GM to Ramp up Silverado, Sierra Production While Trimming Back EVs

GM is adding more lines and capacity to produce more gas-powered Silverado and Sierra pickups at the expense of EV production.

For quite some time, General Motors remained confident that it was heading toward a future in which it would sell only all-electric vehicles, and those wheels were set in motion via many large investments. However, with EV adoption not quite happening at the rapid rate most expected, automakers are trimming back in that particular area in a big way. That includes even GM, which has reversed course as of late, and that pivot away from electrification and back toward ICE vehicles continues as the automaker now plans to boost gas Silverado and Sierra truck production.

“GM will begin production of the Cadillac Escalade, as well as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups at Orion Assembly in early 2027 to help meet continued strong customer demand,” the automaker said in a statement. Currently, the Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas, while the Silverado and Sierra are assembled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which will continue to be the case. Rather, GM wants to add those same vehicles to its lines at the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan due to strong demand.

What’s particularly notable about this news is the fact that previously, GM planned to only build EVs at the Orion plant, but has since shifted gears in a big way and is retooling that facility for the production of ICE models, too. Silverado, Sierra, and Escalade production at Orion is expected to kick off in 2027, and in the meantime, GM will also boost the output of those same models at their existing facilities as well.

This announcement comes on the heels of GM revealing that it will invest $888 million in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant in Buffalo, New York, with the intentions of building its sixth-generation V8 engines there, starting in 2027 as well. “Our significant investments in GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion plant show our commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and supporting jobs in the U.S.,” said Mary Barra, Chair and CEO. “GM’s Buffalo plant has been in operation for 87 years and is continuing to innovate the engines we build there to make them more efficient and higher performing, which will help us deliver world-class trucks and SUVs to our customers for years to come.”

Photos: General Motors

Join the Chevrolet Forums now!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.