GM Defense and Tawazun Council Sign Cooperation Agreement

Rhea-AI Summary

GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tawazun Council in Abu Dhabi, aimed at advancing technology and collaboration in defense. This partnership will focus on integrating electric vehicle technology and advanced military solutions, enhancing regional production and post-production support. Steve duMont, president of GM Defense, emphasized the commitment to providing reliable and innovative defense solutions. This agreement marks GM Defense's first major partnership in the Middle East, expanding its reach following the 2022 launch of GM Defense International.

Positive

• New partnership with Tawazun Council enhances GM Defense's operational reach in the Middle East.
• Focus on advanced mobility and power solutions aligns with global defense trends.
• Utilization of GM's commercial technologies expected to deliver innovative defense products.

Negative

• None.

Teams to collaborate on technology advancements and co-investment in future programs

ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), and the Tawazun Council signed a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today as the first step toward a formal partnership to develop future products in the areas of advanced mobility and power solutions. The MOU was signed at the Tawazun Council Chalet at IDEX 2023 by Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Tawazun Council and Steve duMont, president of GM Defense.

With the MOU in place, GM Defense — which leverages the proven commercial technologies of its parent company, GM, and the vast battery electric investments made by GM to bring innovation to global defense and government customers — and Tawazun Council — the UAE government entity that supports defense and security investments and promotes innovation and R&D in the defense industries — will facilitate business with the shared objective of delivering efficient and advanced solutions to military, security and government customers from the UAE and across the region. Priority opportunities covered by the MOU include cooperative research and development, regional production and assembly, and post-production support and global logistics focused on the key technology areas of integrated vehicles; power and propulsion — including fuel cell and power generation; and autonomy and connectivity.

"Our collaboration with Tawazun Council is an important step in expanding our reach to defense and government customers in the Middle East," said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. "We are committed to building long-term, lasting relationships in the region and to delivering solutions featuring some of the most advanced, commercially proven technologies that offer reliability and flexibility. With this MOU in place, we can more effectively help our global customers transition to a more electric, autonomous and connected future."

"Today's agreement marks an important, new relationship that further strengthens our nation's domestic defense industrial base while offering new opportunities for an expanding technology development and supply partnership with GM Defense," said Shareef Al Hashmi, CEO of Tawazun Council. "Tawazun is uniquely positioned within the region as a resource for operations, production and development for world-class technology companies like GM Defense. Our strong global tie makes us an advantageous partner."

The MOU with Tawazun Council is the first partnership for GM Defense in the Middle East and helps the business expand its reach following the 2022 announcement of GM Defense International. GM Defense's ability to leverage GM's advanced commercial platforms, world-class manufacturing and global supply chain and advanced electrification technologies enable the company to deliver commercially proven, best value solutions with innovation, speed and flexibility.

For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn.  

About GM Defense LLC 
GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense's technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.

About Tawazun Council
Tawazun Council is an independent government entity that works closely with the Ministry of Defense and security agencies in the United Arab Emirates.

The Council contributes to maximizing value through innovative budgeting and acquisition systems, and by sustaining technology & innovation to support national industry needs through robust regulations to ensure superior quality.  It also seeks to accelerate ecosystem growth by developing capabilities, driving local content, and creating in-country value.
corpcomm@tawazun.ae

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SOURCE GM Defense LLC

FAQ

What is the significance of the GM Defense and Tawazun Council MOU?

The MOU signifies a strategic partnership aimed at advancing technology in defense and enhancing GM Defense's reach in the Middle East.

When was the GM Defense and Tawazun Council agreement signed?

The agreement was signed on February 21, 2023, during IDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

What are the key areas of focus in the GM Defense and Tawazun Council collaboration?

The collaboration will focus on integrated vehicles, power solutions, and autonomy and connectivity for military and government customers.

How will GM benefit from the partnership with Tawazun Council?

GM will leverage its advanced technologies and manufacturing capabilities to deliver innovative solutions to defense markets in the region.