AP source: GM to build new Cruze in Lordstown

[August 23, 2012]  DETROIT (AP) -- General Motors will build its next-generation Chevrolet Cruze compact car at its plant in Lordstown, Ohio, near Youngstown, according to a person briefed on the matter.

GM will make the announcement on Thursday, said the person, who did not want to be identified because the formal announcement hasn't been made.

The Lordstown complex has about 4,500 blue-collar workers on three shifts per day making the Cruze. The compact is GM's second-best selling car with nearly 129,000 sold so far this year.

The car will be all-new in 2014 for the 2015 model year, and the plant may also build a new coupe or hatchback version of the car, the person said.

GM spokesman Bill Grotz would not comment on the matter.

[Associated Press; By TOM KRISHER]

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