General Motors invests $100 million in autonomous vehicle production

General Motors announced a $100 million investment to modernise two manufacturing facilities in Michigan, reinforcing the company's ongoing commitment to automated driving.

«With human error still the leading cause of accidents, ultimately self-driving cars can help save many of the 1.25 million people around the world who die in crashes each year,» she said during the event.

Soon.

Production versions of the Cruise AV (autonomous vehicle) are scheduled for assembly at GM's Orion Township facility, with roof modules for self-driving cars coming from the Brownstown battery assembly plant, about an hour's drive from Lake Orion.

According to GM, the Cruise AV is the first production vehicle built from the ground up.

«We continue to make great progress on our commercialisation plans for 2019,» said Dan Ammann, president of General Motors.

«The UAW is committed to preparing our members for a future of advanced mobility, and this investment recognises our willingness to work together to build these self-driving vehicles,» added Cindy Estrada, vice president and division director of General Motors UAW.

Workers at the Brownstown battery assembly plant will handle the production of roof modules for all vehicles driving the aircraft.

Own labour force

Since January 2017, UAW Local 5960 workers at the Orion plant have assembled three generations of Cruise self-service aircraft for use in the most challenging urban environments, including downtown San Francisco.

«Whether related to traditional vehicles or advanced technology, our members are able to provide great products,» Estrada said.

Photo and source: General Motors.