General Motors has confirmed it is ending production of its BrightDrop electric delivery vans at the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, leaving the future of the Ingersoll, Ont., facility uncertain.
Production at the plant was paused in May when GM cited slowing demand in the commercial EV market. The company said today’s decision will not see BrightDrop vehicles made elsewhere, marking a complete end to the line that was pegged to be a cornerstone of Ontario’s electric-vehicle ambitions.
“The decision to end production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van is driven by market demand and in no way reflects the commitment and skill of our workforce at CAMI,” said Kristian Aquilina, GM Canada’s president and managing director, in a statement.
GM said in a statement that hourly employees will receive six months’ salary along with possible lump-sum payments and other benefits, in line with provisions of the collective agreement with Unifor. The company will work with the union and both levels of government to “evaluate next steps for the future of CAMI.”
BrightDrop’s launch in 2021 was billed as a significant step in GM’s push toward an all-electric future. But the company said the commercial EV sector has developed much more slowly than expected, citing weaker demand, regulatory changes and the loss of U.S. tax credits for electric delivery vehicles.
The Ingersoll plant had been operating below capacity since production began in late 2022, following a $1-billion retooling investment supported by the federal and provincial governments.
CAMI Assembly, which employs about 1,200 people, has been a significant economic driver for the Ingersoll region since opening in 1989. GM said it remains committed to finding “meaningful opportunities” for the site, though it has not specified what products could be built there next.
Unifor Local 88, which represents CAMI workers, has not yet responded to CBC News about the announcement.
More to come.
