CRUZE LIVE | UPDATE | Lordstown workers get view of next-gen car

LORDSTOWN

Five years ago was when the Lordstown-built Chevrolet Cruze first came to be built here.

Now, it's back again - largely because of the 4,500 Lordstown workers who come to work to build GM's best-selling passenger car every day.

Today, fabrication and assembly plant workers were able to see the next-generation model, sit in it and hear from Chevrolet and UAW leaders about the excitement surrounding its debut.

"They deserve and have earned the opportunity to build the next-generation Cruze," said Glenn Johnson, United Auto Workers Local 1112 president.

The "blue me away"-colored Cruze was also center stage today for Cruze supporters, customers, retirees and others.

More than 1.3 million Cruzes have come off the line at the Lordstown assembly plant. Globally, the Cruze has more than 3.5 million sales on record. It competes in the largest and most competitive segment in 115 countries.

It's successor will be produced at the plant for the U.S. early next year, GM officials said. The new model will hit showrooms in spring 2016. It comes with enhanced technology, safety features and more room. To top off those features, it has a sleek design.

"We are counting on the support of all of you of making this next generation be more successful than the last," said Steve Notar Donato, Lordstown plant manager.