Three industry sources said the auto maker is considering Oshawa for a rear-wheel-drive platform called Zeta that will provide the base for the next generation of the Pontiac GTO sedan, and a return of the Chevrolet Camaro sports car in 2008.
In talks with federal, Ontario governments for major assembly, research upgrades
OTTAWA and TORONTO -- General Motors of Canada Ltd. is involved in serious discussions with Ontario and Ottawa seeking financial help for an investment of up to $2-billion to revamp two assembly plants and significantly increase research and development activities, The Globe and Mail has learned.
The plan, which could also include upgrades to other GM assembly and parts operations in Ontario, would provide a significant boost for a sector that has been battered by assembly plant closings, cancellation of new projects earmarked for Canada and a flood of investment into the U.S. South.
The world's largest auto maker is also examining boosting its research operations in Canada, perhaps increasing the studies it now helps finance at the University of Windsor or developing a new "centre of excellence" for auto research, sources say. That would provide a major shot in the arm for the intellectual side of the industry by increasing high-tech design and engineering jobs that have not traditionally been Canada's strong suit.
The company's plans are far from final, industry and government sources said, but an investment of $2-billion would represent one of the largest such programs yet in the auto industry in Canada.
It would also preserve thousands of well-paid jobs at two GM car assembly plants in Oshawa, and create hundreds of new R&D jobs, as well as spinoff jobs in the auto parts sector and elsewhere.
"We are putting together a proposal," said Joe Fontana, parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Paul Martin. "At the end of the day, it's going to be a three-way partnership."
GM spokesman Stew Low would not confirm or deny that there are discussions on specific projects.
"General Motors of Canada has ongoing discussions with all levels of government about the health of the industry and potential projects at GM," Mr. Low said yesterday.
The GM talks come as the two governments also deal with a request from Ford Motor Co., which is seeking financial help to turn its Oakville, Ont., complex into a leading-edge, flexible assembly operation. Ford is seeking about $200-million.
The GM discussions centre on a major retooling of the auto maker's two Oshawa, Ont., car assembly plants.
These plants now assemble Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo models and Buick Regal and Century sedans.
Among the possibilities for Oshawa are turning the car plants into flexible assembly plants with multiple models coming off one or more platforms -- a platform is the basic chassis and underpinning of a vehicle -- or rebuilding assembly lines to switch to rear-wheel-drive cars from the current front-wheel-drive vehicles made there.
Three industry sources said the auto maker is considering Oshawa for a rear-wheel-drive platform called Zeta that will provide the base for the next generation of the Pontiac GTO sedan, and a return of the Chevrolet Camaro sports car in 2008.
But a senior industry source who is familiar with GM's product programs said it's too early to identify Oshawa as the source of Zeta vehicles.
Another option is a new front-wheel-drive platform code-named Chi in the series of new GM platforms named after the letters in the Greek alphabet.
The company's Oshawa operations are regarded as a glittering jewel, industry sources in Detroit said, in part because the plants rank highly in key industry quality and productivity studies.
A pickup truck assembly plant at the complex is operating on three shifts and will receive some new capital spending as part of the redesign of the company's full-sized pickups and sport utility vehicles in 2007.
One car plant is also a three-shift operation, and the other one runs two shifts a day, which means the complex is operating eight of a possible nine shifts every day.
The three assembly plants employ about 11,000 workers, while the Regional Engineering Centre, which was the lead design centre on the Chevrolet Equinox SUV assembled at Cami Automotive Inc. in Ingersoll, Ont., employs 300 engineers.
The two levels of government are expected to be asked to contribute collectively as much as $400-million to the GM projects, although one federal official said GM hasn't revealed exactly what it wants to do, or how much it wants from governments. "We're still dancing around the table a bit."
The official said that the company is good at reading "government tea leaves" and realizes Ontario and Ottawa would love to make an announcement about a major investment soon.
Such an investment would be particularly welcome by the federal Liberals, with an election expected to be called for June 28.
Ontario recently announced a $500-million fund aimed specifically at attracting new or replacement assembly plant investments, but it limits the amount it will provide to 10 per cent of a project's total cost. That means GM would qualify for $200-million from Ontario if it spends $2-billion and the investment meets provincial requirements
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Keep the fingers crossed the Camaro will be back. Posted by 2002 SLP SS (Member # 1893) on :
Hope this is true maybe LS6 powered at least 400 horse to beat mustang
Posted by Sizzle (Member # 503) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002 SLP SS: Hope this is true maybe LS6 powered at least 400 horse to beat mustang
By 2008, I'd hope the LS6 would be retired for a newer model.
Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :
LS...in wonderland?
J/K, maybe an LS7?
Posted by TimeLord (Member # 1389) on :
Speculation and mental masturbation,,,,when the $$$ is paid and the plant is rebuilt I will CONSIDER taking it a LITTLE more seriously!!!!!!
Posted by 35th6spd (Member # 1243) on :
Thanks for posting this article, good to see GM at least exploring the possibility of bringing back a real icon of American muscle
Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :
quote:Originally posted by 35th6spd: Thanks for posting this article, good to see GM at least exploring the possibility of bringing back a real icon of American muscle
It's got to start somewhere eh? Posted by laraandre (Member # 1577) on :
Why 08, that would mean it would be a 41 year anniversary Camaro? Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :
All speculation.
Posted by HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
quote:Originally posted by blkragss02: Three industry sources said the auto maker is considering Oshawa for a rear-wheel-drive platform called Zeta that will provide the base for the next generation of the Pontiac GTO sedan, and a return of the Chevrolet Camaro sports car in 2008.
Another option is a new front-wheel-drive platform code-named Chi in the series of new GM platforms named after the letters in the Greek alphabet.
Ah, so now it makes sense why we won't see the letter F for the platform. It doesn't exist in the Greek Alphabet!
Posted by killabee (Member # 860) on :
quote:Originally posted by laraandre: Why 08, that would mean it would be a 41 year anniversary Camaro?
There was a thread floating around other boards that were deleted going into the inside politics at GM. Something about an agreement that they had with Quebec that the old, now leveled plant had exclusive rights to building them through 2007. I don't know if it was a binding contract or not.
Posted by killabee (Member # 860) on :
Something I see as hopefull is that Scott never seems to reply to these "coming back" threads. Now if nothing was happening he could say don't get your hopes up or something like that. BUT if something was happening he couldn't say a thing, which he doesn't. (Come on buddy don't prove me wrong)
Posted by LT14SHOW (Member # 2187) on :
Camaro 2008? Could it be? I hope so! Posted by BrostalSS (Member # 1830) on :
Zeta! Zeta! Zeta! Zeta!
Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on :
quote:Originally posted by BrostalSS: Zeta! Zeta! Zeta! Zeta!
If it's got curves like the Catherine Zeta....I'd buy one in a second!!! Meow!
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
quote:Originally posted by el ess1:
quote:Originally posted by BrostalSS: Zeta! Zeta! Zeta! Zeta!
If it's got curves like the Catherine Zeta....I'd buy one in a second!!! Meow!
Vroom... Vroom.... Posted by Joey Red (Member # 550) on :
I would definetly purchase the "Catherine the Great" edition!
Posted by FireChicken (Member # 2067) on :
quote:Originally posted by Joey Red: I would definetly purchase the "Catherine the Great" edition!
I think the thread has been officially hijacked.
However, I think Killabee is correct, about the St. Therese plant having exclusive rights to produce a car with the camaro nameplate until 2007-2008 or so. The only way another vehicle can be produced somewhere else under that nameplate is if the plant is torn down. I think there may also be some other conditions in the contract. Someone posted on this a few months ago. My interpretation is that all of the conditions that would restrict new camaro construction are very rapidly being removed from legal obligations that GM has with unions, governments, etc.
Also, the article said something else interesting, another mention of the grand prix/monte carlo platform going back to real wheel drive. I have heard this rumor before from other people, but it makes sense if you remember that GM recently scratched plans to make a car-based RWD 5 speed automatic transmission, and then immediately started a plan to make a car-based 6 speed RWD tranny. I do not belive that GTO's, Vettes, and CTS's will provide enough of a market to justify the enormous expenditure of engineering a new transmission (especially one that pushes new limits on auto tranny technology). It is therefore reasonable to assume that GM must have some new RWD cars in the works to support this tranny, or else they would just stick with the 4L60E, like they have used on EVERYTHING else for forever.
The fact that these rumors and bits of information about RWD-related projects persist suggest that GM is beginning to get really hardcore about RWD vehicles. Much more so than any other auto manufacturer. I think that will seriously put them ahead of the game in terms of reliability, performance. I also seriously doubt that they would ignore what is considered a flagship vehicle in terms of history and sale volume by most people. So just hang in there, be patient, and lets see what happenes. In the mean time, Im not planning on selling my Fcar, and I suggest that all of you hold on to yours as well (if possible).
Posted by MMMM_ERT (Member # 1599) on :
Well my opinion....
...............nevermind. Posted by Z28-SORR (Member # 1565) on :
quote:Originally posted by el ess1:
quote:Originally posted by BrostalSS: Zeta! Zeta! Zeta! Zeta!
If it's got curves like the Catherine Zeta....I'd buy one in a second!!! Meow!
Ah, um, I a,......damn. Oh yah, Camaro's. I a .............drool.................
Posted by MOO4340 (Member # 471) on :
Lets see, that means I will be 64 years old then, can I still drive an SS, that is the question. M004340 KICKBACK
quote:Originally posted by blkragss02: Three industry sources said the auto maker is considering Oshawa for a rear-wheel-drive platform called Zeta that will provide the base for the next generation of the Pontiac GTO sedan, and a return of the Chevrolet Camaro sports car in 2008.
In talks with federal, Ontario governments for major assembly, research upgrades
OTTAWA and TORONTO -- General Motors of Canada Ltd. is involved in serious discussions with Ontario and Ottawa seeking financial help for an investment of up to $2-billion to revamp two assembly plants and significantly increase research and development activities, The Globe and Mail has learned.
The plan, which could also include upgrades to other GM assembly and parts operations in Ontario, would provide a significant boost for a sector that has been battered by assembly plant closings, cancellation of new projects earmarked for Canada and a flood of investment into the U.S. South.
The world's largest auto maker is also examining boosting its research operations in Canada, perhaps increasing the studies it now helps finance at the University of Windsor or developing a new "centre of excellence" for auto research, sources say. That would provide a major shot in the arm for the intellectual side of the industry by increasing high-tech design and engineering jobs that have not traditionally been Canada's strong suit.
The company's plans are far from final, industry and government sources said, but an investment of $2-billion would represent one of the largest such programs yet in the auto industry in Canada.
It would also preserve thousands of well-paid jobs at two GM car assembly plants in Oshawa, and create hundreds of new R&D jobs, as well as spinoff jobs in the auto parts sector and elsewhere.
"We are putting together a proposal," said Joe Fontana, parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Paul Martin. "At the end of the day, it's going to be a three-way partnership."
GM spokesman Stew Low would not confirm or deny that there are discussions on specific projects.
"General Motors of Canada has ongoing discussions with all levels of government about the health of the industry and potential projects at GM," Mr. Low said yesterday.
The GM talks come as the two governments also deal with a request from Ford Motor Co., which is seeking financial help to turn its Oakville, Ont., complex into a leading-edge, flexible assembly operation. Ford is seeking about $200-million.
The GM discussions centre on a major retooling of the auto maker's two Oshawa, Ont., car assembly plants.
These plants now assemble Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo models and Buick Regal and Century sedans.
Among the possibilities for Oshawa are turning the car plants into flexible assembly plants with multiple models coming off one or more platforms -- a platform is the basic chassis and underpinning of a vehicle -- or rebuilding assembly lines to switch to rear-wheel-drive cars from the current front-wheel-drive vehicles made there.
Three industry sources said the auto maker is considering Oshawa for a rear-wheel-drive platform called Zeta that will provide the base for the next generation of the Pontiac GTO sedan, and a return of the Chevrolet Camaro sports car in 2008.
But a senior industry source who is familiar with GM's product programs said it's too early to identify Oshawa as the source of Zeta vehicles.
Another option is a new front-wheel-drive platform code-named Chi in the series of new GM platforms named after the letters in the Greek alphabet.
The company's Oshawa operations are regarded as a glittering jewel, industry sources in Detroit said, in part because the plants rank highly in key industry quality and productivity studies.
A pickup truck assembly plant at the complex is operating on three shifts and will receive some new capital spending as part of the redesign of the company's full-sized pickups and sport utility vehicles in 2007.
One car plant is also a three-shift operation, and the other one runs two shifts a day, which means the complex is operating eight of a possible nine shifts every day.
The three assembly plants employ about 11,000 workers, while the Regional Engineering Centre, which was the lead design centre on the Chevrolet Equinox SUV assembled at Cami Automotive Inc. in Ingersoll, Ont., employs 300 engineers.
The two levels of government are expected to be asked to contribute collectively as much as $400-million to the GM projects, although one federal official said GM hasn't revealed exactly what it wants to do, or how much it wants from governments. "We're still dancing around the table a bit."
The official said that the company is good at reading "government tea leaves" and realizes Ontario and Ottawa would love to make an announcement about a major investment soon.
Such an investment would be particularly welcome by the federal Liberals, with an election expected to be called for June 28.
Ontario recently announced a $500-million fund aimed specifically at attracting new or replacement assembly plant investments, but it limits the amount it will provide to 10 per cent of a project's total cost. That means GM would qualify for $200-million from Ontario if it spends $2-billion and the investment meets provincial requirements
Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
Waiting patiently. Posted by Brian's 01 SS (Member # 1499) on :
If gas prices continue to go crazy, it may be electric powered, or just a memory. Just when the hp wars are getting good, gas has to go sky rocket.
On the other hand, if they build, I will buy. GM is definetly giving me plenty of time to save up a down payment, or save for a 427 for my 4th gen vert. I can't wait to long though. I wish they would just tell us what the hell is rumor and fact.
Posted by Y2KSS1363 (Member # 1564) on :
quote:Originally posted by MMMM_ERT: Well my opinion....
...............nevermind.
Thank you!
Posted by vyto2 (Member # 2265) on :
I'll buy one too if it looks like her! Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :
quote:Originally posted by vyto2: I'll buy one too if it looks like her!
Dang water spots Need a little Zaino glass polish and you can take those right off
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