GM was going to invest billions in converting the plant to electric cars, but will instead produce the voracious SUVs there
General Motors has changed its mind about turning the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan into an electric car hub. Instead of producing electric Silverado and Sierra, as planned, the plant will produce three of the company's most voracious models - Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.
Here's What We Know
GM recently promised to invest about $4 billion to convert the plant to produce electric cars. After completion of Bolt and Bolt EUV production, Silverado EV and Sierra EV were to be produced here. However, now the vector of development has changed. According to the Detroit Free Press, the production of new models will start only in 2027 - probably because of the need to technically rebuild the line for petrol versions.
GM explained the change of course by the high demand for full-size SUVs and pickup trucks. All three models will be produced in addition to the existing plants - Escalade is still assembled in Texas, and Silverado and Sierra - in Indiana, Canada and Mexico.
Of particular interest is the fact that GM previously received $480 million from the state authorities to develop specifically electric vehicle production. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the automaker formally remains within the terms of the agreement even though its priorities have changed.
Source: Detroit Free Press
