DETROIT-General Motors announced it will invest more than $494 million to produce the next generation fuel efficient Ecotec engine at three plants. The investment includes facility renovation, new machinery, equipment, and special tooling to support this engine program at the following plants:
Tonawanda -- $425 million site investment will add capacity for the next generation Ecotec engine at 370,000 per year.
Defiance - $59 million site investment will support precision sand cast block at a capacity of 188,000 annually.
Bay City - $10.5 million site investment will bring new product to the plant (Ecotec connecting rod).
The investment in Tonawanda, supported by the investments at Defiance and Bay City, will go toward producing two next-generation Ecotec engines. The new engines will have additional capabilities to improve fuel efficiency and improve performance through advanced design and by adding technology.
The current Ecotec 2.4L with direct injection and variable valve timing in the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain was recently recognized as one of Ward's Auto World magazine's 2010 "Ten Best Engines" for North America based on several factors, including power, fuel efficiency, and new technology. The Ecotec is currently available in 2.0L, 2.2L, and 2.4L displacements.
Additional engine information will be released at a later date.
