OSHAWA, Ontario (May 6, 2003) - For the second year in a row, GM Canada's Oshawa Car Assembly Plant has been rated the best in North and South America in the J. D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study released today. The Oshawa Car Plant 1 earned the Gold Plant Quality Award in the 2003 study and Oshawa Car Plant 2 earned the Gold Plant Quality Award in last year's survey.
Michael Grimaldi, president of General Motors of Canada said, "We are very proud of our car plant employees and the work they do for us every day. To earn the Gold Plant Quality Award is a great accomplishment, and to earn it two years in a row is truly remarkable. The effort of all our employees is what makes GM the top domestic manufacturer in the J. D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study."
"I want to congratulate all our employees and the CAW for this accomplishment. Over time GM of Canada employees have earned a reputation for consistently performing at a world-class level in quality and productivity," said Grimaldi.
Buzz Hargrove, president of the CAW said, " As a union, we've often stated our members know the product and have a great pride in the skilled work they do. Oshawa workers should be especially proud of their J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study Gold Plant Award. GM is proving that our members having more input into quality and productivity can pay dividends."
In addition to the overall highest quality plant, the Chevrolet Impala, which is built in Oshawa Car Plant 1, earned second place in the premium mid-size segment. The Buick Regal, built in Oshawa Car Plant 2 placed third in the premium mid-size segment.
Other highlights for General Motors' plants and vehicles from this year's study include;
Lansing Grand River (Michigan) silver award in Initial Quality Study in North and South America
Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Suburban and Oldsmobile Silhouette take top segment honours in Initial Quality Study
Eleven other vehicles finish second or third in their vehicle segments
Gains made in Initial Quality Study while GM was in launch phase for an unprecedented 44 percent of its vehicles for the 2003 model year
The Oshawa Car Assembly Plant 1 and 2 are home to the Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, the Buick Regal and Century, and the new 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, General Motors of Canada employs 23,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures a variety of vehicles, engines, transmissions and other components, and markets the full range of General Motors' vehicles and related services through 800 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Hummer, Saturn, Saab and Isuzu. More information about GM of Canada can be found at media.gmcanada.com.
Don't act soo suprised
