GM picks Orion plant for small car

Sources close to the action are saying GM’s Orion Township plant will get the nod to produce an upcoming GM car based on the Chevy Spark. The selection needs the approval of GM’s directors, which could come as early as today.

This could mean a political setback for Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn), an outspoken critic of the government’s assistance to the Detroit automakers. The Spring Hill, Tennessee plant that once built Saturn cars was one of the final competitors for the new car. The other plant was in Wisconsin.

One of the influencing factors may have been the 100 percent, 25-year tax abatement offered by Orion Township to GM. It’s estimated the automaker will save $100 million over the 25-year period.