Chevy Cruze rolls out amid great expectations

LORDSTOWN — Expectations are high as General Motors prepares to roll out its 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, a Lordstown-built compact that has been deemed critical to the company’s new lineup.

GM officially launches the Cruze with a high-profile kickoff at the Lordstown complex at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Mark Reuss, GM’s North America president, will join union leaders and elected officials to extol the virtues of the new car.

After decades of lagging behind foreign auto makers in the compact segment, GM is depending on the Cruze to rebuild its standing in that market.

The growth of Japanese automakers such as Honda and Toyota has depended on their strong models in the compact and midsize segments, said Doug Scott, a consultant with GFK Automotive.

With the Chevrolet Malibu already competing against other midsize models such as the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet is depending on the Cruze for “a one-two punch,” Scott said.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com