General Motors has sued one of its bankrupt parts suppliers, Cadence Innovation, and now the outcome of the lawsuit may be the determining factor in whether or not the highly anticipated 2010 Chevrolet Camaro will arrive on time. GM was originally planning on putting the Camaro into production in February next year, but Cadence’s bankruptcy has disrupted the process and GM claims that the supplier is holding a number of necessary parts "hostage" that could delay the car.

Before Cadence Innovation filed for bankruptcy, the company produced door trim, airbag covers and instrument panels, for which GM provided the company with the necessary machinery to manufacture the parts. This machinery is now being held by Cadence and GM has filed a lawsuit demanding that Cadence release the equipment and parts, stating that “even one day’s disruption in supply of certain component parts could cause a shutdown of GM assembly operations, disrupting not only GM’s business, but the operations of countless suppliers, dealers, customers and other stakeholders."

The lawsuit is demanding access to Cadence's manufacturing facilities to reclaim tooling and parts so that GM can line up another supplier to take over from Cadence. If a new supplier is not in place by January 12th then GM will be forced to delay the Camaro at a possible cost of "millions of dollars per plant per day", according to Reuters.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was first unveiled in concept form back in 2006, and GM has been teasing the automotive world with its new muscle car since then. Delays to production due to supplier troubles will definitely hit a sour note with fans of the Camaro, which may further worsen GM's already flagging fortunes if customers decide to opt for the new 2010 Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger rather than wait.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Official Photos