The Chevrolet Bolt’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster in the EV Market. Initially axed due to outdated hardware and profitability challenges, the Bolt’s impressive sales figures have forced GM to rethink. The once-discontinued model is now poised for a comeback, potentially riding a new wave of innovation from the heart of Kansas.
GM might shift its production to Fairfax, Kansas from Michigan
The whisperings of GM’s production strategies suggest a shift from Michigan to Fairfax, Kansas, for the Bolt’s resurrection. The tentative labor agreement between GM and the United Auto Workers (UAW) hints at a $391 million infusion into the Fairfax Assembly plant, earmarked for an unnamed “future electric vehicle.” While not officially confirmed, it’s speculated that the investment could breathe new life into the Bolt.
Fairfax, a plant responsible for models like the Cadillac XT4 and the sturdy Chevrolet Malibu, now faces a transformative opportunity. Amidst a time when EVs are becoming the focal point of automotive evolution, and chip shortages have left industries scrambling, this move could revitalize the plant’s future and secure jobs for its over 2,000 workers.
This potential pivot to Kansas is part of a broader narrative for GM, which includes exciting ventures like an all-electric Corvette. This not only represents a significant technological shift but also a geographical one, as it may mark the first time a “Corvette” is built outside its traditional Kentucky home since the 1980s.
GM’s journey with EVs has been fraught with challenges, notably in scaling up its new Ultium EV lineup. Investor skepticism has loomed large after a few turbulent quarters. However, it’s worth pondering if this hesitance stems from GM’s production capabilities rather than the market’s appetite for electric cars.
Moreover, the development signifies a strategic win for the UAW, especially following the historic strikes. It appears the future of electric mobility, at least for GM, will likely be powered by union labor, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act incentives and the recent inclusion of Ultium battery plant workers in the union fold.
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(Via)
