Gas-electric hybrid vehicles are said to be the favorite green vehicles by Americans. Diesel engines on the other hand are being developed by European automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Audi. But General Motors, the largest American automaker, announced that it is also considering the production of clean diesel engines.
The Auto Channel reported that the Detroit automaker has earmarked $69 million for the building of a diesel engine assembly facility in Moraine, Ohio. The said assembly plant will be tasked to manufacture the new Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbocharged diesel engine. The engine has been designed to meet emission standards that will be in place by 2010. The engine was developed by General Motors in cooperation with Isuzu Motors.
John Buttermore, vice president of global manufacturing for General Motors Powertrain, said: "GM is committed to continuing to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across its portfolio and around the world. The 2010 Duramax diesel is an integral part of that transformation, as well as a component of GM's strategy to diversify vehicle energy sources."
"This new investment demonstrates GM's commitment to continue to invest in technologies that reduce the impact of our vehicles on the environment, while maintaining performance attributes required by customers in the areas of towing and hauling loads."
According to the report, the earmarked $69 million investment in Moraine has put the total investment by the company in Ohio to more than $1 billion. Buttermore had this to say: "Our investment in the DMAX joint venture is a significant vote of confidence in our employees and IUE-CWA Local 797, who have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to benchmark performance in safety, quality and efficiency required in today's competitive business climate."
"This joint venture is a great example of what can be achieved with a successful global partnership and I extend my appreciation to the leadership of Isuzu for their commitment to the success of this operation."
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland meanwhile had this to say: "General Motors' continuing investment in its Ohio manufacturing base demonstrates the strength of our partnership and Ohio's competitive business climate. I commend GM for investing in our state and the technologies that put Ohio at the forefront of clean vehicle manufacturing."
The step taken by General Motors in the development of a clean diesel engine will go a long way in the promotion of the use of the diesel engine in the United States. It also helps that these diesel engines are assembled using parts as reliable as
Acura distributor caps.
