GM delays Orion transition for EV truck production by one year

General Motors Co. is pushing back the launch of electric trucks at its Orion Assembly plant by one year to late 2025, the automaker said Tuesday, meaning the Oakland County factory will be idled for up to two years.

Orion Assembly, where Chevrolet Bolts are currently manufactured, was supposed to have EV truck production launch there late next year. GM is pushing it back one year "to better manage capital investment while aligning with evolving EV demand," spokesperson Kevin Kelly said in a statement. "In addition, we have identified engineering improvements that we will implement to increase the profitability of our products."

Production of GM's electric Silverado EV Work Truck has already launched at the automaker's Factory Zero plant in Hamtramck and Detroit. Production of the retail Silverado EV should start there later this year.

GM reported it sold 18 Silverado EVs in the third quarter.

The GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV and Cruise Origin autonomous shuttle are also produced at Factory Zero. Production of the electric GMC Sierra is supposed to start at Factory Zero next year.

GM is ending production of the Bolt EV and its larger sibling, the Bolt EUV, at the end of this year. Employees there will be able to transfer to other facilities, Kelly said. The facility has 1,261 employees, according to GM's website.

"Consistent with the original plant conversion plan, represented employees at Orion will be offered other opportunities in Michigan, including positions at Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly where production has been steadily increasing and significant scaling is planned for 2024, including a second production shift," Kelly said.

In January 2022, GM announced it would invest $4 billion to convert Orion for electric truck production on GM's new Ultium platform for EVs.

Construction will include adding new body and paint shops and new general assembly and battery pack assembly areas.

GM is planning to bring the Bolt back, GM CEO Mary Barra said during the automaker's second-quarter earnings call in July. Timing, production site and other details about the next-generation Bolt haven't been released.

khall@detroitnews.com

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