This is the News that 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Lovers Have Been Waiting to Hear

Despite the push to build electric vehicles, GM and Chevrolet plan to build its top-selling gas-powered pickups for years to come.

In the last week, GM has announced over $2 billion in investments for future gas-powered vehicles. GM's latest announcement is the one that most pickup drivers have been waiting to hear. First, GM announced that it was spending over $1 billion on future Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty truck production. Next, the automaker announced it was investing over $500 million in future large SUV ICE production, protecting the future of Cadillac Escalades, GMC Yukons and Chevrolet Tahoes and Suburbans. Now, GM is promising to invest $632 million for the next generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500s and GMC Sierra 1500s.

GM Preserving Its Most Profitable Vehicles

GM has invested billions in the research and development of electric vehicles, but internal combustion engines are generating the automaker’s profits.

The money being spent at Fort Wayne Assembly will prepare the plant for production of the next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) full-size light-duty trucks. This investment will support new conveyors, tooling and equipment in the plant’s body and general assembly areas. As with the prior ICE announcements this week, product details and timing related to the future trucks are not being released. GM has announced nearly $2 billion in investments for Fort Wayne Assembly and more than $2.8 billion in Indiana manufacturing operations since 2013.

"Today we are announcing a significant investment to continue our industry-leading full-size truck business by preparing Fort Wayne Assembly to build the next-generation ICE full-size light-duty pickups,” said Gerald Johnson, executive vice president, Global Manufacturing and Sustainability. “This investment reflects our commitment to our loyal truck customers and the hard work of the dedicated Fort Wayne team.”
It also highlights the company’s commitment to continue providing customers with a strong portfolio of ICE vehicles for years to come.

Fort Wayne Builds the Popular Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500

Fort Wayne builds the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. Trucks are often the most profitable vehicles because they are less labor intensive. While the front half of the truck strongly resembles an SUV, the back half has fewer parts and typically requires fewer workers to assemble it. The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado was the best-selling retail full-size light-duty pickup in 2022. There is always a dispute between GM and Ford over who builds the best-selling trucks. Ford lumps all F-Series trucks into the sales numbers. GM breaks down Chevrolet and GMC by brand sales.

Contentious Contract Talks on the Horizon

The Detroit Three are heading into what are expected to be contentious contract negotiations with the UAW. The union released the same message about each of GM’s recent investments.

"When business is booming as it has been for the past decade — due to the hard work of UAW members — the company should continue to invest in its workforce,” said Mike Booth, UAW vice president, GM department. “It is good to see that GM recognizes the hard work you, the UAW membership, contribute to the success of this company. We are proud that UAW-GM members will continue to build quality, union-made products here in the USA."

The investments are seen by many as GM extending an olive branch to union leaders, by promising to continue future production. The union recently elected more militant leadership that has been calling for richer profit sharing and threatening possible strikes to get it.

Chevrolet Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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