GM to build new engine for 2010 rules

MORAINE, Ohio (AP) — General Motors Corp. plans to build a new heavy duty diesel engine at its plant in this Dayton suburb, investing $69 million and retaining more than 1,000 jobs, the automaker announced Tuesday.

GM said the new 6.6-liter V-8 turbo diesel engine will be produced at the DMAX plant, resulting in plant renovations, new machinery and tooling. GM said the engine will meet emissions standards in 2010, when production will begin.

“GM is transforming its product portfolio to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and 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,” said John Buttermore, GM Powertrain vice president of global manufacturing.

DMAX, established in 1998, is a joint venture between GM and Isuzu Motors Ltd. The plant currently employs 1,195 workers — 1,008 hourly and 187 salaried.

The announcement was made at a news conference inside the plant.

Buttermore said renovations of the 540,000-square-foot plant will begin in the next few months and production of the new engine will begin in January 2010.