Sen. Brown says Cruze is coming, even if there’s a GM bankruptcy

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Chevrolet unveiled its new Cruze to the press Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at the Paris Auto Show. Expected to get close to 40 miles-per-gallon, the Cruze hits the European market next March. Production for U.S. sales will begin in 2010.

NORTH JACKSON — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said he thinks General Motors will continue with plans to bring its new small car to Lordstown even if it files for bankruptcy.

The Democrat from Avon Lake said today that he was assured the Chevrolet Cruze was still on track when he met last week with Fritz Henderson, GM chief executive.

“Even if GM goes into bankruptcy, I have no doubt they are going to build the Chevrolet Cruze here, and they will be hiring people,” Brown said.

Henderson told reporters on a conference call Monday that bankruptcy is becoming more probable.

The senator came to the union hall of United Auto Workers Local 1112 as part of his efforts to meet with people impacted by the recession.

For more information, see Tuesday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.