Between the car shows, motor-sports events, new car reveals and car club events, enthusiasts have a multitude of destinations to choose from for summer activities. Here’s a novel idea: consider a tour of a production facility. After all, every car at the show has to come from somewhere. Why not check out where they came from in the first place? From the first rivet to the final detailing, auto plant tours can include a couple of hours learning how your favorite car is built.
General Motors has a few visitor-friendly plants and facilities in various parts of the country. Each facility has its own tour schedule and product line. You can see special vehicles, production processes, technologies or simply check out your favorite GM product’s history.
We have supplied you with a short list of General Motors properties that host tours. Check them out and have fun at your nearest auto plant.
Tonawanda Engine Plant, Buffalo, N.Y. (FREE) Niagara Falls in your vacation plans? Take a side trip to see how the engines of some of the best-selling GM vehicles are made.
Baltimore Transmission Plant, Baltimore, Md. (FREE) The Baltimore Transmission Plant boasts some of the most modern technology in engine building and is among GM’s most environmentally friendly plants. The nation’s capital is nearby, and so is Baltimore National Harbor.
National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, Ky. ($10 adult; $5 child age 6-16) Just across I-65 from the Bowling Green Assembly Plant that is home of all Corvette production, the museum is a tour de force of all things Corvette.
Fairfax Assembly & Stamping Plant, Kansas City, Kan. (FREE) One of the only GM plants where you can see the full assembly process – from the first rolls of metal stamped into body panels, through the body shop, paint shop and into general assembly, where the car is started for the very first time. On the east side of the Mississippi is the “other” Kansas City famous for BBQ, including Oklahoma Joe’s. While in Missouri, visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
General Motors Renaissance Center, Detroit (FREE) The General Motors Global Headquarters at the Renaissance Center features displays of GM’s latest vehicles, occasional special vehicle displays and many shops and restaurants. The American League Champion Detroit Tigers play at Comerica Park and the famed Detroit Institute of Arts is enjoying a rebirth following a major renovation.
There is a full list of Plants and numbers to call for tour schedules available through GM.
Please enjoy this Lamborghinin factory tour in pictures (here)
Check out Roman’s visit to a Lamborghini visit and ride-along with Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini’s test driver.