GM to add third shift at Lordstown to build Chevrolet Cruze

General Motors will add a third shift to its plant in Lordstown, Ohio, when it kicks off production of the new Chevrolet Cruze, two sources familiar with the plan said. The Cruze is ready to go on sale in the third quarter of 2010. Adding a third shift to the Lordstown plant would make it the sixth GM North American factory to operate at more than 100 percent capacity: two standard shifts, five days a week.

The factory currently produces the Chevrolet Cobalt, which is scheduled to end production in June.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Cruze.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze”s base LS model is powered by a 136-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, while the LT and LTZ model get a 1.4L turbo Ecotec engine with 138-hp and a maximum torque of 148 lb-ft. All 2011 Cruze models will be available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.4L turbo models are expected to have a cruising range of more than 500 miles and are expected to get an EPA fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg on the highway.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze:

2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)