Expensive, heavy EVs are starting to feel like a liability for GM. The automaker is temporarily cutting production of the Cadillac Escalade IQ and GMC Hummer EV, which it says is “part of our standard process of aligning production to manage vehicle inventory.”
The pause will last from the day after Labor Day until October 6, and will impact about 360 employees, combined with previous actions. GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly told The Detroit Free Press, “Factory Zero is making temporary adjustments to production to align to market dynamics. General Motors updates schedules as part of our standard process of aligning production to manage vehicle inventory.”
The Factory Zero location builds the Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ, and it employs about 4,000 people. This latest decision adds 160 workers to the 200 already temporarily laid-off employees from a previous action in April.
GM has seen increasing sales for some of its higher-end electric models, but buyers are pushing for more affordable models. The automaker will soon revive the Chevrolet Bolt as a cheaper electric option, but it has also pledged more hybrids and plug-in hybrids to bridge the gap between gas vehicles and more expensive electric models.
[Images: General Motors]
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