Where Are GMC Terrains Made? (Solved & Explained)

The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV and the smallest of GMC’s offerings in their line-up. 

It is a solid choice for drivers looking for an SUV with all it’s features but aren’t looking for anything too big. 

Handsome styling and a variety of powertrains all go in favor of the Terrain, so you may be interested in where this SUV is made if you’re looking to purchase one. 

This article answers the question “Where are GMC Terrains made?” so let’s find out...

Where are GMC Terrains being made?

The current model (second generation) GMC Terrain is made at the GM San Luis Potosi plant run by GM Mexico. This has been its production base since 2017, starting with the 2018 model year. The first generation GMC Terrain from 2010 was made in Canada under GM Canada at the Ingersoll, Ontario plant. 

Are GMC Terrains for the U.S. Market Produced in the U.S.?

As of 2017 for the 2018 model year, all GMC Terrain production was moved to Mexico from Canada. So, all Terrains are now produced at the GM San Luis Potosi plant which is run by GM Mexico. 

No GMC Terrains are produced in the U.S.

Are They Being Assembled in the U.S.?

No, all GMC Terrains are assembled at the San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico. Prior to this they were in production and assembled at the Ingersoll, Ontario plant in Canada. 

How Can You Check Where a Specific GMC Terrain Was Produced?

There are 2 distinct ways you can check where a specific GMC Terrain was produced. The first is to use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or you can check the release date against your vehicle’s model year. 

Using the VIN

The VIN number is a 17 digit unique code that tells you important information about your vehicle. 

It can usually be found stamped on a plate in the corner of the windshield, best read from the outside looking in. It will also usually be stamped on the inside of the driver or passenger door.

If the first character of the code is a ‘2’ then the Terrain will have been built in Canada at the plant in Ontario. Whereas if the code is a ‘3’ then the Terrain was built at the Mexico plant under GM Mexico.

Checking the Release Date

First generation GMC Terrains were built at the Ingersoll, Ontario plant in Canada, production ran here from 2010-2017.

Second generation Terrains were built in the San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico from 2018-Present.

Checking your model year against these dates will let you know which of the two plants your SUV was made at.

You may also be interested in our article: how long do GMC Terrain last?

Are Canadian or Mexican Built Terrains Better?

It would seem that there is not too much difference in build quality between the two and the advancements made to the Terrain in Mexico are likely the same as what would have happened had production remained in Canada. 

The second-generation GMC Terrains that have been redesigned and built in Mexico have been met with a controversial response due to the move in production. 

600 jobs at the Canadian plant were lost as a result of the move in 2017 and it is safe to say people were not very happy about this decision, blaming corporate greed as the reason for the move.

However, sales have remained steady for the Terrain coming out of Mexico and new technology such as with the infotainment system, in the latest model has proved a hit with owners. 

Where Is the GMC Terrain Designed?

There is not much information about where the GMC Terrain is actually designed. General Motors has two engineering campuses in the U.S and in 2019 was named Michigan’s largest employer.

It would be safe to assume that the design team for the Terrain would be based at one of the U.S based facilities. 

Related: 11 Most Common GMC Terrain Problems (Explained)

Where Are GMC Terrains Made for the Australian Market?

Terrains for the Australian market will be made in Mexico.

GMC Terrains have only just been made available for the Australian market in 2021 as part of a new 2020 deal to bring a wider range of GMC SUVs and Pickups to Australia. 

Where Are GMC Terrains Made for the Canada Market?

Despite having been made in Ontario from 2010-2017, GMC Terrains are now built in Mexico for the Canadian market. 

Where Are GMC Terrains Made for the U.K Market?

GMC Terrains are not currently produced for the U.K market.

It is possible to have one imported and there are a handful of GMC Pickups online that have been imported from the States.

Is GM Planning to Move Its Production?

General Motors has no intention of moving its GMC production as it stands. 

Across all their brands they have 11 Assembly Plants in the U.S and a total of 118 facilities. 

Is GM Hiring or Firing in the U.S.?

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic it is reported that General Motors took a huge net loss in 2020. 

However, they have since formed an alliance with Honda which proposes shared research and development with vehicle design and co-operation with purchasing. 

This should help to cut costs and generate better profit margins for 2021. 

For now General Motors is stable as a company, and according to their website are currently hiring across the board for various roles. They currently employ around 85,000 employees in the U.S.

Is General Motors an American Company?

General Motors is an American Company with its global headquarters in Detroit’s Renaissance Centre.

They manufacture vehicles in multiple countries and its four key automobile brands are Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC.

Related: 12 Best & Worst GMC Terrain Years (With Pictures)

Resources

https://www.gmc.com/suvs/terrain/sle-slt

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...