General Motors Co. is set to confirm today that they will be moving production of the Chevrolet Volts powertrain components from Mexico to Michigan. Mary Barra, GMs CEO, will announce the companys plan to build this major component at the Warren Transmission Plant for the second generation Volt. That means most major powertrain components – from its battery cells to its range-extender – will be made in Michigan.

“We must provide the breakthrough technology that our customers want,” said Barra. “Our investments in the Chevy Volt and Michigan signify our commitment to lead the industry in technology and innovation.”

At the same time, Barra will announce capital investments of nearly $300 million in Michigan between now and the end of the year.

GM has made significant investments in the United States, and since 2009, more than half of the $11 billion investment was committed to Michigan.

In addition, GM has worked with its UAW partners to develop initiatives that will lead to more than 22,600 jobs in the United States.

Approximately $1.82 billion in capital has been invested in projects dedicated specifically to vehicle electrification.

GM’s Brownstown Township facility is the country’s first high-volume lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing site operated by a major automaker.The Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR are assembled at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.GM’s Flint Engine Operations will build the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder range extender for the Volt. The unit is part of an all-new engine family.Warren Transmission will build the GM Voltec 4ET50 Multi-Mode Electric Drive Unit, which allows the Volt to drive in pure electric or extended range electric mode.

Battery cells for the Volt and ELR are produced by LG Chem in Holland, Mich., and the Volt’s vehicle’s electric motors will also be made in the United States.

Within the first year of production, about 70 per cent of the Volt’s parts will be made in the United States or Canada, which GM believes is the most for a plug-in or conventional hybrid.

Volt Facts
Since its launch in 2010, Volt owners driving in pure electric mode have helped reduce gasoline consumption by more than 25 million gallons.Volt owners who charge regularly typically drive more than 970 miles between fill-ups and refuel less than once a month.Nearly 70 per cent of Volt buyers are new to GM. The Toyota Prius is the most frequently traded-in vehicle for a Volt.Volt is the most successful plug-in electric vehicle in the United States, with cumulative sales of more than 69,000 vehicles.

 

SOURCE General Motors