General Motors announced the closure of its factories in Colombia and Ecuador. In a statement, the brand claimed that it will continue to be present in both countries, but only as a vehicle importer.
A GM confirmed that the process of closing the complex Colmotors (abbreviation for Fábrica Colombiana de Automotores) has already started in Bogotá. The complex was responsible for the production of the Chevrolet Joy, which was sold in the country and exported to other markets in Latin America since 2022. Previously, the hatch was produced in São Caetano do Sul (SP).
In Quito, where GM had a partnership with Ómnibus BB Transportes (OBB), the production of the pickup truck Chevrolet D-Max it will last until August. With the closure of the Ecuadorian factory, all employees will be laid off.
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Reasons for closure
The idleness of the factories weighed on the decision of the headquarters in Detroit (USA). The Bogotá complex operated with just 9% of its total productive capacity. In Quito, idleness reached 87% before closing.
A Colmotors was opened in Bogotá in 1957, always lending its assembly line to bigger brands. In 1979, the GM acquired 77.4% of the factory and became the majority shareholder.
A OBB was opened in 1979, in Quito, for the production and assembly of bus chassis. Two years later, in 1982, General Motors purchased part of the complex and began producing cars and auto parts.
With the closure of factories in Colombia and Ecuador, GM now only has units in Brazil and Argentina. See all:
- São Caetano do Sul (SP);
- São José dos Campos (SP);
- Mogi das Cruzes (SP);
- Gravataí (RS);
- Joinville (SC);
- Rosario (Argentina)
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