Some GM workers embrace the introduction of electric vehicles in spite of concerns about the future of automotive industry in a time of major technological change, according to recent interviews.
The New York Times recently spoke with auto sector workers and union representatives in Ohio, garnering their opinions on the EV revolution. At least some of those interviewed were positive about current changes in the car industry.
One GM transmission factory employee, Erick Belmer, told the Times he is excited about the start of electric motor production even though “it’s going to be a little bit of a learning curve.” Belmer commutes 140 miles to reach his job at the GM Toledo Powertrain plant in Toledo, Ohio.
Other individuals expressed a warier form of optimism, including a United Auto Workers (UAW) local president, Tony Totty, who said his fellow local members will likely succeed in the new EV world but that there is “an expiration date on those facilities and those communities” that are dependent on gasoline engine manufacture.
Totty noted that the electric vehicle revolution “is the largest transition in our industry since its inception” and at least some workers will be left with obsolete skills. Some previous GM EV plant ideas fell through, prompting Totty and other people involved in Ohio’s automotive industry to remain cautious.
Ultium drive units
Ohio is the foremost state in the U.S. for internal combustion engine manufacture, with approximately 90,000 people employed in automotive sector work of various kinds, including GM production facilities.
GM Toledo Powertrain produces the 10-speed automatic transmission, used in GM full-size trucks, full-size SUVs, and rear-wheel drive luxury sedans including the Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT5. The General announced a $760 million investment in the facility last September to retool it for production of Ultium Drive motors. These drive units will provide motivation for the Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and GMC Hummer EV, among other vehicles.
Other recent GM investments in facilities related to EV production include $491 million for the GM metal stamping operations in Marion, Indiana. GM’s goal is to produce one million EVs annually in North America by 2025. The automaker also says it means to introduce 30 new electric vehicles worldwide by 2025.
GM also states it will have EVs in one third of automotive segments by 2025 as well. The segments GM is targeting with its near-term EV rollout are the most popular among new vehicle buyers, accounting for 70 percent of vehicle sales each year.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM Toledo Powertrain news, GM business news, GM electric vehicle news, GM technology news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
