Steel Markets

GM to Build EV at Michigan Plant Instead of Overseas

March 25, 2019

General Motors will build its new electric Chevy at its Orion Township plant in Michigan. The auto manufacturer announced it will invest $300 million at the facility as part of its $1.8 billion investment strategy for the U.S.

The electric vehicle, originally slated for overseas assembly, will add 400 jobs at the plant. CEO Mary Barra said the repatriation of the EV was due to “the rules of origin provisions in the proposed United States, Mexico and Canada Agreement.”

The vehicle will be based on an advanced version of the Chevy Bolt EV already built at Orion. GM hopes to have 20 new zero-emission vehicles in production by 2023.

“These announcements continue something I want to be very, very clear about,” Barra said. “GM is absolutely committed to investing in and growing good-paying manufacturing jobs in the United States — jobs that strengthen us today and will improve our position for the future.”

GM is investing in plants in Romulus and Lansing Delta Township, Mich., and Spring Hill, Tenn., and other announcements will be forthcoming. The company’s investment plans for six states will bring a total of 700 jobs to the U.S.

After attacks by President Donald Trump following GM’s notification that four U.S. plants will be closed by 2020, there has been speculation that the investment in Orion is a direct response to the president’s criticism at the Lordstown plant. A spokesman for the company denied there was a connection, saying the decision had been made weeks ago.

Barra said the “common message” between GM and Trump is that both “believe in a strong U.S. manufacturing base. We want to create jobs — good paying jobs.”