GM plans to invest $1 billion into its Wentzville, Missouri plant that produces midsize trucks.
General Motors is investing $1.5 billion to update its popular midsize trucks – Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon – including $1 billion at its Wentzville, Missouri plant.
While revealing the amount it plans to spend to make remain competitive with the competition like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator, it declined to reveal specific information the next generation of its trucks.
The move to put $1 billion has been rumored to be on the table for some time. TheDetroitBureau reported the company was discussing the possibility with local officials in May, at which time they suggested the talks were routine.
(GM ponders $1B investment in Missouri plant)
“GM regularly meets with communities and officials to discuss mutual priorities,” said GM spokeswoman Kim Carpenter told TheDetroitBureau.com in May.
The 2021 model marks the first significant update for the Chevrolet Colorado.
“Although we have no announcements or information to share at this time, we appreciate the willingness of state officials in Missouri to work with us on potential opportunities within the state
Now there is a clear story.
“This is part of our comprehensive strategy to invest in growth areas and strengthen our U.S. manufacturing base,” said Mark Reuss, GM president. “GM sells more pickups than any other automaker and we have aggressive plans to build on our strengths.”
(First Look: 2021 Chevrolet Colorado)
The Wentzville plant’s paint shop, body shop and general assembly areas will receive upgrades, including new machines, conveyors, controls and tooling.
Since reintroducing the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in 2013, GM has sold more than 700,000 midsize pickups in the U.S.
The 2021 Chevy Colorado is expected to retain the three powertrain options currently offered.
The Colorado and Canyon have helped cement GM as the U.S. industry’s most successful pickup truck company for four consecutive years. From 2013 through Q3 2019, GM has sold 600,000 more pickups than any other competitor in the U.S.
GM has invested heavily in midsize trucks in recent years by bringing more product features to market, including new diesel and gas engines, new transmissions and special edition models, like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Bison, as well as the GMC Canyon AT4 available next year.
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