OREANDA-NEWS. DMAX, Ltd., will invest USD 60 million to make design changes that meet future emissions requirements. The investment retains approximately 500 jobs at the joint venture between General Motors and Isuzu.

Established in 1998, DMAX has produced almost 1.6 million engines since opening in 2000. GM owns 60 percent and Isuzu owns 40 percent of the venture that makes the Duramax diesel for heavy-duty trucks.

“Today's announcement demonstrates GM's commitment to continuously invest in technologies that reduce the impact of our vehicles on the environment, while maintaining performance attributes required by customers in the areas of towing and hauling loads,” said GM North America Manufacturing Manager Christine Sitek.

“This investment represents a vote of confidence in our employees and IUE-CWA Local 755, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment and dedication to building the best diesel engine possible,” Sitek said.

DMAX, Ltd. has invested USD 760 million in the DMAX facility since 2000. “This joint venture is a great example of what can be achieved with a successful global partnership, and I extend my appreciation to the leadership of Isuzu for its commitment to the success of this operation,” Sitek said.

DMAX is home to the proven Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine used in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The current Duramax is SAE certified at 397 horsepower (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb-ft of torque (1,037 Nm) at a low 1,600 rpm. All Duramax engines include a high-pressure (30,000 psi/2,000 bar) Piezo-actuated fuel system for greater fuel efficiency, improved performance and reduced emissions. The Duramax is also available in the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.

“The successful partnership between GM, Isuzu and IUE-CWA Local 755 continues to bring new investment dollars to our plant,” said Maho Mitsuya, DMAX president and chief operating officer. “The Duramax diesel's performance is renowned in the industry, and these updates to improve our emissions will make it that much better.”