Saturday, February 25, 2006
Chevrolet says it's proud of Lordstown and the Cobalt.
By DON SHILLING
VINDICATOR BUSINESS EDITOR
CLEVELAND -- Chevrolet officials came to Cleveland to brag about their redesigned sport-utility vehicles, but they couldn't help but praise something smaller -- the Cobalt.
At a news conference Friday at the Greater Cleveland International Auto Show, Chevrolet officials congratulated the General Motors' assembly plant in Lordstown, which makes the Cobalt.
"We're very proud of that product and very proud of that plant," said Carolyn Normandin, a company spokeswoman.
She noted the recent opening of a new paint shop at the plant, which completes a $1 billion renovation, and the improved productivity of metal fabricating operations. The fabricating section of the Lordstown complex led all 18 of GM's North American stamping plants in the last two quarters of 2005.
Union and management officials from Lordstown attended the news conference and said they know the plant's performance has the attention of corporate executives.
"We're starting to prove to management up north that we are the best in GM," said Jim Kaster, president of United Auto Workers Local 1714 in Lordstown.
Leader in Ohio
Carl Hillenbrand, a Chevrolet official who conducted a presentation on the company's SUVs, noted that the Cobalt led all small cars in sales in Ohio last year. Chevrolet now wants the Cobalt to become the nation's sales leader, he said.
Jim Graham, president of UAW Local 1112 in Lordstown, said the upcoming addition of the Pontiac G5 to Lordstown's assembly line also is a sign that the plant is succeeding since launching the Cobalt in October 2004. Pontiac dealers are eager to get the car, he said.
"It's going to sell," he said.
GM announced recently that it will make the G5, a sister car to the Cobalt, for the U.S. market, starting in June. The plant now makes Pontiac models for the Canadian and Mexican markets.
A top-of-the-line Cobalt SS Supercharged and a Cobalt sedan are on display at the auto show, which opens to the public today.
SUV promotion
Chevrolet's press conference, however, was designed to promote its redesigned full-size SUVs.
The 2007 Tahoe recently was introduced, while the 2007 Suburban is expected in showrooms in early April. The 2007 Avalanche is due out six to eight weeks after that, and the 2007 Silverado will be available by the end of the year.
Hillenbrand, product manager for full-sized trucks, said these next-generation vehicles have improved aerodynamics, fuel economy, fit and finish, handling, braking and interiors. The most notable interior upgrade are the seats in the second row, which tumble forward and fold up to allow passengers easier access to the back of the vehicle.
shilling@vindy.com