GM to invest $65 million in US manufacturing units, create 163 jobs

American carmaker General Motors said it will invest $32 million in its Spring Hill plant and $33 million in Tonawanda Powertrain plant that will help together create or retain 163 jobs in the United States.

GM is committed to investing in manufacturing and jobs in the U.S., said Cathy Clegg, vice-president, Labor Relations. These investments in powertrain manufacturing technology will help us meet the growing needs of our customers for high quality, fuel efficient vehicles - both today and in the future, she said.

Engines used in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers are made at the company's Tonawanda, N.Y. plant, while its Spring Hill Plant will add capacity for direct-injection of four-cylinder engines to support the acceleration of its 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

The next-generation Malibu, which is scheduled to begin production in early 2012, will be sold in about 100 countries in six continents. Chevrolet will begin sales in the United States with the Eco, the carmaker said.

The Tonawanda and Spring Hill investments are part of $2 billion investment announced last month in the company's U.S. manufacturing units that will create or retain 4,000 jobs in 17 facilities in eight states. These investments are in addition to $3.4 million that the company has invested in U.S. manufacturing facilities since July 2009, adding or retaining more than 9,000 jobs.