In a powerful show of commitment to American manufacturing and next-generation innovation, General Motors (GM) has announced a massive $888 million investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant to support production of the sixth generation of its iconic V-8 engines, destined for full-size trucks and SUVs.
Marking the largest single investment GM has ever made in an engine plant, this move underscores the automaker’s strategy to modernize its internal combustion engine (ICE) technology even as it expands its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio.
“This historic investment in Tonawanda highlights GM’s dual-track strategy—driving forward into an all-electric future while continuing to innovate and strengthen our gasoline-powered lineup,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. “Our Buffalo plant has been a pillar of American engineering for 87 years, and this new chapter will help us deliver more powerful, efficient, and cleaner engines for years to come.”
The next-gen V-8 engines will feature cutting-edge combustion and thermal management technologies, expected to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. The upgrade includes new machinery, advanced equipment, and significant facility renovations.
Tonawanda Propulsion, represented by UAW Local 774, becomes the second GM plant—after Flint Engine plant’s $500 million upgrade in 2023—to be selected for production of the sixth-generation engine platform. The plant will continue producing the current fifth-gen V-8 as it transitions to the next-gen models, with full-scale production scheduled to begin in 2027.
“For generations, our team has delivered excellence,” said Tara Wasik, Plant Director at Tonawanda. “This investment ensures that we remain a vital part of GM’s future, contributing to world-class propulsion systems while supporting our local community.”
The Tonawanda plant, which first opened in 1938, has long been a cornerstone of GM’s North American operations. This major investment not only secures hundreds of jobs but also reaffirms the automaker’s commitment to balancing innovation in EVs with continuous improvements in ICE technology.
As GM accelerates toward an all-electric future, this announcement highlights a critical truth: the internal combustion engine still has a vital role to play, especially in the high-performance truck and SUV segments. With this investment, GM aims to bridge today’s power with tomorrow’s promise.
