General Motors revealed a new all-electric Corvette concept car as part of the launch of a new design studio in England on Monday.

The car is part of GM’s effort to reintroduce its presence in Europe, as tariffs ramp up on the auto trade, including European and U.K. brands.

The new design studio was opened in Leamington Spa, just a few miles from a Jaguar Land Rover factory which has paused shipping vehicles to the U.S. in the wake of President Donald Trump‘s import duty on U.K. exports.

Why It Matters

The introduction of the Corvette EV concept in a market GM largely retreated from nearly a decade ago couldn’t come at a more unpredictable time. Global trade tensions prompted by Trump’s tariffs, which specifically target the auto industry, have created uncertainty for automakers and the supply chains they rely on.

What To Know

The design, which GM described as a “study” rather than a prototype headed for production, blends futuristic aesthetics with signature nods to the iconic American sports car.

The new concept features a split window design reminiscent of the 1963 Sting Ray, paired with an aerodynamic form similar to that of modern IMSA race cars.

The design is a continuation of GM’s Corvette electrification plans. In 2022, the company announced that it would produce an all-electric Corvette, but it has not yet released a fully electric model. At the moment, GM offers a hybrid version called the Corvette E-Ray.

Instead, the electric Corvette displayed on Monday is part of a larger design initiative which will include facilities in Detroit, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Seoul. Additional Corvette concepts are expected to be revealed throughout 2025.

GM’s push into Europe is occurring under complex global market conditions, with a backdrop of trade friction between the U.S. and major economic blocs. GM has signaled it sees long-term opportunity in European markets.

GM has a long-term goal of transitioning to an all-electric vehicle lineup by 2035, so that it can be carbon-neutral by 2040.

The news comes a week after Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on all foreign-made automobiles and parts

What People Are Saying

In a statement on the launch, General Motors said: “With the opening of the U.K. studio, GM continues to demonstrate its commitment to Europe as the company scales its Cadillac electric vehicle business there, while also preparing to launch Corvette sales across the U.K. and mainland Europe.

“The UK design studio is an integral part of GM’s global design footprint, providing valuable insights into European customer and cultural trends and introducing new talent and fresh perspectives into GM’s global network. GM’s global design footprint also spans studios in Detroit, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Seoul.”

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on March 26: “I deeply regret the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on EU automotive exports. Tariffs are taxes—bad for businesses, worse for consumers, in the U.S. and the EU. The EU will continue to seek negotiated solutions, while safeguarding its economic interests.”

What Happens Next

Markets continue to react strongly to Trump’s tariff decisions. The auto industry is uniquely affected by the policy due to its reliance on international supply chains for specific parts.