GETTING CHARGED
General Motors will invest $336 million in the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to build the Chevrolet Volt electric car, with extended-range capabilities, in 2010.
This brings GM’s combined Volt-related investments in Michigan to $700 million, covering eight facilities. Detroit-Hamtramck will be the final assembly location for the Volt, using tooling from Grand Blanc, lithium-ion batteries from GM’s Brownstown Township battery pack manufacturing facility, camshafts and connecting rods from Bay City, and stampings and the Volt’s 1.4L engine-generator from Flint.
“We expect the Detroit-Hamtramck plant will be the first facility in the U.S. owned by a major automaker to produce an electric car,” said Jon Lauckner, GM vice president of global product planning. “These investments in the electric vehicle ecosystem are creating new jobs a
nd strengthening Michigan’s and America’s long-term competitiveness.”
In addition to GM’s $700 million in Volt-related facility investments, there are the many suppliers, utility companies and organizations investing in Michigan and the U.S. to support Volt production and electric vehicle development.
The Volt will be built on the existing assembly line at Detroit-Hamtramck, which currently employs about 1,200 workers.
Ford is investing $75 million in Michigan Truck Plant’s body shop to prepare for small-vehicle production. The automaker is also reportedly considering an investment of $300 to $500 million in Michigan assembly plants as it continues development of hybrid and electric vehicles and b
atteries.
The investment could create about 1,000 jobs in Michigan if the vehicle and battery pack assembly is brought to the state, according Ford.
Now that’s worth celebrating.
Marcus Amick is a national automotive writer and product analyst. He can contacted at Marcus@WheelSide.com.
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