Cruze Chronology

Cruze Chronology

Aug. 21, 2008: General Motors Co. announces it will invest more than $500 million in the U.S. to build the Chevrolet Cruze in Lordstown.

Sept. 15, 2009: President Barack Obama visits General Motors’ Lordstown plant.

Feb. 23, 2010: Mark Reuss, president of GM North America, announces a third shift at Lordstown.

Sept. 8, 2010: The Cruze launches.

April 7, 2011: GM recalls 2,100 Cruzes to inspect for an improperly fastened steering wheel after discovering one vehicle with the defect.

May 1, 2011: The Cruze has its best month to date. GM sells 25,160 Cruzes.

June 1, 2011: GM sells 22,711 Cruzes in May and becomes the first American-made vehicle to lead the compact-car category in five years.

July 1, 2011: Cruze becomes best-selling car in America in June, topping the Toyota Camry, after GM sells 24,896 of the Lordstown-built vehicles.

July 22, 2011: GM announces diesel model of Cruze to be built at an undetermined location starting in 2013.

July 28, 2011: Nearly 9,000 attend the first open house at the Lordstown plant since 1986.

Sept. 29, 2011: Lordstown workers ratify GM-UAW contract; 1112 President Jim Graham hints at future Lordstown investments.

Oct. 20, 2011: GM announces $5.5 million investment in Lordstown to build the diesel Cruze.