A little more than a week after General Motors announced wide-ranging cuts in Michigan and the U.S., Fiat Chrysler is said to be eyeing opening the first new assembly plant in Detroit in 27 years. 

People briefed on the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based automaker's plans have confirmed the news to outlets such as CNBC, the Detroit News and the Wall Street Journal. According to the reports, FCA would convert a vacant engine plant in Detroit into a new assembly plant as part of its plan to amp up its three-row Jeep, SUV lineup. 

The Detroit News specifically reports that the automaker would revive the Mack Avenue Engine II facility, which has stood empty since 2012. It is thought to be converted into a new assembly line for the 2021 three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Sources familiar with FCA's plans tell the newspaper that this new facility could see the addition of between 100 and 400 jobs in Detroit and Michigan. 

Spokespeople with the automaker have declined to comment on the circulating reports. The News reports that the last remaining auto assembly plant located in Detroit opened in 1991, and before that GM opened its soon to be shuddered Detroit-Hamtramck plant in 1985. 

Of course, this news for one of Detroit's Big 3 expanding in its city comes on the heels of one of its counterparts pulling out. Last Monday, GM announced it was planning to close three assembly plants and two propulsion plants in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland and Ontario by the end of 2019. 

The closures of the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Lordstown Assembly Plant in Warren, Ohio and Oshawa Assembly plant and propulsion facilities will result in the loss of about 14,700 jobs including 8,100 white-collar, salaried employees. 

The Detroit-based automaker faced harsh criticism from President Donald Trump, politicians and unions for pulling out of the American workforce. The president has not tweeted in response to the potential FCA expansion news. 

Toyota and its Lexus brand are bringing some serious speed with them to the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Downtown Detroit. 

A couple of weeks after Toyota confirmed it was bringing its Supra to the auto show, the automaker's Lexus brand said it would debut the 2020 RC F Track Edition in Detroit as well. CNET reports that Bob Carter, executive vice president of sales at Toyota, made the announcement during a Thursday, Dec. 6 media luncheon. 

The 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition will be street legal, and that it would be the "fastest, most powerful" model outside of its LFA supercar. Carter told the Automotive News that production of the new RC F Track Edition will be on a "very, very limited" basis. 

In addition to the new street legal Track Edition, Lexus will also reportedly refresh its standard RC F model for the 2020 model year. That's about all that is known regarding the new edition's debut, outside of the fact it will take place in Detroit. 

The 2019 NAIAS are open to the public from Jan. 19 to Jan. 27 at the Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit. Press preview days are scheduled for Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, which is when to check in with MLive for any breaking news, features and all of the fresh reveals. For ticketing information, click here. 

The economic impact of the 2018 show was $480 million, a $30-million increase from the previous year, according to the show's spokesperson. It's important to note that 2019 will represent the last time the auto show takes place in the brutally cold month of January in Michigan as it moves to June in 2020. 

About a month after the North American International Auto Show is held in Downtown Detroit, Chevrolet will unveil the new version of its best-selling pickup truck, the 2020 Silverado HD.

The General Motors brand says the new truck is built at its assembly plant in Flint, Michigan and that it is the third all-new Silverado model in 18 months.

The Detroit automaker first teased the new 2020 Silverado way back in April of this year. 

Chevy's 2019 Silverado reveal launched last year's Detroit auto show. The automaker rented out part of Detroit's Eastern Market for the big reveal back in January. It wasn't clear where the reveal of the 2020 Silverado will occur. 

"We know the needs and priorities of heavy-duty customers are different than those of either light-duty or medium-duty customers," Jaclyn McQuaid, chief engineer for the Silverado, said in a news release from the automaker.

"As such, we built a heavy-duty truck tailor-made for them that has more differentiation than ever before from light-duty models, offers advanced towing technologies to improve towing confidence and includes new features such as the integrated Bedstep, which makes it easier to access the bed while pulling a fifth-wheel trailer."

One of the more notable facts about the Silverado HD is that it only shares its roof with the Silverado 1500. "Every other piece of sheet metal" is HD exclusive, Chevy announced. On the inside, the Silverado HD and 1500 have an additional 3 inches of legroom on any crew cab or taller models. 

Under the hood, Chevy is offering two powertrains for the HD model including its all-new gasoline direct injection engine with a six-speed transmission, or the Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 with a 10-speed transmission. 

"The 2020 Silverado HD also will offer all-new customer-focused trailering technology, significant increases in towing and payload capabilities and a host of technologies and features designed specifically for heavy-duty truck customers," the automaker writes in the news release. "GM's focus on understanding truck customers has helped build the most successful truck franchise in the industry over the last four years.

"Since introducing the industry's first three-truck strategy with midsize, full-size light-duty and full-size heavy-duty trucks in 2014, GM has been the best-selling truck manufacturer for four consecutive years." 

The Silverado was the No. 2 top-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2016. Sales of the popular pickup dropped 4.3 percent, but GM still moved 574,876 trucks.

UAW officially filed its "formal objection" to General Motors announcing plans to close plants in Michigan, Ohio and Maryland with new statements from its president and vice president on Monday, Dec. 3. 

In all, the Detroit-based automaker plans to close the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Lordstown Assembly Plant in Warren, Ohio and Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario, and two propulsion plants in Michigan and Maryland by the end of 2019. 

"We have been clear that the UAW will leave no stone unturned and use any and all resources available to us regarding the future of these plants. Today, we wrote to GM formally objecting to its unilateral decision regarding four U.S. manufacturing facilities," UAW President Gary Jones said in a statement.

"There are issues related to this and to collective bargaining that we cannot discuss in detail at this point. But UAW members across this country are committed to using every means available to us on behalf of our brothers and sisters at Lordstown, Hamtramck, Baltimore and Warren, MI. UAW members and U.S. taxpayers invested in GM during their darkest days. Now it is time for them to invest in us!"

The automaker says that the closure of these plants will increase its cash flow by $6 billion by the end of 2020. The Associated Press reports the move will see 14,700 employees laid off, including 8,100 salaried, white-collar workers. 

Last week in the aftermath of the announcement, UAW called GM's decision a "callous" one that was "profoundly damaging to our American workforce." In his statement at the time, Terry Dittes, UAW vice president and director of the GM department, said GM's "decisions are a slap in the face to the memory and recall of that historical American made bailout." 

"This issue impacting our members, their families, the communities and all of America is much more complicated due to the known fact that GM is a major importer of their brands from China, Canada and Mexico that are sold in the United States," Dittes said in his most recent statement on Monday. 

"Versions of the Chevy Cruze and Impala are assembled in Mexico and Canada respectively and imported to the U.S. and those two vehicles are also assembled at Lordstown Ohio and Detroit Hamtramck Plant here in the USA."

President Donald Trump has echoed UAW's statements in expressing his disappointment in the stateside cutback in light of the government bailout. Before threatening to cut all subsidies to GM, Trump warned that the automaker was "playing around with the wrong person." 

Most recently the president said what the Detroit-based automaker is doing is "very counter to what other auto, and other companies are doing." 

Mary Barra, the automaker's CEO and chairman, said that these measures will continue GM's transformation into a "highly agile, resilient and profitable" company with some needed investment flexibility. Also as part of the cuts, GM will also cease production of the Chevrolet Impala, Volt and Cruze, and is also thought to be eyeing the Cadillac XTS, CT6 and Buick LaCrosse for the chopping block. 

"GM is committed to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in the U.S., as evidenced by our more than $22 billion investments in U.S. operations since 2009. Yesterday's announcements support our ability to invest for future growth and position the company for long-term success and maintain and grow American jobs," the automaker said in its own statement touting its commitment to the U.S. and Midwest. 

"Many of the U.S. workers impacted by these actions will have the opportunity to shift to other GM plants where we will need more employees to support growth in trucks, crossovers and SUVs. GM's transformation also includes adding technical and engineering jobs to support the future of mobility, such as new jobs in electrification and autonomous vehicles."

Prices in Michigan continue to drop to the point that the state is home to some of the cheapest gas in the nation as some stations are selling a gallon for as low as $1.75 as of Monday morning, Dec. 3. 

GasBuddy reports that three gas stations in Mason were selling a gallon of self-serve unleaded gasoline for $1.75 as of 9 a.m. Monday morning. Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says on Twitter that this $1.75 per gallon figure is among some of the cheapest in the country. 

The website reports that as of Monday morning, the average cost for a gallon of unleaded self-serve gasoline in Michigan is going for $2.27. While about 20 cents cheaper than the national average, this figure still doesn't even have the Great Lakes State in the top 10 for the lowest prices in the U.S. 

CHEAP GAS! Sub-$2/gal gas hits 27 states as the national average plummets to its lowest level since 2017: #gasprices pic.twitter.com/vcjcIlFSZB

-- Patrick DeHaan [?] [?][?] (@GasBuddyGuy) December 3, 2018

Oil in rally mode as OPEC, Canada look to trim production. It's been hard to predict when prices in MI/IN/OH/IL will go up, but it appears poised to be sometime this week.

-- Patrick DeHaan [?] [?][?] (@GasBuddyGuy) December 3, 2018

--

One month ago, prices in Michigan were going for about 50 cents higher at $2.72 per gallon. This massive drop in gas prices in Michigan and a large chunk of the U.S. is thanks to oil prices continuing to decline and crude inventories increasing for 10 consecutive weeks. 

See below for a rundown of prices across the state as of Monday morning: 

• Ann Arbor: $2.37
• Benton Harbor: $2.14
• Metro Detroit: $2.35
• Flint: $2.20
• Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland: $2.12
• Jackson: $2.13
• Lansing-East Lansing: $2.16
• Marquette: $2.46
• Saginaw-Bay City-Midland: $2.15
• Traverse City: $2.35

--

AAA Michigan 

One of Detroit's Big 3 automakers is reportedly planning on saving the reveal of one of its revived classics for this year's North American International Auto Show in the Motor City. 

Ford put out a teaser image and tweet all but confirming it would debut the resurrected Mustang GT500 on Jan. 14 at the Detroit auto show. During the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker's reception at last year's auto show, it played a video teasing the GT500 for a 2019 debut. 

We have 500 reasons why you should love the GT500. Here's the first one. [?] #FordMustang #GT500 pic.twitter.com/BcNtruKC4w

-- Ford Mustang (@FordMustang) November 28, 2018

The automaker previously reported that the Mustang Shelby GT500 will return with a V8, projected 700 horsepower engine -- "twice as powerful as the original 1967 Mustang performance model."

"Embodying Ford Performance team's motorsport expertise, this new Mustang is engineered to stand apart on roadways and racetracks, thanks to its new innovative track technologies, performance hardware, plus aggressive and functional track-tuned styling," Ford wrote in a news release from January. 

Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president of global operations, said at the automaker's 2018 auto show reception that the GT500 "will be the most powerful street-legal production Ford ever." 

--

The 2019 NAIAS are open to the public from Jan. 19 to Jan. 27 at the Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit. Press preview days are scheduled for Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, which is when to check in with MLive for any breaking news, features and all of the fresh reveals. For ticketing information, click here. 

The economic impact of the 2018 show was $480 million, a $30-million increase from the previous year, according to the show's spokesperson.

It's important to remember that 2019 will represent the last time the auto show takes place in the brutally cold month of January in Michigan as it moves to June in 2020. 

President Donald Trump continues to hone in on General Motors in the days following its announcement to close five plants resulting in the loss of nearly 15,000 jobs by the end of next year. 

In a series of interviews and press briefings earlier this week, Trump said he was "very disappointed" in the Detroit-based automaker and its CEO. The president, who was warned by GM months ago that his import tariffs would lead to "a smaller GM," sent his own warning that the company "was playing around with the wrong person." 

Trump followed these comments up with a Tuesday, Nov. 27 tweet saying he was looking at the possibility at cutting subsidies for GM.

This all came after GM announced it was closing the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Lordstown Assembly Plant in Warren, Ohio and Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario by the end of 2019. It will also close propulsion plants in Warren, Michigan and White Marsh, Maryland in the same timeframe. 

Now on Thursday, the president is saying the automaker is "very counter to what other auto, and other, companies are doing. He goes on to falsely claim that "auto companies are pouring into the U.S., including BW, which just announced a major new plant."

BMW has been considering a second U.S.-based assembly plant for a couple of years now, but it remains a consideration as nothing has been announced. The German automaker tells CNN that if it does, in fact, move forward with a new plant in the U.S., that it will be for the need to supply engines to its existing plants in North America.  

General Motors is very counter to what other auto, and other, companies are doing. Big Steel is opening and renovating plants all over the country. Auto companies are pouring into the U.S., including BMW, which just announced a major new plant. The U.S.A. is booming!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2018

The automaker is actually set to open a new assembly plant in Mexico sometime in 2019. BMW's largest plant is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina and is looking at adding 1,000 jobs to its already some 10,000 employees. 

"We have talked for the past few years about an engine plant to support our North American production and sales and we are not again investigating this option," the automaker told CNN. "In the future, we will have the scale where a step like this may make business sense."

The announced GM cuts would result in the loss of nearly 15,000 jobs and a 15 percent cut to its salaried workforce. About 8,100 of the 14,700 jobs cut were white-collar, salaried employees. 

Mary Barra, the automaker's CEO and chairman, said that these measures will continue GM's transformation into a "highly agile, resilient and profitable" company with some needed investment flexibility. The cuts are expected to result in an increase in the automaker's cash flow by $6 billion by the end of 2020. 

Also as part of the cuts, GM will also cease production of the Chevrolet Impala, Volt and Cruze, and is also thought to be eyeing the Cadillac XTS, CT6 and Buick LaCrosse for the chopping block. 

After harsh criticisms from Trump and other politicians poured in compounded by promises from UAW to fight the measure, GM posted a statement touting its U.S. and Midwest presence. 

The full statement from the Detroit-based automaker can be read below:

"GM is committed to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in the U.S., as evidenced by our more than $22 billion investments in U.S. operations since 2009. Yesterday's announcements support our ability to invest for future growth and position the company for long-term success and maintain and grow American jobs. Many of the U.S. workers impacted by these actions will have the opportunity to shift to other GM plants where we will need more employees to support growth in trucks, crossovers and SUVs. GM's transformation also includes adding technical and engineering jobs to support the future of mobility, such as new jobs in electrification and autonomous vehicles.

"We appreciate the actions this administration has taken on behalf of industry to improve the overall competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing."

....for electric cars. General Motors made a big China bet years ago when they built plants there (and in Mexico) - don't think that bet is going to pay off. I am here to protect America's Workers!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2018

For the first time in more than 25 years, Jeep will manufacture and sell a pickup truck in the United States in the hotly-anticipated, long-rumored 2020 Gladiator model.

The Fiat Chrysler brand unveiled its new truck offering on Wednesday, Nov. 28 from the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator will come in four trim options with a handful of customizable features thanks to Mopar offering more than 200 products for the model.

Jeep says that the Gladiator will be built in Toledo, Ohio and that it is due to hit dealers during 2019's second quarter. Trim options include the Sport. Sport S, Overland and Rubicon. Make sure to check out the gallery of the Gladiator at the top of this post. 

"Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure," Tim Kuniskis, head of the Jeep Brand in North America, said in a news release. 

"There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks, Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility and functionality resulting in the most capable midsize truck ever."

Get ready to enhance the most capable midsize truck ever, the all-new 2020 @Jeep(r) Gladiator, with more than 200 parts and accessories available from @OfficialMopar. #JeepGladiator #LAAutoShow https://t.co/ikmuLEheLk pic.twitter.com/F67obOaAmY

-- FCA-North America (@FiatChrysler_NA) November 29, 2018

The automaker says its design team made sure to keep that legendary grilled intact for the Gladiator, but added the twist to widen its slots for increased air intake for a better towing capacity. 

Engine offerings for Jeep's revived pickup include the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. FCA's Pentastar V6 is capable of making 285 horsepower with 260-pounds of torque, and its EcoDiesel 260 horsepower with 442-pounds of torque. 

Six-speed manual transmission comes standard with the 3.6-liter Pentastar, but the eight-speed automatic offering remains optional. 

"The new 2020 Jeep Gladiator offers an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling the vehicle to optimize engine output while on the trails or enjoying smooth, efficient power delivery at highway speeds," the automaker writes in the release.

"The eight-speed automatic is available on all Jeep Gladiator models. Gladiator's eight-speed automatic transmission offers a responsive driving experience. Whether commuting during the week or rock crawling or hauling cargo on the weekend, customers will enjoy a smooth, linear power delivery and improved fuel efficiency."

Watch: Live Q&A on the All-New Jeep(r)[?] Gladiator, with John Mrozowski, Vehicle Line Executive. #LAAutoShow #JeepGlad https://t.co/BLxUdmkvnv

-- Jeep (@Jeep) November 28, 2018

Jeep says it used advanced materials for its body-on-frame build and its "all-new lightweight, high-strength steel frame" to make the truck as stiff yet durable as possible. The Gladiator's frame is said to be 31 inches longer than the Wrangler four-door, and that its wheelbase is 19.4 inches longer. 

It will come with a traditional steel bed with four steel cross-members reinforcing the floor with a damped aluminum tailgate. There are four skid plates and bars installed to protect the fuel tank, transfer case and transmission oil pan while hitting the trail.

The automaker says it used lightweight, high-strength aluminum for the closures on the doors, hinges, hood, fender flares, windshield frame and the tailgate to improve overall weight and fuel economy ratings. 

To properly bring Jeep's pickup trucks into the current era of technology and advanced features, the automaker says the Gladiator will come with more than 80 available safety and security features. This includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, off-road forward-facing cameras, backup and parking cameras with dynamic grid lines, and adaptive cruise control and electronic stability control, among others. 

As for the off-road features, Jeep says that the 2020 Gladiator model will come with two 4x4 systems including the Command-Trac 4x4 and Rock-Trac 4x4. 

The Command-Trac system comes standard on the Sport and Overland trims, and features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ration and a 3.73 rear-axle ratio. 

The Rock-Trac system comes standard on the Gladiator Rubicon, and offers a "4LO" ratio of 4:1 and a 4.10 front and rear axle ratio. Both systems are said to offer full-time torque management and optimal grip for low-traction situations. 

"Manufacturing capacity for the new truck was created by moving production of the next-generation Jeep Wrangler to the north side of the Toledo Assembly Complex as part of a $4.5 billion industrialization plan to realign the Company's U.S. manufacturing base to expand the Jeep and Ram brands," FCA reports. 

"FCA US invested $700 million to retool the north plant and added more than 700 new jobs to support production of the new Wrangler."

TOLEDO, OH -- Nine African-American employees at the General Motors plant in Toledo, Ohio have filed a lawsuit against the company claiming the auto giant allowed racial discrimination and failed to properly handle reported incidents, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The lawsuit claims that on several occasions, nooses were found hanging by work stations manned by black workers. The workers say the took pictures and reported the incidents to supervisors who promised to investigate, but no action appears to have been taken.

Swastikas were painted or carved into walls in the bathrooms, signs reading "whites only" were painted on walls and white employees telling blacks to "go back to Africa" are also among the complaints filed in the lawsuit.

GM told the Free Press that it responded to an incident from March 2017 but was unaware of other racist incidents at the plant.

The nine plaintiffs are seeking compensation for lost wages and mental pain along with changes made at the plant to fix the culture among the workers.  The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 21 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Toyota unveiled two new offerings of two of its stalwart models at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week in its first-ever Prius all-wheel-drive and hybrid Corolla models.

The Japanese automaker reports in a news release that the 2020 Corolla Hybrid will come equipped with a 1.8-liter engine that comes with an estimated 50 miles per gallon fuel economy rating. The first hybrid offering in 53 years of Corollas will also come with Toyota Safety Sense. 

As for the eagerly anticipated AWD-e Prius (the "e" is for electric), Toyota says this will come with an estimated 52 mpg combined, 54 mpg city and 50 mpg highway and will be "one of the most fuel-efficient AWD-equipped vehicles in America." 

The automaker isn't holding anything back in terms of predictions for the Prius AWD-e, as Toyota says it estimates the new offering "could account for as much as 25 percent of annual U.S. Prius sales." 

In 2017, Toyota sold more than 108,000 vehicles in its Prius family of models. 

"Toyota's AWD-e system is ideal for Prius. The automatic on-demand system does not require a center differential or other torque-apportioning device, nor does it need a front-to-rear driveshaft," the automaker reports in the release. 

"The Prius AWD-e uses an independent electric, magnet-less rear motor (a Toyota first) to power the rear wheels from 0 to 6 mph, then when needed, up to 43 mph. This system provides the power to the rear wheels to pull away from a stop, yet the on-demand system recognizes when all-wheel-drive performance is not needed to provide great fuel economy."

The automaker says the AWD-e model will come with a newly-designed front and rear exterior, with additional interior updates and changes. This Prius model will be offered in LE and XLE trims, and will debut with the automaker's new two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels. 

Dashing through the...whoa! Meet the 2019 Prius available with new AWD-e system https://t.co/9TKQSFBYrz pic.twitter.com/1BRev1Gj9S

-- Toyota USA (@Toyota) November 28, 2018

As for the first hybrid Corolla model, Toyota says this one will come equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine with two motors "through an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission transaxle." The hybrid Corolla is estimated to being able to make 121 horsepower, and will come with a NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes. 

"The nickel-metal hydride battery pack employs a newly developed technology called Hyper-Prime Nickel to boost battery performance in a smaller and lighter package," the automaker writes in a news release.

"The battery's smaller size and flatter shape allow it to be packaged under the rear seat, rather than taking up trunk space, and also allowing a 60/40 split folding rear seatback to expand cargo capacity. The battery location also contributes to the vehicle's lower center of gravity, a boon to agility. The engine, working in concert with the electric motor, assures responsive performance, while exemplary energy efficiency is achieved by using both electric motors for hybrid battery charging."

Electrifying design meets electrified power in first-ever #Corolla #Hybrid https://t.co/0duUIP0duw pic.twitter.com/psjlvrFSAQ

-- Toyota USA (@Toyota) November 28, 2018

General Motors is responding to President Donald Trump's harsh criticism and threats of pulling subsidies by touting its track record and accomplishments in the United States. 

Earlier this week, GM announced it was planning to close three assembly plants and two propulsion plants in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland and Ontario by the end of 2019. After hammering GM in the press and an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the president tweeted that he was "very disappointed" and was looking at cutting subsidies at GM including for electric cars. 

Trump said he "was very tough" with GM CEO Mary Barra, and that he reminded her that "you know, this country has done a lot for General Motors. You know, the United States saved General Motors, and for her to take that company out" is not good. 

The closures of the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Lordstown Assembly Plant in Warren, Ohio and Oshawa Assembly plant and propulsion facilities will result in the loss of about 14,700 jobs including 8,100 white-collar, salaried employees. 

After harsh criticisms from Trump and other politicians poured in compounded by promises from UAW to fight the measure, GM published a statement to its media website touting its stateside presence. 

The full statement from the Detroit-based automaker can be read below:

"GM is committed to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in the U.S., as evidenced by our more than $22 billion investments in U.S. operations since 2009. Yesterday's announcements support our ability to invest for future growth and position the company for long-term success and maintain and grow American jobs. Many of the U.S. workers impacted by these actions will have the opportunity to shift to other GM plants where we will need more employees to support growth in trucks, crossovers and SUVs. GM's transformation also includes adding technical and engineering jobs to support the future of mobility, such as new jobs in electrification and autonomous vehicles.

"We appreciate the actions this administration has taken on behalf of industry to improve the overall competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing."

Very disappointed with General Motors and their CEO, Mary Barra, for closing plants in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland. Nothing being closed in Mexico & China. The U.S. saved General Motors, and this is the THANKS we get! We are now looking at cutting all @GM subsidies, including....

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2018

In announcing the wide-ranging cuts, Barra said that these moves would continue the automaker's transformation into a "highly agile, resilient and profitable" company with some needed investment flexibility.

The cuts are expected to result in an increase in the automaker's cash flow by $6 billion by the end of 2020. 

GM will also cease production of the Chevrolet Impala, Volt and Cruze, and is also believed to be eyeing the Cadillac XTS, CT6 and Buick LaCrosse for the chopping block as well. 

"So we have a lot of pressure on them. You have senators, you have a lot of other people -- a lot of pressure," Trump said Monday afternoon, according to the White House. "They say the Chevy Cruze is not selling well. I say, 'Well, then get somebody -- get a car that is selling well and put it back in.'

"So I think you're going to see something else happen there, but I'm not happy about it. Their car is not selling well. So they'll put something else -- I have no doubt that, in a not-too-distant future, they'll put something else. They better put something else in."

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, called GM's choices a "warning" about protecting and keeping jobs stateside.

She added in an emailed statement that "congress must work together on bipartisan policies that keep manufacturing jobs in this country, develops clean energy, and supports infrastructure to transform our mobility future."

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan called the news "troubling," and said the city is working with UAW and others to find solutions for affected employees. 

"GM's production decisions, in light of employee concessions during the economic downturn and a taxpayer bailout from bankruptcy, puts profits before the working families of this country whose personal sacrifices stood with GM during those dark days," Terry Dittes, UAW vice president and director of the GM department, said in a statement. 

"These decisions are a slap in the face to the memory and recall of that historical American made bailout."

We're committed to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in the U.S. Many of the U.S. workers impacted by our actions will have the opportunity to support new growing areas...

-- General Motors (@GM) November 27, 2018

...That includes adding technical and engineering jobs that support the future of mobility. We're on a journey to create a better world today, and for generations to come.

-- General Motors (@GM) November 27, 2018

President Donald Trump isn't pulling any punches when it comes to General Motors closing plants in Michigan, Ohio and Maryland, and now says he is looking at cutting all subsidies to the automaker in retaliation. 

Trump, who was warned by the automaker months ago that his import tariffs would lead to "a smaller GM," sent out his own warning that GM "was playing around with the wrong person." 

This news comes from a tweet posted to Trump's Twitter account from Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 27. In the tweet, Trump says that he is "very disappointed" with the Detroit-based automaker and its CEO saying that "nothing is being closed in Mexico & China. The U.S. saved General Motors, and this is the THANKS we get!" 

Trump added that his administration is looking at cutting subsidies at GM including for electric cars. 

Very disappointed with General Motors and their CEO, Mary Barra, for closing plants in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland. Nothing being closed in Mexico & China. The U.S. saved General Motors, and this is the THANKS we get! We are now looking at cutting all @GM subsidies, including....

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2018

....for electric cars. General Motors made a big China bet years ago when they built plants there (and in Mexico) - don't think that bet is going to pay off. I am here to protect America's Workers!

-- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2018

--

These tweets come after Trump spoke with the Wall Street Journal on Monday, and disclosed that he spoke with GM CEO Mary Barra about the layoffs and closures on Sunday night. He claims to have suggested to Barra that the automaker cease production in China and replace it with a new plant in Ohio. 

"I love Ohio," he told WSJ in the interview. "I said, 'I heard you're closing your plant. It's not going to be closed for long, I hope, Mary, because if it is you have a problem."

CNN reports Trump said he "was very tough" with Barra, and that he reminded the automaker's CEO that "you know, this country has done a lot for General Motors. You know, the United States saved General Motors, and for her to take that company out of Ohio is not good."

Specifically, GM announced plans to close the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Lordstown Assembly Plant in Warren, Ohio and Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario by the end of 2019. It will also close propulsion plants in Warren, Michigan and White Marsh, Maryland in the same timeframe. 

This will result in the loss of nearly 15,000 jobs and a 15 percent cut to its salaried workforce. About 8,100 of the 14,700 jobs cut were white-collar, salaried employees. 

Mary Barra, the automaker's CEO and chairman, said that these measures will continue GM's transformation into a "highly agile, resilient and profitable" company with some needed investment flexibility. The cuts is expected to result in an increase in the automaker's cash flow by $6 billion by the end of 2020. 

North America isn't the only area feeling cuts, as GM also says it will close the assembly plant in Gunsan, Korea in addition to two other non-North American plants by the end of next year. 

As part of the cuts, GM will also cease production of the Chevrolet Impala, Volt and Cruze, and is also thought to be eyeing the Cadillac XTS, CT6 and Buick LaCrosse for the chopping block. 

As political and union pressure in the United States continues to heat up in the aftermath of General Motors announcing wide-ranging cuts, the same can be said for officials north of the border in Canada. 

Jerry Dias, the president of the Canadian union Unifor, met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tuesday, Nov. 27 and has said that "they aren't closing our damn plant without one hell of a fight." According to the union's Twitter account, Unifor says everything is on the table to work out a deal to keep the plant and that tariffs on Mexico should be considered if necessary. 

The Canadian plant in question is the Oshawa Assembly Plant in Oshawa, Ontario. GM says it will aim to close the plant by the end of 2019, in a move that will affect a reported 2,500 unionized positions and 300 white-collar workers.  

"While the union does not have complete details of the overall announcement we have been informed that, as of now, there is no product allocated to the Oshawa Assembly Plant past December 2019," Unifor, the union representing the affected workers, said in a news release in response to the news.

"Based on commitments made during 2016 contract negotiations, Unifor does not accept this announcement and is immediately calling on GM to live up to the spirit of that agreement."

"It is clear [?]@GMcanada[?] plan is about disinvestment in Canada. If GM were successful in closing Oshawa, which they won't be, that would leave 1 GM vehicle left that is produced in Canada," says [?]@JerryPDias[?] #OshawaMadeGM pic.twitter.com/DEE95mEfE0

-- Unifor Canada (@UniforTheUnion) November 27, 2018

Following #Unifor's meeting with @JustinTrudeau @JerryPDias says "If @GMcanada won't change it's position then #Canada should consider tariffs on imported vehicles from Mexico. #GM has options here." #OshawaBuiltGM pic.twitter.com/WUatB4ygN7

-- Unifor Canada (@UniforTheUnion) November 27, 2018

"Everyone knows what is going on here - #GM is leaving #Canada. @JustinTrudeau is going to roll up his sleeves and that's what we wanted here today," says @JerryPDias. #canlab #OshawaMadeGM pic.twitter.com/cd4VOMlWhT

-- Unifor Canada (@UniforTheUnion) November 27, 2018

#Unifor's @JerryPDias tells Oshawa #GM workers that the plant will not close without a hell of a fight. #canlab pic.twitter.com/VEOL57Vp7q

-- Unifor Canada (@UniforTheUnion) November 26, 2018

--

The factory in Oshawa opened back in 1953, and has been used to make GM's Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierras. A.P. says a GM spokesperson declined to comment on the matter as of Monday morning. 

"If GM Canada is indeed turning its back on 100 years of industry and community -- abandoning workers and families and Oshawa -- then this is a callous decision that must be fought," Jennifer French, Oshawa representative in the provincial legislature, said in her own statement. 

After GM announced it would close assembly and propulsion plants in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland and Ontario by the end of 2019, President Donald Trump said he warned the Detroit-based automaker they were "playing around with the wrong person. 

Trump, who was warned by the automaker months ago that his import tariffs would lead to "a smaller GM," spoke with the Wall Street Journal on Monday, Nov. 26. He said he spoke with GM CEO Mary Barra the night before the cuts were announced, and claims to have suggested the automaker cease production in China and replace it with a new plant in Ohio. 

Despite closing an assembly and propulsion plant in Michigan, the president focused on the loss of the Ohio plant going as far as saying "they better damn well open a new plant there very quickly."

"I love Ohio," he told WSJ in the interview. "I said, 'I heard you're closing your plant. It's not going to be closed for long, I hope, Mary, because if it is you have a problem."

CNN reports Trump said he "was very tough" with Barra, and that he reminded the automaker's CEO that "you know, this country has done a lot for General Motors. You know, the United States saved General Motors, and for her to take that company out of Ohio is not good."

General Motors just announced plans to lay off nearly 15,000 workers and shut down plants across the US. This is the same @GM that got a huge tax break from the #GOPTaxScam and spent $4.5 billion on stock buybacks last year. It's shameful. https://t.co/7C7W77PouW

-- Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 26, 2018

--

Specifically, GM announced plans to close the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Lordstown Assembly Plant in Warren, Ohio and Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario by the end of 2019. It will also close propulsion plants in Warren, Michigan and White Marsh, Maryland in the same timeframe. 

This will result in the loss of nearly 15,000 jobs and a 15 percent cut to its salaried workforce. About 8,100 of the 14,700 jobs cut were white-collar, salaried employees. 

North America isn't the only area feeling cuts, as GM also says it will close the assembly plant in Gunsan, Korea in addition to two other non-North American plants by the end of next year. 

Mary Barra, the automaker's CEO and chairman, said that these measures will continue GM's transformation into a "highly agile, resilient and profitable" company with some needed investment flexibility. The cuts is expected to result in an increase in the automaker's cash flow by $6 billion by the end of 2020. 

"This morning (Monday), I spoke to Mary Barra and she advised me for the first time of the situation at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said. "The news is troubling. 

"We all know there is strong demand for manufacturing space in Detroit and we are willing to work with GM to fill all the available manufacturing space at Poletown with either GM-related entities or other companies."

UAW responded by calling the automaker's moves a "callous decision" that is "profoundly damaging to our American workforce." Much like Trump, the union pointed to the past of the "historical American-made bailout." 

"GM's production decisions, in light of employee concessions during the economic downturn and a taxpayer bailout from bankruptcy, puts profits before the working families of this country whose personal sacrifices stood with GM during those dark days," Terry Dittes, UAW vice president and director of the GM department, said in a statement. 

"These decisions are a slap in the face to the memory and recall of that historical American made bailout."

As part of the cuts, GM will also cease production of the Chevrolet Impala, Volt and Cruze, and is also thought to be eyeing the Cadillac XTS, CT6 and Buick LaCrosse for the chopping block. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has launched an investigation into about 2.7 million General Motors trucks and SUVs after receiving more than 100 complaints concerning brake performance.

In documents filed with the NHTSA, there are nine crashes and two injuries connected to vehicles included in this investigation. The investigation includes 2014 through 2016 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, and Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. 

"These conditions are attributed to deterioration of the engine-driven brake assist vacuum pump. Nine of these incidents included vehicles incurring damage as a result colliding with another vehicle or fixed object at low speeds," the NHTSA reports on in its investigation.

"The brake assist vacuum pump is driven by an accessory belt on the engine and serves as the source of power brake vacuum in the subject vehicles. Over time, the pump's capacity to generate vacuum may deteriorate. The subject vehicles receive supplemental hydraulic brake assist from the ABS system, albeit at lower levels than the vacuum-powered primary system.

"If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance."

The federal agency will determine through the investigation how often the defect occurs and if a corresponding recall is necessary. The Associated Press reports that GM is monitoring complaints on affected vehicles and is working with the NHTSA in the process. 

Affected owners are advised to get their brakes examined by a GM dealer or repair shop, and to keep any related receipts as a reimbursement could be possible with a recall. 

To search active recalls, use the NHTSA's website to search your 17-character VIN at this link. VIN numbers are typically located under the driver's side windshield, or along the inside of the doors behind the seat or under the steering wheel. To sign up for NHTSA safety alerts for a specific vehicle, sign up at this link.