GM to boost Bolt production, build Cruise AVs at Michigan plant for commercialization next year
General Motors Co. said Tuesday, as it unveiled its 2017 sustainability report at its annual general meeting, that it will increase production of its Bolt electrical vehicle this year in response to global demand. The carmaker said at least 20 new all-electric vehicles will launch globally by 2023, and is partnering with utilities and governments to accelerate the charging infrastructure as it looks to deliver on its vision of an “all-electric, emissions-free” future. The company also highlighted its mass-production methods for autonomous vehicles, and announced that production versions of its Cruise AV will be built at the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan, with commercialization in 2019. “We are in the midst of a transportation revolution as groundbreaking technologies and evolving customer lifestyles transform our vehicles and how we use them,” said GM Chief Executive Mary Barra. “We have the right team, technology, partners, manufacturing scale and mindset to lead this revolution.” The stock, which slipped 0.1% in premarket trade, has soared 18.6% over the past three months, while the S&P 500 has eased less than 0.1%.