GM Only Automaker to Build Hybrid Transmission in United States; 75 Percent of 2-Mode Suppliers U.S.-based

WHITE MARSH, Md. – General Motors’ Baltimore Transmission Plant today officially began production of the auto industry’s most technologically advanced hybrid transmission – the only hybrid transmission designed and built in the United States by a major automaker.

The 2-Mode Hybrid transmission will debut in the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, the industry’s only full-size hybrid SUVs. GM’s Arlington, Texas, assembly plant will begin building the hybrid vehicles next month. For more information: http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_trucks/r_c_tahoe_hybrid/index.html.

“This 2-Mode Hybrid transmission is not only shifting the gears in the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids, it’s also helping shift GM’s efforts to reduce gasoline consumption and emissions into overdrive,” said John Buttermore, GM Powertrain vice president, global manufacturing. “Better yet, here in Baltimore we are showing that an American workforce is up to the task and can take the lead in advanced technology.”

More than 500 highly trained U.S.-based GM engineers and more than 350 highly skilled United Auto Workers members are assigned to the 2-Mode program, researching, developing, validating and manufacturing the most technologically advanced hybrid system in the auto industry.

In addition to GM designing and producing the 2-Mode transmission in the United States, more than 75 percent of the program’s suppliers are U.S.-based in 16 states.

Source and Full Story: GM Media Online