Oh, how the mighty V8 engine has fallen...
General Motors Company said today that it would invest more than $494 million and create about 550 jobs in three U.S. plants to produce the next generation fuel-efficient Ecotec engine. The project consists of the following:
- Tonawanda, NY – $425 million site investment will add capacity for the next generation Ecotec engine at 370,000 per year and bring about 470 jobs to that community
- Defiance, OH – $59 million site investment will support precision sand cast block at a capacity of 188,000 annually and result in about 80 jobs to that community
- Bay City, MI – $10.5 million site investment will bring new product to the plant (Ecotec connecting rod) and will create about 15 jobs for that plant.
The investment includes facility renovation, new machinery, equipment and special tooling to support this engine program at the three plants.
“The investment in state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines is another example of GM’s commitment to replace larger-displacement engines with more compact, advanced four-cylinder engines that optimize fuel savings and performance,” said Denise Johnson, vice president – labor relations.
The investment in Tonawanda, supported by the investments at Defiance and Bay City, will go toward producing two next-generation Ecotec engines. The new engines will improve fuel efficiency and performance through “advanced design and by adding technology,” according to GM.
GM said that for competitive reasons, specifics about the engine design, as well as product applications would be shared later.
The current Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine has direct injection and variable valve timing. It is used in the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. The Ecotec is currently available in 2.0L, 2.2L and 2.4L displacements.
“This investment is important because it supports manufacturing in the United States,” said Cal Rapson, vice president and director, UAW International Union. “All three plants have a strong reputation for building quality and focusing on the needs of our customers.”