GM recently announced plans to reduce production at its Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada from three shifts to two, effectively decreasing the plant’s annual output from roughly 150,000 units to around 100,000 units. The move was prompted by new vehicle import tariffs implemented by the Trump administration. Currently, the Oshawa plant is dedicated to producing the Chevy Silverado, but the move down to two shifts raises an intriguing question – could General Motors be planning to add GMC Sierra production to Oshawa as well?
Looking at the numbers, it certainly seems like a logical move. During the 2024 calendar year, General Motors sold 52,078 units of the Silverado 1500 and Silverado HD pickup in Canada, as well as 59,912 units of the GMC Sierra 1500 and Sierra HD. This makes for a combined total of 111,990 Silverado and Sierra trucks sold in the Canadian market over the course of 2024, excluding the all-electric Silverado EV and Sierra EV.
However, if the Oshawa plant produces roughly 100,000 Silverado units annually, but only around 50,000 units are sold in Canada, where will the remaining units go? While some Silverado 1500 models could be exported to Mexico and South America, General Motors already operates its Silao plant in Mexico to serve that market. Additionally, some Silverado units are shipped outside the Americas, such as to the Middle East, but those numbers are quite small by comparison.
All of this brings to light an interesting solution – produce the GMC Sierra at Oshawa. Mechanically, the Sierra and Silverado are identical, sharing the same engines, transmissions, and chassis components. The primary differences are in styling, interiors, and some trim-specific features, but these differences could be managed through local suppliers, allowing Oshawa to produce both trucks with relative ease. To note, the Oshawa facility currently builds limited configurations for the Chevy Silverado, although the facility did recently add the capability to produce the Silverado HD ZR2 off-roader.
Indeed, adding Sierra production to the Oshawa facility could align well with the latest production volume changes and regional sales. But what do you think? Would it make sense for GM to build the GMC Sierra at the Oshawa plant? Could this move help balance production and meet demand in Canada? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Comments
Oshawa has, in the past, built both Silverados and Sierras on the same line. It was never an issue then so it would only be an executive decision and some planning to implement that same scenario for the future. It seems like a VERY logical solution to the current issues. Great long term solution as well. Canada should build every vehicle sold in Canada. As much as is possible anyway. Sooner the better.
Indeed if they would sell most GMC’s in Canada, and keep the plant open, it’s a great idea. This plant has been there for decades, so it would only be normal to continue this production setup. Being a GM enthusiast since 50 years it would be a shame to see this plant shut down…
Yes as an Oshawa assembly worker it would be a great idea to include the building of the GMC Sierra at Oshawa.
Good idea. Nissan in Sunderland UK may be building Dongfeng Cars because Nissan Dongfeng have 20 year relationship over there. So does this mean USA can import Dongfeng vehicles from UK? Because US UK trade deal allows made in UK vehicles to be exported to USA. Does thst mean Canada might build SAIC vehicles under Wu-Ling and Baojun? Same scenario because eventually China will flood our markets just because of this Nissan UK move
It will depend on how receptive UAW will be. The US union is all for more volume being brought to US plants. But I suspect any attempt to move volume out of those plants (ie a swap of US-bound Silverados for Canadian-bound Sierras) will be strongly opposed.
Bottom line, they don’t want to allow access to their market, but they want a free hand to sell into everyone else’s.
If you build it in Canada then I will buy it!
Oshawa has a GREAT reputation of building fine cars & trucks for years. Only makes sense to continue the tradition.
GM Oshawa built the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra back in the late 1990’s. They did it then I don’t see why they can’t do it now.