BALTIMORE-- General Motors said it will invest approximately $246 million to construct a high-volume manufacturing facility that will produce rear-drive electric motors for hybrid and electric vehicles by 2013.

The facility, to be built at the Baltimore Transmission plant, is expected to 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, GM said.

"Electric motors are the engines of the future," said Tom Stephens, vice chairman of global product operations. "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.