Finally some good news for the state of Michigan; no, make that GREAT news!
General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced that GM will be building a new $359 million engine plant in Flint, Michigan to produce two new 4-cylinder engines for use in the Cruze and Chevrolet Volt.
Pictured above are United Auto Workers Vice President Cal Rapson, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Wagoner, as they check out the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze in Flint.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM Turns to Spunky Four-Cylinders To Power Chevrolet Volt and Cruze - and Its Future
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM Gearing Up U.S. Engine Plant for Volt, Cruze
hondacura4 says:
06:18 AM, 09/26/08
Im not too sure of the details surrounding the new plant but didnt GM just close a handful of manufacturing plants? Wouldnt it have been more economical to just retool the existing plants rather than building a new one?
dougtheeng says:
06:25 AM, 09/26/08
Good news for flint! Now if only GM could get rid of Michael Moore...
orangutan says:
07:12 AM, 09/26/08
Did Ms. Lienert change a single word from the press release GM told her to publish or did she come up with that cheerleading all on her own?
firstwagon says:
08:17 AM, 09/26/08
Reason for building a new plant in a new place? Some state or city offered a big chunk of change or tax breaks to get them there.
ateixeira says:
09:09 AM, 09/26/08
Odd that it would be Michigan, though, with plant closings.
They should offer incentives for re-opening old plants.
billt9 says:
10:19 AM, 09/26/08
"Ya you like my new ride? My engine is smaller than yours!"
Retooling plants from the last millenium may be more costly than building a modern building to spec, without the headaches of manipulating outdated architecture to fit.
jederino says:
11:58 AM, 09/26/08
I'm really interested in driving one of these small engines - particularly the turbo variant. I've driven a 1.6 liter NA engine in the Hyundai Accent, and it was actually kinda fun wringing it's pint-sized neck!
autoboy16 says:
08:43 AM, 09/27/08
Personally, I still Dont Like CRUZE the name? Why not stick to Cobalt? I like that one!
I hope for a 140hp 1.8 w/ 23city 38highway 5AT and 5MT and optional 210hp 1.8T(NOT VW's...) 6MT 6AT SS version. w 20Mpg city and 33highway
-Cj
estreka says:
11:26 AM, 09/28/08
I'm surprised by the location, too. Michigan must have offered a massive tax break for the new plant.
Having the UAW VP there must be rather awkward.