KAPOW!!! Need some hot sauce to put on your “GM = GOVERNEMENT MOTORS**” signs you’ll be eating, Tea Bagger Nation?

General Motors is investing $257 million at two of its factories that will build the next generation of the hot-selling midsize Chevrolet Malibu.

CEO Ed Whitacre was at the factory in Kansas City, Kan., on Wednesday to announce the investment and the company’s early repayment of $6.7 billion in U.S. government loans.

GM’s investment will be shared by the Fairfax Assembly Plant and the Detroit-Hamtramck plant, which is expected to see about $120 million. Fairfax makes the popular Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu sedans. Both are selling well for GM and helping to generate cash.

The plant has been working around the clock to meet with demand. Meanwhile, a new Associated Press poll finds more Americans now say the U.S. makes better-quality vehicles than Asia does.

** Changed for Tea Bagger spelling