GM adds a third shift to build the Chevrolet Cruze…before it is in production
That’s right folks, General Motors has announced that it will be adding a third shift to the Lordstown, Ohio plant that will be building the Chevrolet Cruze. The interesting thing is that the Cruze hasn’t really gone into production yet…no matter. The announcement from GM came today and they have stated that they will be adding 1,200 jobs which I’m sure will be welcome news to people in the area. For more news, head on over to The Detroit News.
(Image source: GM)
General Motors to invest half a billion into the next generation of Ecotec engines
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox features a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder that allows it to achieve a 32 mpg highway EPA rating. While that might be best in class now, that figure probably won’t hold up in the future. So for that reason, General Motors has decided to invest $494 million into three separate plants; one in Tonawanda, New York, another in Defiance, Ohio and the final plant in Bay City, Michigan. This move will also add 470 jobs to the U.S. economy and produce an as yet unnamed size of the new Ecotec. For more details and GM’s official press release, head on over to Autoblog.
(Image source: GM)
Camaro convertible and Buick Regal production to start early 2011!
General Motors has announced that production of the Camaro convertible and the 2011 Buick Regal will start in the first quarter of 2011. The Regal goes on sale this summer, with the initial units being shipped in from Germany until production can commence here in North America. The Camaro convertible joins the hot selling Camaro coupe when it goes on sale early next year. The addition of these two cars brings about 700 jobs back to the Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant that builds the Camaro now. For more details, head on over to Autoblog.
(Image source: GM)
Check out some of the testing that went into making the new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
The video above shows some of the testing that went into making the new Chevrolet Equinox as great as it is. The smoke testing was done to check for air leaks, because those can be pathways for water, wind and road noise. The second test…well you’ll see.
The Chevrolet Aveo RS concept from the Detroit Auto Show is a much more attractive looking car than the current Aveo it will eventually be replacing. The evidence to that end is this prototype that was seen testing in some cold weather shows that many of the hot design traits like short front and rear overhangs will make it into production. The more upscale interior appears to be that way as well, except for some minor parts sharing of components like the radio controls. Stay tuned for more, but for now, head on over to Autoblog.
GM CEO says Volt will be priced in the low 30’s and be profitable!
General Motors’ CEO Ed Whitacre was recently interviewed by Lyle Dennis at GM-Volt.com and was asked about the pricing for the Volt, which until this point was believed to be around $40,000. Whitacre’s response was that the Volt would be priced in the “low $30’s” and be profitable to boot! While this answer is great news for Volt fans everywhere, it still leaves much in the air. Is the $30k price before or after the $7,500 tax credit for purchasing a Volt? Only time will tell, for now, head on over to GM-Volt.com or Autoblog.
(Image source: GM)
The Chevrolet Orlando is the upcoming replacement for the HHR. I’m not exactly sure how that is, because the HHR is a five seater, and the Orlando is a seven seater, but that’s what everyone else on the web is saying. So this would make the second Chevy to seat seven, after the Traverse…but I guess the two are different enough in size that people won’t get them confused. The Orlando is expected to pack a few different fuel-efficient four cylinders and possibly the Voltec powertrain. For all of the spy photos, head on over to Autoblog.
(Image source: GM)
2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD to possibly debut at Chicago Auto Show!
According to PickupTrucks.com, we will be seeing the new 2011 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty, and possibly the GMC Sierra Heavy Duty too! These trucks should feature some revised sheetmetal, an upgraded chassis and a new 6.6L Duramax diesel that meets new 2010 emissions regulations, most likely with a urea injection system like the 2011 Ford Super Duty and its new 6.7L Scorpion diesel uses.
(Image source: GM)
Check out video of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt undergoing hot testing
The video above shows a test that is pretty standard for most cars on sale here in the United States. Basically the car is heated to insane temperatures, like 200 degrees Fahrenheit, to make sure none of the parts show signs of heat aging.
The video above brings some new, outside perspectives on the new battery plant that General Motors has just opened in Michigan.
