General Motors will meet with the Missouri governor on Thursday and the automaker is reportedly interested in spending a large sum of money to retool and expand the Wentzville assembly plant.
The plant currently builds the Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Sierra—all models that have fared well in today’s market conditions. The subject of the meeting, which the St. Louis Post-Dispatch first reported today, reportedly revolves around an incentives package as GM looks to inject a rumored $1 billion into the assembly plant.
The investment likely comes ahead of a next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. We’ve yet to hear word on what’s in store for GM’s incredibly old full-size vans, though they continue to sell well.
Local lawmakers said they weren’t aware of any details surrounding the meeting, while a GM spokeswoman simply said these types of meetings happen frequently.
“GM regularly meets with communities and officials to discuss mutual priorities. Although we have no announcements or information to share at this time, we appreciate the willingness of state officials in Missouri to work with us on potential opportunities within the state,” spokeswoman Kim Carpenter, told the newspaper.
An investment in Wentzville would follow the latest GM investments in U.S. manufacturing. The automaker announced earlier this year it would invest millions into the Orion, Michigan, plant for a new Chevrolet electric vehicle. GM followed the announcement with news of a second shift at the Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant for mid-engine C8 Corvette production.
Meanwhile, the fate of three U.S. sites hangs in the balance. GM and the UAW will negotiate the future of the Lordstown and Detroit-Hamtramck plants later this year, plus two transmission facilities: one in Michigan and the other in Maryland.
Wentzville currently employs 3,500 workers with a median yearly wage of $81,000.
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Source:Â St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Comments
Hopefully the next generation mid size trucks sees:
100-300lbs lighter depending on trim/ configuration
Updated duramax
2.7T as the mass engine
3.0TT as a top trim engine for ZR2, SS, Denali, High Country
The addition of a High Country and SS models for Colorado
AT4 trim for Canyon with similar treatment as the Sierra
All new interior
Exterior that helps recover from the questioned fullsize design choice
8spd standard, 10spd optional
Intro a hybrid option on launch with electric following around midcycle
Give Denali and High Country different leather quality and interior colour options than the lower leather equipped models.
Make an SS that is 2″ lower, 2.7T as base engine, 3.0TT with 375hp 400lb-ft as an option on something like an SS.R. Available in double or crew cab equipped like an LT (i.e so it’s bar bones for cheap thrills), and also be able to option in leather, premium audio, sunroof etc. Firmer suspension, thicker sway bars, 4 wheel discs, side skirts+front splitter+unique rear bumper, wider stance with smooth arch flares, muscle/dome hood, SS only grille, quad tip dual exhaust incorporated into the rear bumper, 20″ rims with street/highway performance tires, SS mode (aka Sport Mode) AND SS+ mode (with the turbo motors this could be a tune on the fly type set up, like how some cars run two keys) – SS mode just firms up shifts and holds gears longer, SS+ builds on SS mode but with a little power bump. Colour match all bumpers, mirrors, door handles. Have cool decal packages, including some retro styled.
Yeah….Because we know how well GM fares putting the 8-spd in trucks and SUV’s. xD
Yeah about as bad as Ford fares putting 10-speeds in Mustangs and F-150’s.
You forgot, Syclone!
A Colorado based Trailblazer…?..
Yes please!!
The plant needs investment as it is old. The paint quality has been an issue and they need a new paint shop. the Vans I expect will be gone if they are not already as they were to be moves at one point I had heard.
The SUV model would be built on this line if it gets the green light.
I expect the refresh has been killed and they will just do a couple updates till the next gen is ready in 2022.
Before anyone gets too crazy with wishes they mush remember the price of this truck and limited nature of being able to add some things to it without compromise of something else.
Sales in this segment drop like a rock on these trucks at over $40,000. There is just a limit to what people will pay. The ZR is the one exception but they also give you a lot for the money to. We had expected $50K on the Z before it was introduced. Today deals can get it under $40K.
I do expect the 2.7 as an option . The V6 could vanish from the option list. There is not going to be a TTV6 again price and MPG prevent that.
I do expect adaptive cruise, 360 camera, cross traffic sensors, lane control, auto braking, LED lights and most other tech features being available.
Higher models could get the rear view camera mirror, the Denali could see HUD, other added features.
The real need is they need to retain the performance of the suspension. It is the best driving truck on the market. It rides great with and with out loads. It handles really well and that is key.
There is not a lot wrong here but there are some areas that do need updated.
The bottom line is price. They need to retain the pricing they have as if they go higher it will hurt them. There is no unlimited profits range on these trucks like the full size.
Most of the mid size trucks sold are $30K-$35K at best.
They build the GMC Sierra? You sure about that….?
GMC Canyon
I wonder where they will move the van to if the SUV is built at Wentzville or when the van may be redesigned?
GM already moved production of van cutaway versions to a Navistar assembly plant a few years ago to free up space for mid size pickup.
I hope gm upgrade interiors with choice of colors besides black.
I’ve had my Colorado ZR1 now for 18 months with the diesel. Only issues I have is I would like to see the auto tailgate lock and why does GM market these trucks for towing 8 foot wide trailers and not offer larger extendable factory mirrors!!!
GM definitely needs to put the 2.7L turbo from the Silverado into the Colorado.
Definitely would like to see a beefed up version of the Envoy. It’s been discontinued but he, if GM brought back the Trailblazer why can’t they bring back the Envoy. As a proud owner of a 2007 GMC Envoy, I love that lil truck, won’t mind change il ng up for a Canyon or Colorado though. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GM!!
They need to ditch that 8 speed and just go back to the 6 speed that they fixed. Also PLEASE bring back Green Gem Metallic.