GM Powertrain Thailand, General Motors’ (GM) first diesel engine plant in Southeast Asia, recently achieved its 500,000th production milestone since production officially started in 2011. It is the first GM facility in the world to produce the four-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel engine.

Both the 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter Duramax engines currently used in the Chevrolet Colorado and Trailblazer are produced in this facility. They are fairly advanced with a variable-geometry turbocharger, aluminum cylinder head, integrated oil cooler, high-pressure common-rail fuel delivery system for increased output, performance, fuel efficiency and durability. They also feature an EGR cooler for emissions compliance, capable of up to Euro-5 ratings, plus a balancer shaft and laminated lower oil pan for lower NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) during operation.

During the ceremonies, GM revealed that their operations in Thailand is the only facility that fully manufactures the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine. Moreover, 20 percent of their total production or around 80,000 engines were exported in 2018 alone.