Samsung SDI buys out GM's stake in the Indiana battery plant, which will make ESS cells - Charged EVs

Samsung SDI agreed to buy General Motors’ 49.99% stake in SynergyCells, a battery joint venture in New Carlisle, Indiana. GM and Samsung SDI said the change reflects slower-than-expected EV demand and they will pursue cooperation outside the JV. Samsung SDI also signed a deal with GM to co-develop next-gen prismatic cells. The plant is under construction and will initially make batteries for U.S. energy storage.

General Motors will lay off 350 employees at Lansing Grand River Assembly and Lansing Regional Stamping starting Jan. 14, citing retooling tied to a $1.25 billion investment for Cadillac sedan production. GM says some workers may return before end-2027 and may receive supplemental unemployment pay under the UAW contract. GM currently builds CT4 and CT5 there.

General Motors said in an 8-K that it set up a three-year purchasing facility with Procura Auto Parts as purchasing agent and supplier for critical parts. The credit line is $4.5 billion. Procura will pay suppliers, hold inventory, and manage supply-chain risk, while GM reimburses on a schedule. The article cites ongoing chip and materials shortages.

General Motors reported adjusted EBIT up 29.8% to $3.94B, with GM North America up 42.7% to $3.4B, and adjusted automotive free cash flow rising to $5B. GM raised 2026 adjusted EBIT guidance to $14B-$16B and adjusted EPS to $12-$14, plus free cash flow to $9.5B-$11.5B. GM also disclosed a up to $4.5B supply chain prepayment deal with Procura Auto Parts backed by JPMorgan and Santander.

The Trump administration announced a $3 billion federal investment in U.S. critical-minerals projects tied to EV and battery supply chains, including a $1.4 billion conditional Pentagon loan to Sila Nanotechnologies for silicon anode materials. Lithium Americas received the first $435 million draw from a $2.23 billion DOE loan for Thacker Pass. Other funding includes graphite and magnet projects.

Detroit automakers say proposed changes to a revised U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal could raise costs by at least $2 billion annually per company, Reuters reported. The U.S. wants 50% U.S.-made content for lower tariffs and higher North American content. GM expects $2.5B to $3.5B gross tariff expenses this year; Ford estimates about $1B net. Ford will shift Lincoln production to U.S. from China.