GM was planning to invest billions to retool the plant for electric vehicles, but instead it will produce gas-guzzling SUVs

General Motors has changed its mind about turning the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan into an electric vehicle hub. Instead of producing electric Silverados and Sierras as planned, the facility will produce the three most fuel-thirsty models of the company — Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra.

Not long ago, GM promised to invest around $4 billion to retool the plant for electric car production. After the completion of Bolt and Bolt EUV production, it was supposed to start manufacturing Silverado EV and Sierra EV here. However, the development direction has now changed. According to the Detroit Free Press, production of the new models will only start in 2027 — likely due to the need for technical reconfiguration of the line for gasoline versions.

GM explained the shift in course by the high demand for full-size SUVs and pickups. All three models will be produced in addition to the already operational plants — Escalade is still assembled in Texas, while Silverado and Sierra are made in Indiana, Canada, and Mexico.

Of particular interest is the fact that GM previously received $480 million from state authorities for the development of electric vehicle production. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the automaker formally remains within the agreement conditions even despite the change in priorities.

Source: Detroit Free Press