General Motors Is Axing Five Factories And Six Models Permanently

Here are all the models that General Motors is kicking to the kerb in what it describes as a major restructuring as it prepares for the electric car era

Matt Kimberley

27 Nov 2018

General Motors Is Axing Five Factories And Six Models Permanently

General Motors has confirmed five factory closures, signalling the end for six of its increasingly unpopular models – and as many as 14,000 jobs.

The iconic but sorely controversial Detroit-Hamtramck factory is among five facilities that will be shut down, pending talks with the relevant workers’ union, starting next year. Six models produced at those plants will also bite the dust.

The Detroit-Hamtramck facility's closure stirs-up old fury at GM

As well as Detroit-Hamtramck, assembly plants in Oshawa, Ontario and Warren, Ohio will close. The Baltimore Operations plant will stop building transmissions, and likewise the Warren Transmission Operations site in Michigan.

All staff at these five sites are believed to be facing unemployment, but negotiators will soon begin to explore options for reassignment of as much of the workforce as possible, or replacing the lost production space with other operations. Two as-yet unspecified sites outside of North America are also facing the end of the line.

GM workers have been part of the heart and soul of Oshawa for generations - and we’ll do everything we can to help the families affected by this news get back on their feet. Yesterday, I spoke with @GM’s Mary Barra to express my deep disappointment in the closure.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 26, 2018

In a statement, GM said:

“The company is transforming its global workforce to ensure it has the right skill sets for today and the future, while driving efficiencies through the utilisation of best-in-class tools.
“Actions are being taken to reduce salaried and salaried contract staff by 15 per cent, which includes 25 per cent fewer executives to streamline decision making.”

These are the six cars that GM’s range is dropping due to poor – and worsening – sales. You’ll notice something they all have in common: yep, they’re all traditional saloons (sedans) and hatchbacks.