We're finally smiling in Flint, MI

[Siwsan]

Not sure that this is actually "late breaking", but I just heard that the Chevy Volt engine WILL be built in Flint. No new plant to be built but they'll use the existing Flint Engine South plant. No new jobs, but at least the current jobs will stay.

[NightWatcher]

1. I hope people buy them, but the 35-40K price tag in this economy doesnt bode well

[Postman]

10. That's insane.

They have to sell these cars at an affordable price....

I'd like to buy one but I can't afford that.

Maybe they should be subsidized by the government to a certain degree in order to make them affordable?

[sarcasmo]

17. Most in this economy will not be able to afford that price tag and I thought they put that building

On hiatus.

[sutz12]

21. Yeah, but....

O's plan includes $8 Billion for new autos in the federal fleet, most to be hybrids and such.

A huge government fleet buy could drive costs and prices down.

Just saying.

[LanternWaste]

2. First bit of good news Flint's had in a long time...

First bit of good industry news Flint's had in a long time. Good for you guys!

Keeping my fingers crossed that Flint raises itself out of the doldrums it's been in for so long.

[Taverner]

3. SCHWEET!!!!

Its about time the city of my ancestors (well, grandparents and mom at least) catches a break

[Motown_Johnny]

4. Great news there. I think the Cadillac version of the Volt is 1 year behind in development

so hopefully it will use the same engine and it will also be built there.

[ejpoeta]

5. congrats!! a bit of good news in such a dismal time.

[deaniac21]

6. I lived there in the late 70's. I don't know how anybody there

could be smiling.

[Stinky The Clown]

8. Do you **ever** have anything positive to say?

Obviously someone lives there now. News that jobs will be there is good news.

Sorry you can't find even a glimmer of good in that.

:eyes:

[deaniac21]

20. I once spent a decade in Maryland in a single day.

[Stinky The Clown]

22. You know .... you deserve you

[Siwsan]

9. When you have your heart in a city, good news is like sunshine

I was born here, and except for my military time, have lived or worked in Flint. I've seen the best, and I've seen the worst of times. I really love this city and am thrilled with any positive developments, whether it has to do with the amazing restoration going on in the downtown, the expansion of the downtown UofM campus, or great news abou GM jobs FINALLY staying put.

[Seedersandleechers]

15. I'm doing my part

I've decided to buy a GM chevy Malibu.

[sufrommich]

19. Great post Siwsan and great news for Flint!!

:toast:

[EFerrari]

7. Thank you for the good news!

:)

[FarCenter]

11. Does this include the electric generator and the electric motor?

Or is it just the 1.4 L, 4-cylinder gas engine that drives the generator?

[Siwsan]

12. I believe, just the engine. I'm posting the story link

From today's Flint Journal:

http://www.mlive.com/business/mid-michigan/index.ssf/2009/02/chevrolet_volt_engine_to_be_bu.html

[FarCenter]

18. I don't think that the picture is the actual engine.

This one might be http://www.autoblog.com/photos/gm-flint-powertrain-1-4l-engine-1/1056719/

The pictue in the mlive article has a conventional alternator, which wouldn't be useful in the Volt, since the engine wouldn't start up during the first 40 miles driven. Also, the power steering pump, air conditioner compressor, etc have to be electically driven.

[JustJeking]

13. Yay! I'm glad Flint caught a break

:)

[Pithlet]

14. So happy to hear some good news about my hometown.

:thumbsup:

[tanngrisnir3]

16. Crossing vapor fingers.

[geardaddy]

23. Good to hear!

It's funny that you have a Welsh name and live in a Welsh-named town. :D