GM Invests Over $1 Billion To Keep Combustion Alive For Future Vehicles

Jun. 06, 2023 3:26 PM ET byJarryd Neves Trucks /9 Comments

$788 million is earmarked for new tooling, equipment, and an expanded body shop building at the Flint Assembly plant.

通用汽车(General Motors)announced this week that it will invest more than $1 billion in two Flint, Michigan-based manufacturing plants to prepare both facilities for the production of next-generation combustion-engined heavy-duty trucks like theChevrolet Silverado 2500HDand its slightly posher corporate cousin, the GMC Sierra 3500HD. This follows a similar investment at the start of the year for the development of anew small-block V8 for future trucks.

The plants in question, Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center, will be upgraded to keep GM at for forefront of the full-size truck segment. GM is yet to announce any details about the forthcoming heavy-duty trucks, but we can expect additional information to follow at a later date.

$788 million will be poured into Flint Assembly, which will be upgraded with new tooling and equipment, and an expanded body shop building and general assembly conveyor. The remaining $233 million will be funneled into the Flint Metal Center for new equipment, press refurbishments, and new stamping dies.

"Today we are announcing significant investments in Flint to strengthen our industry-leading full-size pickup business by preparing two plants to build the next-generation ICE HD trucks," said GM's Gerald Johnson, executive vice president, 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."

With this latest investment, General Motors says the total investments into US manufacturing and parts distribution facilities total more than $30.5 billion since 2013. The latest cash injection will certainly pay off for the automaker, as trucks are a big money maker. Last year, sales of HD pickups increased 38% year-over-year, with nearly 288,000 trucks sold.

It may seem odd for a company to pour money into gas-guzzling trucks, especially as GM aims to be emissions-free by 2035. But there's a good reason for this investment.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Rear Angle View

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Front Angle View

通用汽车(General Motors)is reliant on its strong-selling SUVs and pickup trucksto finance future electric vehicles. It's rather ironic, but without popular gas-powered vehicles like the Escalade and the Silverado, GM would struggle to fund its EV endeavors. In fact, this is why we're seeing even pricier examples hitting the market, such as the $150,000 Escalade and theGMC Sierra Denali Ultimate.

这并不是说通用汽车不会提供电动选择来说ives to these aforementioned cash cows. Everyone is well aware of the Silverado EV, and Cadillac intends toreveal the battery-powered Escalade IQlater this year.

Traditional truck enthusiasts can rest easy, knowing their cherished combustion-engined pickups aren't going anywhere for a while. Seeing as Chevroletrecently facelifted the Silverado HD, it's safe to assume the current versions (and GMC alternatives) will be around for a few more years before the next generation arrives.