The plant is one of GM’s newest, in operation for 13 years. Workers have been building the 1.4-liter engine since 2011, providing supplies for the current Chevrolet Volt, Cruze and Sonic.
“Attaining 1 million engines produced is always an important milestone,” said plant manager Terri Burden. “But this is particularly special because it comes as we prepare to launch an engine that will be a key part of GM’s global engine program for many years to come.”
The factory will stop building the 1.4-liter mill this week, making way for the modern Ecotec engine that will be used for the next-generation Cruze and Volt. The former will receive a turbocharged 1.4-liter variant, good for 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of twist, while the latter will be outfitted with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter edition that provides 101 ponies when the hybrid system runs of out battery charge.
Flint employees will be installing and testing equipment this week for the new project. The first batch of Ecotec engines will be headed to GM’s Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant before the end of the year for installation in the new Cruze. Volt production is slated for later in 2016.
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