Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Last American Automaker Pulls Out of California (GM)

The Fremont NUMMI plant is not just the last place that American automakers had a presence in the Golden State but it is also the largest manufacturing operation in the Bay Area. The downward spiral in manufacturing looks to continue until the last holdout is waved goodbye by a left behind service sector saying "Vaya con Dios".
From General Motors:

GM Media Statement Regarding GM's Ownership Stake in NUMMI

"As part of its long-term viability plan, General Motors has decided that its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture with Toyota will not be a part of the 'New GM’. After extensive analysis, GM and Toyota could not reach an agreement on a future product plan that made sense for all parties. Accordingly, NUMMI will end production of vehicles for GM in August, and there are no future GM vehicles planned for the joint venture at this time. Given that, GM believes it is in the best interest of the ‘New GM’ and its stakeholders that we place our ownership interest in NUMMI in 'Old GM’. We have enjoyed a very positive and beneficial partnership with Toyota for the past 25 years, and we remain open tofuture opportunities of mutual interest.”