GM ends 25-year NUMMI partnership with Toyota

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General Motors has confirmed that it will dump its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) joint venture that it established with Toyota more than 25 years ago. Located in Fremont, California, the NUMMI plant was last responsible for versions of the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma, as well as the Pontiac Vibe.

But with GM’s decision to discontinue the Pontiac brand, the automaker decided to stop selling the Vibe. There was hope that GM would use the facility to produce another model but it appears that all chances have since been eroded.

Troy Clarke, GM’s North American chief said in a statement that GM and Toyota could not reach an agreement on a future product “that made sense to all parties.” As a result, NUMMI would be considered part of the “Old GM” and sold off as the company works its way through bankruptcy.

Clarke also said there were no future GM vehicles planned for the joint venture at this time. “We have enjoyed a very positive and beneficial partnership with Toyota for the past 25 years, and we remain open to future opportunities of mutual interest,” he said.

The NUMMI facility currently employs more than 4,500 UAW workers and 890 salaried personnel. The plant produces about 250,000 cars and 170,000 trucks a year.

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