GM Mum Over Reports of New Cruze Delay
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Officials from General Motors Co. neither confirm nor deny a Reuters story that reports production of the next generation Chevrolet Cruze would be delayed a year because of engineering changes.
In what was labeled as an "exclusive," Reuters reported Thursday (READ STORY) that GM has delayed the launch of the new Cruze by a year in order to incorporate new engineering changes. Reuters cited "people familiar with the U.S. automaker's plans."
"We do not discuss details regarding future products or their timing," company spokeswoman Annalisa Bluhm said in a statement issued this morning. The statement also said GM also does not respond to "speculation about our product programs."
GM said the Cruze remains Chevrolet's best-selling nameplate globally and is a "big reason for the brand's global growth. The next generation Cruze will ensure that we maintain momentum in the global marketplace," the statement continued.
The Cruze is produced at GM's Lordstown Complex, which was expected to begin production of the next-generation Cruze in late 2014. Now, that timetable has been pushed back to December 2015, Reuters reported.
GM announced in 2012 that the next generation Cruze would be built at Lordstown.
In June, Cruze ranked as the second best-selling passenger vehicle behind the Toyota Camry. Last month, Cruze sales skyrocketed 73% compared to the same period a year ago, the automaker reported.
And, just two weeks ago, the company launched a diesel version of the popular small car, which GM said provides the best non-hybrid fuel economy on the market.
Copyright 2013 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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