GM Invests $68 million in Oshawa Assembly Plant to Build the Next Generation Chevrolet Impala

General Motors will invest $68 million to prepare the Oshawa Assembly Plant to build the next generation Chevrolet Impala, securing approximately 350 jobs.

“With the investments for the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac XTS, we are taking big steps forward to ensure we maximize the flexible manufacturing facility and high-quality workforce that exist in Oshawa,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of General Motors of Canada. “We are building on the recent capacity increases, product launches and shift additions at our Canadian operations to affirm that Canada will play an important role in the new GM as we continue to transform our product lineup.”

Combined with the recent investment to support the launch of the Cadillac XTS in 2012, GM is committing $185 million to Oshawa, which will create or retain approximately 750 jobs. The next generation Chevrolet Impala is GM’s fifth new product commitment to Canada since 2009.

“The Government of Canada made an important decision back in December
2008 to provide significant support to GM,” said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance. “Since then it has become clear this was the right decision. Our support has helped preserve Canada’s place in the automotive industry. It has helped protect jobs in communities across Canada in automotive assembly and automotive parts production.”

“Our government supported GM as it restructured to respond to the global economic downturn. That support saved thousands of jobs, and kept GM in Ontario,” said Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation. “Today’s announcement shows that GM and Ontario’s auto sector are on the right track – GM is securing hundreds of jobs for Ontario families, and Ontario continues to be the top auto manufacturing jurisdiction in North America.”

In order to meet customer demand and maximize the flexibility of GM’s manufacturing operations, the next generation Chevrolet Impala will be built at both the Oshawa Assembly Plant and the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant.

Oshawa has undergone many changes this past year, recently launching the Buick Regal, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and Chevrolet Equinox, adding two new shifts and securing 1,300 jobs. The plant employs more than 4,400 people, and also builds the Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Impala.

“Our workforce has always worked hard to exceed expectations and execute exceptional product launches, and we’re happy to receive another vote of confidence with this most recent investment,” said Dan Hermer, plant manager at the Oshawa Assembly Plant.

“We have a strong track record of quality and productivity in Oshawa where we will continue to build the world’s best vehicles,” added Chris Buckley, president of the Canadian Auto Workers Local 222.

About General Motors of Canada Limited

Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited
(GMCL) employs over 10,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing. GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada’s largest automotive dealer network, which employs over 23,000 people dedicated to delivering a top customer experience. GMCL also plays a leadership role in automotive design and engineering, engaging in innovative research and development partnerships with leading Canadian universities and research institutes. In addition, through its Canadian Engineering Centres, GMCL conducts development activities ranging from cold weather testing to the advancement of key electric vehicle and green technologies. For more information visit www.gm.ca or follow us on Twitter @GMCanada or en Francais @GMCanadaFR.