GM’s commitment to Lordstown is solid, analyst says

LORDSTOWN — General Motors remains committed to its Lordstown complex despite laying off 800 more workers and trimming production to one shift, an analyst said.

Lordstown’s future appears secure because GM is preparing to launch its next small car, the Chevrolet Cruze, from the complex in April 2010, said Erich Merkle, an auto analyst from Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Cruze has the exterior styling and interior design needed to attract strong sales, he said.

“It’s going to be hard to beat that Cruze,” he said.

Read more in Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com