The engine powering the Chevrolet Colorado and Trailblazer has been replicated half a million times at the GM Powertrain Thailand. The first diesel engine plant of General Motors (GM) in Thailand and Southeast Asia reached this production milestone since operations started in 2011. It is the first GM facility in the world to produce the four-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel engine.
“The Duramax engines serve as the heart of our award-winning Colorado and Trailblazer. They are one of the most important components that we manufacture in Rayong for both domestic and export markets,” saidGM Southeast Asia president Hector Villarreal.
Both the 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter Duramax engines currently used in the Chevrolet Colorado and Trailblazer are two of the most advanced diesel powertrains in the market. The 2.5-liter engine features a fixed-geometry turbocharger, while the 2.8-liter sports a variable-geometry turbocharger. Both have aluminum cylinder heads, integrated oil cooler, high-pressure common-rail fuel delivery system for increased output, performance, fuel efficiency, and durability. An EGR cooler, employed for emissions compliance, is capable of up to a Euro-5 rating. A balancer shaft and laminated lower oil pan promise lower NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) during operation.
Said GM ThailandVP for manufacturing Amnat Saengjan, “GM Powertrain Thailand is the only GM facility that fully manufactures the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine. Our exports represented over 20 percent of total production, 80,000 engines of the four-cylinder diesel 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter Duramax engines in 2018…I am very proud of our team members who have taken a key role in helping us achieve this milestone, thanks not only to every team member’s hard work and dedication, but also to the growing popularity of the products that use the Duramax engine, the Chevrolet Colorado and Trailblazer. It shows how far we have come.”
GM Thailand’s Rayong facility was recognized for its outstanding efforts in environment conservation at the Prime Minister’s Industry Awards of 2018. It was one of two automotive companies which have receive the honor. The facility is part of GM’s 142 manufacturing and non-manufacturing landfill-free facilities globally.
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