In October 2005, GM's Willow Run Transmission plant began production of an all-new six-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel drive vehicles. The new transmission improves fuel-economy by up to 4% over the conventional four-speeds it replaces, and is installed in 2006 Corvettes and Cadillacs and 2007 full-size SUVs.

Production of the transmission is the culmination of a $450 million, 3-year investment at the plant, which preserved nearly 600 UAW jobs. In February 2006, GM announced investment of another $152 million at the plant in order to increase production of the transmission, making total investment reach over $600 million.

In recognition of the investments GM has made to produce this transmission, the Green Machines Tour held a forum at Local 735 in Ypsilanti to showcase the new transmission, as well as other advanced technologies being produced by UAW members in the region. The forum also brought together policy makers and other stakeholders to discuss policy options that can encourage continued investments like these.

• Green Machines' Press Release: New UAW-Environmental Partnership Showcases Fuel-Efficient Technologies Made in Southeast Michigan
• GM's Press Release: New Six-Speed Transmissions Begin Production
Source: General Motors Corporation

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