACE) facility in the northeastern state of Ceará, as part of GM’s efforts to expand its electric vehicle presence in the Brazilian market.
Assembly Based on Chinese-Sourced Vehicle Kits
The Captiva EV is not being fully manufactured in Brazil. Instead, production uses the Semi Knocked Down (SKD) process, under which partially assembled vehicle kits are imported from China and completed locally.
The model is based on the Wuling Starlight S, which is produced in China through a joint venture involving General Motors and Wuling.
GM had previously announced plans to localize assembly of the Captiva EV in Brazil, with the first vehicles now rolling off the production line.
Deliveries Set to Begin Soon
The automaker said vehicles are currently undergoing internal quality inspections before being distributed to dealerships across Brazil in the coming weeks.
According to GM, the start of Captiva EV production has increased employment at the Ceará facility by approximately 50%.
The company expects local assembly to improve vehicle availability as demand for electric vehicles continues to grow in the country.
Expanding Chevrolet’s EV Portfolio
The Chevrolet Captiva EV competes in Brazil’s mid-size electric SUV segment and was among the segment’s leading sellers during the first quarter in its imported form.
The SUV offers seating for five passengers and delivers a driving range of 304 kilometers under Brazil’s Metro testing cycle, according to General Motors.
In addition to South America, the model is also planned for sale in Mexico and several Middle Eastern markets.
Strategic Market for General Motors
Brazil remains one of General Motors’ most important global markets. The company describes the country as the largest automotive market in Latin America and its second-largest market worldwide.
The introduction of local Captiva EV assembly forms part of GM’s broader electrification strategy in the region, which includes expanding electric vehicle production capacity and increasing the availability of battery-electric models for local consumers.
As competition in Brazil’s EV market intensifies, local assembly may help manufacturers improve supply flexibility while reducing dependence on fully imported vehicles.