General Motors has said that it is committing almost $332 million U.S. to four manufacturing sites with the aim of developing a new range of fuel efficient powertrains. These include investments at facilities in Bay City and Flint, Mich., as well as Toledo, Ohio and Bedford, Ind.
The automaker says these new investments will help support the development and production of a new line of small displacement Ecotec four-cylinder gasoline engines, as well as a new V6 and eight-speed transmission (plus tooling to support production of an existing six-speed unit).
This is in addition to a $646 million investment earmarked for GM’s Saginaw and Romulus facilities in Michigan, which will also support development of the new V6 engine program.
GM, along with Detroit rivals Chrysler Group and Ford Motor Company is under increasing pressure to develop a new generation of fuel efficient powertrains to help new vehicles meet tough fuel economy targets laid out by the Obama Administration, which calls for a fleet average standard of 54.5 miles per gallon (4.3 L/100 km) by the year 2025.
“[This] announcement demonstrates GM’s commitment to growing the business and strengthening the plant communities where we receive so much support,” remarked Diana Tremblay, vice-president of GM’s North American manufacturing arm.
The new investments are expected to retain 1,650 jobs across the six facilities, an aspect that was welcomed by Joe Ashton, vice-president of the United Auto Workers who is also responsible for the union’s relationship with General Motors. “This investment goes a long way to ensure GM remains a marketplace leader and our members can continue to support and share in the company’s growth.”
