The future is here, and as carmakers focus on the potential of self-driving vehicles, General Motors is centering production efforts on the state of Michigan.
They announced the decision this week with production versions of the new Cruise AV to come from the Orion Township assembly plant and roof modules to come from Brownstown, Michigan. Owing to its new focus, the Cruise AV will not come with a steering wheel or pedals. GM intends to have the vehicle to market as early as next year.
“We’re continuing to make great progress on our plans to commercialize in 2019,” GM President Dan Ammann said. “Our Orion and Brownstown teams have proven experience in building high-quality self-driving test vehicles and battery packs, so they are well-prepared to produce the Cruise AV.”
More than $100 million will accompany the production as a means of upgrading the two facilities. While Brownstown will add a dedicated line for assembly of roof modules, the Orion plant will continue to build the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Sonic alongside the new Cruise AV productions. Workers already have an idea of what they’re up against, though: more than 200 test versions have been assembled at Orion already.