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- Retool, the next-generation engine, will take two years, the company said. That is, he said the fifth generation engine will continue to be produced in New York until 2027.
- The company will need to continue production of its older V-8 engines to address manufacturing issues currently under investigation by the federal government.
General Motors is investing $888 million in its New York Propulsion Assembly Plant to produce the next-generation V-8 engine, the company said. GM said it was the carmaker’s biggest investment in engine factories in history and the latest adjustment to electric vehicle production.
GM previously announced a $300 million investment in Tonawanda promotion near Buffalo, New York, producing drive units for electric vehicles.
Outside of New York, GM produces small block V-8 engines for full-size trucks and SUVs in two locations, Flint, Michigan and Toruca, Mexico, according to its website.
Retooling the next-generation engine will take two years, the company said in a announcement on May 27th. That is, he said the fifth-generation engine will continue to be produced in New York until 2027.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release celebrating the project’s investment in supporting 870 jobs in Tonawanda promotion, including 177 jobs that were considered at risk. The state plans to offer tax credits up to $16.96 million in exchange for its investment commitment.
The announcement is GM’s latest production change, citing “Marketplace Changes.” GM said on April 23 that it plans to expand transmit production with the Toledo (Ohio) Propulsions Systems Plant, build the transmissions used in the Silverado and Sierra pickups, and reduce the production of electric drive units.
The company also fired 200 employees at zero factories in Detroit and Hamtramuk, Michigan in April, confirming that production “aligns with market dynamics.” Neither movement was customs related, the company confirmed.
Add investments in Michigan
The investment, announced on May 27th, was built on a $579 million commitment to building the same engine in Flint.
A company spokesman said the transition would require major changes to the assembly line.
“All the renovation work that needs to be done to prepare the flint engine to build the company’s sixth generation V-8 engine will continue to produce the Gen 5 V-8 engine for several years,” the spokesman said.
According to Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecast at Autoforecast Solutions, it is not uncommon for multiple plants to produce the same engine considering the benefits associated with streamlining production.
GM builds sturdy Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups with flint assembly. A spokesperson said the engine produced in Buffalo Feed Vehicle Production in Fort Wayne Assembly, Indiana. Arlington Assembly, Texas. Wentzville, Missouri. Canada, Oshawa; overflow to Bowling Green, Kentucky and Flint Assembly.
The next-generation Silverado is not expected to arrive before 2027 along the latest V-8 generation.
“This massive investment means these plants will be there for a while. You can’t spend 5 billion – or almost a billion on the plants and you can’t erase it in a few years,” he said. “This ensures that production will last for years, as the profits on the scale of the investment take much time. You’re likely to see a V-8 in the 2030s.”
Already faces manufacturing problems
In addition to proper modification times, there is another reason GM will continue to produce the fifth-generation V-8 for a while, Fioni said.
GM chose to voluntarily recall approximately 721,000 vehicles worldwide for defective internal engine parts – crankshafts and connecting rods – damaged during manufacturing. Vehicle engines that do not pass inspections at the dealer level must be replaced.
Models include the Cadillac Escalade and the Escalade ESV. Chevrolet Silverado 1500, suburbs and Tahoe. The GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Yukon XL were produced in 2021-24 models.
Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Contact her at jcharniga@freepress.com.
