GM Lordstown complex set to make half-dozen types of vehicles

The Lordstown car factory will be able to make at least a half-dozen types of vehicles once a $350 million renovation is complete, said John Donahoe, complex manager.

Nearly all the money is being spent to install new equipment in the body shop, where the outer frame of the car is welded together, Donahoe said.

The investment will create a body shop that features GM’s best technology and will give the Lordstown complex the flexibility to build six or seven different vehicles once auto sales rebound, he said.

At first, however, the complex will focus on a new small car, the Chevrolet Cruze. Production of Cruzes will begin in October, but these models will be used to test the new manufacturing system and will be sent to a test track in Michigan, he said.

The Cruze is to be launched in April 2010.

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