Source: Foundry Management & Technology

General Motors outlined capital investments totaling more than $1 billion for two plants in Flint, Mich., in preparation for a new line of internal combustion engine heavy-duty pickups. Details of the new HD trucks have not been revealed, but the news marks the second time this year that GM has signaled its commitment to ICE products, even as it invests heavily to build an extensive portfolio of battery electric vehicles.

In January GM put forth a $918-million program of investments at four plants to produce a future, small block V-8 engine. That plan also included money to increase output of GM’s battery electric vehicle (EV) products. At that time the automaker emphasized its “commitment to continue providing customers a strong portfolio of ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles well into the future, while continuing to accelerate its transformation to an all-electric future.”

The automaker highlighted the strong demand for its heavy-duty pickups, with nearly 288,000 sold in 2022, up 38% year-over-year unit rise. in HD pickup sales with nearly 288,000 trucks sold.

According to Gerald Johnson, EVP, Global Manufacturing and Sustainability: “These investments reflect our commitment to our loyal truck customers and the efforts of the dedicated employees of Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center.”

At the Flint Assembly Plant, where GM builds the Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD Denali and Sierra HD, the automaker will invest $788 million in preparation for assembling the new ICE heavy-duty trucks. The improvements will include an expanded body shop building, a larger conveyor systems for general assembly, and new tooling and production equipment.

At the Flint Metal Center, where stampings are produced for heavy-duty and light-duty pickups, full-size SUVs, and crossover vehicles, GM is pledging $233 million for new stamping dies for the new ICE HD trucks. Other press improvements and some new equipment are planned, too.

Source: Foundry Management & Technology