Recently, GMNA President Mark Reuss announced that the next generation Chevrolet Aveo will be built at GM's Orion Township Assembly facility, beginning in 2011 -- making GM the only company to build a B-class small car in the United States . On Jan. 6, a GM-UAW kickoff event was held to brief scores of Orion Township Assembly Plant team members on the mission, challenge and importance of the Aveo product launch. The event was held at the Portfolio Zone in Warren because the plant is currently being retooled to prepare for the product launch. The event was attended by several UAW and GM leaders and was hosted by Alicia Boler-Davis, who is vehicle line director/vehicle chief engineer for small cars.  UAW President Ron Gettelfinger spoke at the event, commenting:  "It's a new day and new opportunity...GM will be the only company building a B-car in America ..we can make this a success. Let's work together to build a world-class car and demonstrate to the world that American manufacturing can win in the global marketplace, keeping jobs in the United States." GMNA President Mark Reuss echoed Gettelfinger's remarks about how this product and plant represents a new direction for GM. Reuss also noted that this product program supports America ’s desire to develop and sell more fuel-efficient cars. "This can be a historic move for GM and America ," Mark said. "But, we must deliver on quality, performance, productivity and efficiency."   He concluded:  "Aveo is going to be a success...it's a new day for all of us." Afterward, participants at the event got a sneak peek at the new Chevrolet Aveo and received a product attributes briefing from Joaquin Nuno-Whelan, a member of the vehicle program team. Alicia shared that the next gen Aveo will deliver "great performance, functionality and connectivity as well as leading safety and fuel economy."