GM Continue Operations Halt in Russia in Face of Ukraine Crisis

Global automaker General Motors (GM) has continued suspension of its business operations in Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a statement published on the Chevrolet Russia press website.

GM will not facilitate vehicle imports or conduct any commercial activity in the country for the foreseeable future, the statement reads. The company typically sells about 3,000 imported vehicles a year in Russia between its Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, GM spokesperson George Svigos said in a recent Detroit Free Press interview.

“Due to the crisis in Ukraine and resulting U.S. and international sanctions, GM is taking further actions to extend the suspension of operations in Russia,” the automaker said. “GM suspended vehicle imports and commercial activity in Russia on February 28. As the situation continues to worsen, the company has decided to extend the suspension of the GM Russia business.”

With the operational suspension, GM will lay off roughly 66 employees in its Moscow commercial office, offering them severance packages.

Other auto manufacturers, including Ford and Stellantis, have also suspended business operations in Russia. Stellantis has halted sales in the region and suspended production at its Kaluga manufacturing plant in western Russia. Ford halted all commercial operations in Russia, including Transit sales, in early March.