New version of Cobalt set for Lordstown, auto news groups say

A new version of the Chevrolet Cobalt is slated for launch next year at the Lordstown car plant, reports said.

The unattributed reports by Motor Trend and Leftlane, two automotive news organizations, add to the speculation that has swirled around the plant since last September. That’s when senior union leaders in Detroit said the plant would receive a new small car model in 2009 and a midsize model in 2010.

Opinions have differed on what those would be, with some industry analysts saying Cobalt production would be shipped to Mexico.

General Motors isn’t helping clear the confusion, however. Chris Lee, a GM spokesman, said the company doesn’t comment on future product placement.

The online news reports featured photographs of a camouflaged car that were said to be a Cobalt with a fresh design. The 2010 Cobalt is to go into production in Lordstown in July or August of next year, the reports said.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.