Shanghai GM Dong Yue Automotive Powertrain Begins Production of New 1.6L and 1.8L Ecotec Engines
18 May 2009
The Shanghai GM Dong Yue Automotive Powertrain joint venture in Yantai, Shandong, has begun production of a new series of GM Ecotec engines. The engines, with displacements of 1.6 and 1.8 liters, will power new Shanghai GM models built and sold in China.
The Ecotec engines were developed by GM in Europe. The application of Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) and a Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) ensures high torque at low rpm and high horsepower per liter. The 1.6-liter engine generates 54 kW/L of power, while the 1.8-liter engine produces 58 kW/L of power
.
The Ecotec engine program is a component of Shanghai GM’s Drive to Green strategy.
The introduction of the new Ecotec engines is an example of our commitment to share our company’s latest technology with our joint ventures in order to ensure that GM products sold locally are as efficient as possible. Our goal is to make all of our products and powertrains leaders in their class in fuel efficiency and emissions.
—Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group
Shanghai GM Dong Yue Automotive Powertrain, a joint venture between GM China, SAIC and Shanghai GM, began production in 2005. It builds engines for Chevrolet and Buick products manufactured by Shanghai GM. The facility has an annual capacity of 660,000 engines and 300,000 automatic transmissions working on three shifts.
Could those Chinese built engines + lithium batteries + e-control systems + etc + etc lower GM Volt vehicle cost to under $30K and make it a winner?
Posted by: HarveyD | 18 May 2009 at 04:18 PM
I would be concerned that outsourcing more domestic jobs would be very illreceived at this moment in time. Also, we need to be very careful when considering total cradle-to-grave lifetime environmental impact.
A steel mill in the United States uses a fraction of the amount of water a similar Chinese facility would use, and it would give off many fewer tons of harmful particulate and greenhouse emissions.
Indeed, shipping a heavy engine assembly from China takes energy as well. Or worse, assemble the entire car overseas (it would not be the first time; Chevy Aveo et. al) and ship the entire multiple thousand pound mass 6000 miles. Hopefully the Chinese engines are sold in the region, so we do not need to cross the ocean with heavy freight in either direction.
Posted by: Multi-Modal Commuter Dude (formerly known as Bike Commuter Dude) | 22 May 2009 at 12:06 PM