In a major move that is expected to create thousands of jobs and bolster American manufacturing, General Motors Co. (GM) has announced plans to invest $4 billion in shifting production from its Mexican facilities to three plants in the United States.
The investment marks a significant victory for President Trump’s trade and tariffs policy, which aims to revitalize America’s auto industry. The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for the industry, with other manufacturers potentially following suit.
According to sources familiar with the situation, GM plans to shift production of its full-size SUVs and light-duty pickups to its Orion Assembly plant in suburban Detroit, which has been idle since Chevy Bolt production ended in late 2023. The gas-powered Equinox compact SUV will be produced at Fairfax, Kansas, while the gas-powered Blazer will be manufactured at Spring Hill, Tennessee.
GM’s CEO Mary Barra said in a statement that the company believes “the future of transportation will be driven by American innovation and manufacturing expertise.” She added that the investment demonstrates GM’s commitment to building vehicles in the US and supporting American jobs.
The move is partly driven by increased demand for high-profit SUVs, as well as an effort to limit exposure to pricey import tariffs enacted by President Trump. The president has been a strong advocate for reviving America’s auto industry, and his policies have been credited with forcing manufacturers to invest in domestic production.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the move, saying that it marks “just the latest chapter” in GM’s long history with Michigan. She added that she is grateful to GM for bringing more auto manufacturing back home to the state and protecting thousands of good-paying union jobs.
Members of Michigan’s congressional delegation also welcomed the news, with Rep. Lisa McClain saying that it is a “game-changer” for the district and a big win for hard-working Michiganders. Rep. Debbie Dingell agreed, calling it “good news” for Michigan workers and the state’s role as a leader in the global auto industry.
The move is expected to have significant benefits for American workers, with thousands of jobs created and protected. It also marks a major victory for President Trump’s trade and tariffs policy, which aims to revitalize America’s auto industry.
In related news, Stellantis NV has not announced any production moves to the United States due to tariffs, but early this year recommitted to several major US plant investments, including reopening an assembly plant in Illinois and building the next-generation Dodge Durango in Detroit.
Source: Detroit News
