From GM... .
GM Invests $246 Million in Electric Motors and Hybrid Components creating jobs in Baltimore
-Baltimore Transmission to be the first high volume U.S. electric motors manufacturing site
-Start of regular production scheduled for 2013 for next generation two-mode rear wheel drive motor
-Investment will create approximately 200 jobs
General Motors will invest approximately $246 million in electric motor and electric drive manufacturing including construction of a high volume electric drive production facility at the Baltimore Transmission plant that will begin to manufacture in 2013 electric motors for GM’s Two-mode Hybrid system. The plant will be the first electric motor manufacturing facility in the U.S. operated by a major automaker.
By bringing this capability to the U.S., GM will create approximately 200 jobs. Local and state incentives, along with the Recovery Act funding announced in August 2009 by the U.S. Department of Energy, are helping to make this facility expansion and job creation possible.
“Electric motors are the engines of the future,” Stephens said. “By designing and manufacturing electric motors in-house at Baltimore Transmission, we can more efficiently control the design, materials and production processes. It will also enable us to lower costs and improve performance, quality, reliability, and manufacturability of the electric motors we use in our vehicles.”
Stephens also noted the importance of the new technology to the nation’s and Maryland’s overall economic growth.
“Electric motors are driving the next wave of automotive growth,” Stephens said. “The expansion of the Baltimore plant will generate a significant influx of money and jobs into the greater Baltimore area, creating U.S.-based manufacturing jobs.”
Through job retention and creation, Baltimore Transmission, which opened in 2000, will employ close to 400 people.
Nationally, including immediate project jobs, manufacturing jobs and the impact on suppliers and local communities, the investment is estimated to retain or create about 1700 jobs.
“Ultimately this expansion, its direct economic impact, its contribution to GM’s capabilities, and its impact on the vehicles we drive will be a model of what a lean, energetic, creative General Motors is capable of doing and contributing, “ Stephens said.
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-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
Anyone else find it funny they invested more in the Eco projects then the Electric Motors and Hybrids lol?
I-4 combustion engines are more important as it will be more common.
But this is big for GM as this IIRC will be the first time that a auto manufacturer will build batteries, at least for their Volt.
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
I was more so meaning that they essentially doubled the investment of the Hybrid fund to use for gas engines, which are cheaper to produce/ do R&D for.
At the very least they could have had an even investment for both petrol engines, and the hybrids so that production costs become cheaper for Battery/Motor R&D. You know, so you don't have to spend $40k for a friggen electric Chevy lol.
