After more than a year of building test vehicles for development of its self-driving technology, General Motors today announced it will build production versions of its Cruise AV at its Orion Township assembly plant in Michigan. Roof modules for GM’s self-driving vehicles assembled at its Brownstown plant.
The Cruise AV is so cool. The company plans to commercialize in 2019. In addition, this is the first production-ready vehicle. Yes, built from the ground up to run safely on its own. Yes folks no driver, steering wheel, pedals or manual controls.
Furthermore, GM will invest more than $100 million to upgrade both facilities. Roof module production has already begun and production of the fourth generation Cruise AV; expected to begin in 2019.
Since January 2017, UAW Local 5960 workers at the Orion plant have assembled three generations of Cruise self-driving test vehicles for use in the most challenging urban environments, including downtown San Francisco. More than 200 of the test vehicles assembled at Orion.
“The UAW is committing to preparing our members for the future of advanced mobility and this investment recognizes our willingness to work together to build these self-driving vehicles,” said Cindy Estrada, vice president and director, UAW General Motors Department. “Whether it involves traditional vehicles or advance technology, our members are highly capable of delivering great products.”
Finally, workers at GM’s Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant will expand their capabilities by adding roof module production for all of Cruise’s self-driving vehicles. The roof modules integrate special equipment for AV operation such as LIDAR, cameras, sensors and other hardware, and assembling on a dedicated line at the facility. Finally, the Orion plant will continue to build the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Sonic as well as the Cruise AV.
Plant Fact Sheets
• Brownstown Battery Fact Sheet
Source: General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM), http://www.gm.com, 2018-03-15
