GM Sinks Billions into American Plants
A graphic supplied with the news that GM is plowing billions into new facilities suggests the next Bolt EV may appear earlier than expected, and the next Blazer might move its production to the States.
A graphic supplied with the news that GM is plowing billions into new facilities suggests the next Bolt EV may appear earlier than expected, and the next Blazer might move its production to the States.
Let’s tackle the latter notation first, since it is a bit surprising. The present Blazer is assembled in Mexico, a decision which has caused no shortage of kerfuffles. Those confabs range from today’s tariff tax flap but also extend all the way back to when the thing was part of a display at Comerica Park where the Tigers play, much to the chagrin of local auto workers.
In any event, there were rumblings the Blazer may be discontinued once the current model runs its course; this is why mention of it in future plans for Spring Hill are surprising. As shown below, that plant is tapped for a new Blazer, the Cadillac Lyriq/Vistiq, and the Cadillac XT5/XT6. We know the gas-powered XT5 and XT6 are not long for this world, so those models may vanish to leave the two electric Caddys and the gasser Chevy. And yes, according to GM notes, it will be a gas-powered Blazer assembled at Spring Hill, not an EV despite its two line mates being all electric. Yes, modern assembly lines are certainly able to hammer together both gassers and EVs; this author remains surprised.
It’s the same story suggested for the next Equinox, another model currently hecho en Mexico. The graphic has a new one being assembled at Fairfax alongside the next Bolt, saying “Fairfax Assembly will support production of the gas-powered Chevrolet Equinox beginning in mid-2027.” As for the next Bolt, Fairfax apparently remains on track to begin building the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV by the end of this year.
All told, GM says its investments in its domestic manufacturing plants will total some $4 billion over the next two years. This is an effort to increase U.S. production of both gas and electric vehicles.
[Images: General Motors]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
