T_Totler
08-21-2006, 03:29 PM
Good news for Oshawa :)
I hope for GM's sake that the Camaro is a strong seller.
____________________________________________
Oshawa, Ontario — General Motors of Canada Limited President Arturo Elias has announced that the Oshawa, Ontario car plant has been selected to manufacture one of GM's most anticipated new vehicles, the Chevrolet Camaro.
Early production versions of the new Camaro are expected at the end of 2008, with sales starting in the first quarter of 2009.
The new product program and conversion of the Oshawa plant to a state of the art flexible manufacturing facility will begin immediately, representing a $740 million (Canadian) investment.
"This important new investment for Oshawa would not have been possible without the strong partnership with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and federal, provincial and local governments" said Mr. Elias. "Oshawa's selection to build the new Camaro is a tribute to our employees' reputation for the industry's best quality and productivity, and further evidence of the exciting comeback happening at GM."
CAW president Buzz Hargrove said "Earning the mandate for the new Camaro is a huge accomplishment and is due in part to the reputation of our members for producing great quality vehicles. CAW local 222 has really stepped up with an innovative local agreement that contributed to building a viable business case for the Camaro."
Today's announcement is great news for all GM stakeholders in the Durham Region" said Federal Finance Minister the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Member of Parliament for Whitby-Oshawa. "It builds on GM's broader integrated innovation investment that includes research partnerships with educational institutes across Quebec and Ontario, including the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)."
"GM's investment in the Camaro program here in Oshawa proves once again that when government and industry work together, the result is a stronger economy and even more opportunity for Ontario families," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. "Our province's strength continues to be our highly skilled workforce and our culture of innovation."
"Canada offers the essential elements for a vibrant auto industry: strategic location as a gateway to the North American market, and an ideal climate for continued investment. Today's announcement reflects that confidence in our country and our auto industry." added Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry.
The CDN$740 million investment completes GM Canada's Beacon project announcement of March 2005, bringing GM Canada's total investment since March 2005 to more than $3 billion.
The new Camaro is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the 1969 icon, and GM has indicated the production version is going to look almost identical to the concept that was awarded "Best in Show" at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The car hinted at past Camaros (most notably the first generation) but appealed to modern sensibilities with a fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design execution.
"Camaros offered performance that could rival expensive European GTs," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design at the Camaro Concept introduction. "Yet they were practical enough to drive every day and priced within the reach of many new car buyers."
The Camaro Concept featured a 400-hp 6.0-litre aluminum version of Chevy's small-block V8 (mated to a 6-speed manual transmission) and a sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension (featuring progressive-rate springs and gas-pressurized dampers). The engine is fitted with fuel-saving features like GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology.
It is still too early to report on the production version's specifications, model designations and equipment levels.
http://www.autonet.ca/Spotlight/NewModels/story.cfm?story=/Spotlight/NewModels/2006/08/21/1767942.html
I hope for GM's sake that the Camaro is a strong seller.
____________________________________________
Oshawa, Ontario — General Motors of Canada Limited President Arturo Elias has announced that the Oshawa, Ontario car plant has been selected to manufacture one of GM's most anticipated new vehicles, the Chevrolet Camaro.
Early production versions of the new Camaro are expected at the end of 2008, with sales starting in the first quarter of 2009.
The new product program and conversion of the Oshawa plant to a state of the art flexible manufacturing facility will begin immediately, representing a $740 million (Canadian) investment.
"This important new investment for Oshawa would not have been possible without the strong partnership with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and federal, provincial and local governments" said Mr. Elias. "Oshawa's selection to build the new Camaro is a tribute to our employees' reputation for the industry's best quality and productivity, and further evidence of the exciting comeback happening at GM."
CAW president Buzz Hargrove said "Earning the mandate for the new Camaro is a huge accomplishment and is due in part to the reputation of our members for producing great quality vehicles. CAW local 222 has really stepped up with an innovative local agreement that contributed to building a viable business case for the Camaro."
Today's announcement is great news for all GM stakeholders in the Durham Region" said Federal Finance Minister the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Member of Parliament for Whitby-Oshawa. "It builds on GM's broader integrated innovation investment that includes research partnerships with educational institutes across Quebec and Ontario, including the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)."
"GM's investment in the Camaro program here in Oshawa proves once again that when government and industry work together, the result is a stronger economy and even more opportunity for Ontario families," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. "Our province's strength continues to be our highly skilled workforce and our culture of innovation."
"Canada offers the essential elements for a vibrant auto industry: strategic location as a gateway to the North American market, and an ideal climate for continued investment. Today's announcement reflects that confidence in our country and our auto industry." added Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry.
The CDN$740 million investment completes GM Canada's Beacon project announcement of March 2005, bringing GM Canada's total investment since March 2005 to more than $3 billion.
The new Camaro is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the 1969 icon, and GM has indicated the production version is going to look almost identical to the concept that was awarded "Best in Show" at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The car hinted at past Camaros (most notably the first generation) but appealed to modern sensibilities with a fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design execution.
"Camaros offered performance that could rival expensive European GTs," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design at the Camaro Concept introduction. "Yet they were practical enough to drive every day and priced within the reach of many new car buyers."
The Camaro Concept featured a 400-hp 6.0-litre aluminum version of Chevy's small-block V8 (mated to a 6-speed manual transmission) and a sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension (featuring progressive-rate springs and gas-pressurized dampers). The engine is fitted with fuel-saving features like GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology.
It is still too early to report on the production version's specifications, model designations and equipment levels.
http://www.autonet.ca/Spotlight/NewModels/story.cfm?story=/Spotlight/NewModels/2006/08/21/1767942.html