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GM to funnel $500 million into U.S. Cruze production

 
5 1,247 views Aug 21, 2008
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chevrolet cruze interior 001

GM to funnel $500 million into U.S. Cruze production

GM to funnel $500 million into U.S. Cruze production

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The all-new Cruze compact car from General Motors was just revealed in some detail this morning, but already GM has announced its plans to put a half-billion dollar fund behind the car's production and promotion in the U.S. Of that $500 million, $350 million will be headed directly into the company's Lordstown, Ohio plant.

The information, presented by Chevrolet vice president Ed Peper, included a mission statement for the Cruze.

“The Cruze will build on the already successful Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt XFE and Cobalt SS, all of which are nearly sold out in dealer showrooms,” Peper said. “Our dealers are asking for many more Cobalts than we can build.”

Not due for official debut until the Paris Motor Show in October, the car has already been widely discussed as part of the core of GM's future North American small-car strategy. The news of the strong investment GM is making in the Cruze's U.S. production confirms that commitment, and also confirms GM's target of becoming a fuel-efficiency leader in the compact segment, which is no easy task given the strong competition already present.

Nevertheless, the Cruze's figures are expected to equal or surpass the Cobalt's when it finally is revealed. The high-efficiency Cobalt XFE, which uses a modified gear ratio to improve mileage, is rated at 37mpg highway, while the 1.4L engine to be used in the Cruze is expected to help it achieve 40mpg (5.88L/100km) on the open road.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze
2010 Chevrolet Cruze

HI-RES GALLERY: chevrolet cruze interior 001




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Comments (5)

  1. By NoNameDenton Posted: 8/21/2008 3:47pm PDT

    How about ditch the Cobalt completely and bring on the Cruze in big numbers.
     
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  2. By TaeKwonDonkey Posted: 8/21/2008 4:16pm PDT

    If GM is all about small cars now they better give us a good interior also, and some better looking rims
     
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  3. By cristian Posted: 8/22/2008 4:04pm PDT

    Why is it that when made for Europe GM/Ford make decent looking cars, we here get ugly-ugly-ugly ones
     
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  4. By youknow Posted: 8/22/2008 6:37pm PDT

    I wouldnt be caught dead driving a cruze or a cobalt. GM wants 50billion in Gov funds to help american loss but throws 500million in to one car... hmm
     
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  5. By Tony Posted: 8/22/2008 10:21pm PDT

    Cristian -- because Europe demands it. Small-to-medium cars are the most important products there, because a large number don't have garages and park on the streets (even in prestige areas). They are penalised in both road tax and insurance as the engine size increases. So since they have their size and engine restrictions that influence their purchase, besides equipment level, to differentiate a car from its competitors, the car makers need to make the cars look and FEEL good to be in. That's why Japanese cars haven't taken over there -- they don't generally handle as well, and are too bland. Reliable, sure, but bland.
     
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