Next Generation Small Block Engine Production Confirmed for St. Catharines Powertrain

General Motors of Canada announced a $235 million investment in its St. Catharines Powertrain facility to build GM’s next generation of highly fuel-efficient engines, securing up to 400 jobs at the plant.

"This marks another positive step forward in our strategy to deliver powertrain technologies that improve fuel-efficiency while meeting the needs of our customers," said Kevin Williams, president, GM Canada. "The new engine allocation at St. Catharines is the latest in a series of investments in our Canadian facilities – great news for employees, the CAW, dealers, suppliers and the communities affected."

The next generation small block engine family will deliver impressive fuel efficiency through the use of direct injection and an all-new advanced combustion system design. The new engine family will rely exclusively on aluminum engine blocks, which are lighter and contribute to the improved fuel efficiency. In addition to being E85 ethanol capable, these engines are being designed with the capability to meet increasingly stringent criteria emissions standards expected throughout this decade.

Other recent investment announcements at Canadian facilities
include:

— Oshawa Assembly:
— Addition of a third shift in October to support production of the
Chevrolet Equinox resulting in the recall of 600 employees.
— Addition of second shift in Q4 this year on the flexible
manufacturing line to support Buick Regal and Chevrolet Camaro convertible production resulting in the recall of some 700 employees.

— CAMI Automotive:
— The recent addition of a 3rd shift resulting in the recall of 350 employees.
— A $96 million capacity expansion investment currently underway resulting in the recall of 230 employees and the hiring of approximately 70 new employees.

General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario and employs 9,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles and powertrains, and markets the full range of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through the largest automotive dealer network in the country.