General Motors adding 400 new jobs, invests $300M in plant for new electric vehicle

General Motors on Friday announced it is adding 400 jobs to and investing $300 million in a Michigan plant to produce a new Chevrolet electric vehicle.

The investment is part of the company’s vow to invest $1.8 billion in its U.S. operations to add 700 new jobs and support another 28,000 jobs in six states, the company said in a statement. 

{mosads}“We are excited to bring these jobs and this investment to the U.S.,” GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said during an announcement at the Orion Township plant. “This new Chevrolet electric vehicle is another positive step toward our commitment to an all-electric future. GM will continue to invest in our U.S. operations where we see opportunities for growth.” 

The company said the new vehicle is in addition to the existing hybrid Chevrolet Bolt EV. The car’s release date has not yet been made public.

The new automobile had originally been slated to be produced outside the U.S., but was moved to the Orion plant because it currently builds the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle, off of which the new car will be based. 

Moving production to the U.S. also “supports the rules of origin provisions in the proposed United States, Mexico and Canada Agreement,” the company said, referring to a revised North American Free Trade Agreement deal touted by President Trump.

Manufacturing jobs, particularly in the Midwest, have been under renewed scrutiny since Trump began his campaign in 2015. The former businessman made bringing factory jobs back to the U.S. one of the focal points of his platform.

GM faced criticism from the president after it announced in November that it would cut 5,000 jobs and shutter four U.S. factories, including one in Lordstown, Ohio. 

Trump in December called the move “nasty” and said the company “is not going to be treated well.” 

“Because the economy is so good, General Motors must get their Lordstown, Ohio, plant open, maybe in a different form or with a new owner, FAST! Toyota is investing 13.5 $Billion in U.S., others likewise. G.M. MUST ACT QUICKLY. Time is of the essence!” Trump added last week.

Because the economy is so good, General Motors must get their Lordstown, Ohio, plant open, maybe in a different form or with a new owner, FAST! Toyota is investing 13.5 $Billion in U.S., others likewise. G.M. MUST ACT QUICKLY. Time is of the essence!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2019