Tagged: gm

There’s a sense that American automakers have turned the corner.

Just ask factory folks from Ford and General Motors, who are showing off their latest wares at the Buffalo Auto Show this week.

Sure, there are new vehicles polished from hood to tire, but this year the event pushes the narrative that domestic automobile manufacturing is back, as both companies’ western New York facilities prepare to hire and increase production.

The General Motors Engine Plant in Tonawanda is opening its doors to the public today, for the first time in eight years. The event is part of the automaker’s attempt to re-brand itself after its bankruptcy and bailout.

“You’re going to have the spouses walking by seeing what their loved ones do for a living. Instead of thinking we’re sitting here playing cards,” says Bob Coleman, shop chairman in Tonawanda.

“A lot of people think we come to work and screw a nut on. It’s not true.”

General Motors is making a big investment in its Rochester manufacturing plant.

The auto giant is spending $100 million on new equipment that will pump out the next generation of fuel-efficient engine parts.

The move will also create 30 new jobs.

"A $100 million investment in this day and age is absolutely huge," said Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy. "I'm here to bear witness: GM had options all over this country. They chose Rochester. They chose to come here."

Earlier this week a judge approved a $773 million cleanup deal between the White House and Motors Liquidation Company (otherwise known as “Old GM”). The money will go to restoring toxic properties where former plants once stood. The Inland Fisher Guide plant in Salina, N.Y. is among the properties included in the settlement. There are 89 properties in 14 states total.

But the catch here is that the $773 million is for the toxic properties - not neighboring land that might be affected.

General Motors is doing a big promotional push around the Chevy Volt during the Rochester Auto Show. Here's a tour of the car, with GM's Gary Stottler, produced by the Innovation Trail's Zack Seward.

Autoworker-turned-car salesman Ken Staszak says it's easier to sell a car with a local connection. So for him, the Buffalo Auto Show is a chance to find out what's made here (at least in part).

"You're able to say that this was built by people from western New York. So these are your neighbors, these are your friends, your relatives, what have you. There's always a tie-in. Somebody from somewhere in Buffalo knows somebody that’s working there," Staszak says.

About 300 vehicles are on display at the show, which runs until Sunday. The event is an annual shindig that's been giving drivers new car fever for the past 108 years. And this year, in addition to flashy new luxury cars and innovative models like the Chevy Volt, the show is highlighting a resurgence of sorts for western New York's auto industry.