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The investments include:
Flint Engine Operations: $138.3
million and 135 jobs Bay City components: $12.7 million and
eight jobs Defiance castings: $12.2 million and 41 jobs
The investments will be used to
support increased production of the Ecotec 1.4-liter engine that
is used in the Chevrolet Cruze and a 1.4L variant used in the
Chevrolet Volt. Flint Engine is expected to start production of
400 engines a day in early 2011 and ramp up to 800 engines a day
in late 2011. The newest investment increases its capacity to
1,200 a day in late 2012.
Bay City will increase connecting
rod and camshaft production and Defiance will boost output of
engine block and crankshaft castings.
In less than two years, GM has
invested nearly $700 million and protected more than 600 jobs at
the three facilities.
"The UAW has and will continue to
play a key role in GM's revival," said Terry Everman, UAW Local
599 chairman. "Our members have demonstrated that they are more
than capable of building the latest and greatest in technology
that will power some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the
market."
The Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged
engine for the Chevrolet Cruze is like two engines in one with
the fuel economy of a small displacement engine and the
performance of a larger engine. The 1.4L engine helps the Cruze
Eco achieve a segment-leading EPA-estimated 42 highway mpg.
The 1.4L naturally aspirated
engine enables range extension for the Chevrolet Volt. After the
battery is depleted the on-board engine-generator creates
additional electricity to power the car for hundreds of
additional miles of extended range.
(Nov. 24, 2010) |
