GM commits $220 million to keep Lordstown and Parma up and running for next generation Cruze while keeping more than 5,000 jobs.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Aug 23, 2012
A 28/42 mpgUS rated Chevrolet Cruze ECO at Miller Park in Milwaukee. What goes better with baseball than Chevrolet?
In a PR GM uploaded minutes ago, the company says it will invest $220 million for retooling and new equipment to build the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze in two northeast Ohio plants retaining more than 5,000 jobs at facilities in Lordstown and Parma, Ohio.
The Lordstown Complex and metal center in the Cleveland suburb of Parma has built more than 500,000 Cruze sedans since production began on September 2010.
The Next Generation Cruze
Production timing of the next-generation Cruze will be announced at a later date but company representatives stated the all-new model will offer new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy, improved interior capacity and more storage space. Preliminary work to clear space in the body shop at Lordstown has already begun.
The Lordstown complex has built more than 14.6 million cars in the 46 years since it opened in April 1966.
In 2011, the Parma Metal Center shipped about 60 million parts and processed more than 1,000 tons of steel a day to serve the majority of GM vehicle lines produced in North America. Parma has more than 1,400 dies and can produce up to 100 million parts a year.
A current 2012 Cruze ECO at speed on I-15 in California.
Diesel, more efficient new engine(s) possibly, lighter weight and an even larger platform are all welcome and it cannot come too soon. It is great to see GM pushing new development time tables in the C-segment in particular. Gone is the 8 + years between real overhauls with multiple refreshes while the Japanese contingent killed brought their all-new designs online in a clock like 5-year cycle. All the while leaving GM’s Cavalier and afterwards Cobalt to fill the Rental car agency’s lots for 2/3 the price of retail.
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