GM to design, manufacture electric motors for vehicles

Jan. 26 -- General Motors says it will become the first domestic automaker to design and manufacture electric motors to operate hybrid and electric vehicles.

The company is investing $246 million in electric motor and electric drive facilities, and the motors will start appearing in 2013.

"In the future, electric motors might become as important to GM as engines are now," said Tom Stephens, vice chairman of global product operations. "By designing and manufacturing electric motors in-house, we can more efficiently use energy from batteries as they evolve, potentially reducing cost and weight -- two significant challenges facing batteries today."

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at 937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com