2017 Cruze hatchback to debut in fall; to be built in Mexico

LORDSTOWN

Lordstown union leaders would have been happy to have the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback come to the General Motors Lordstown Assembly Plant.

But instead the vehicle will be produced at the Ramos Arizpe, Mexico plant and the local plant will continue to build the Cruze sedan.

“As a leader of the auto workers in Lordstown, I would be wrong if I would say I wasn’t disappointed that there was product out there and we didn’t have the opportunity to build it,” said Glenn Johnson, president of the United Auto Workers Local 1112. “We have plenty of work. We are going to continue to build all of the sedans here and be willing to listen to any other work that’s out there.”

The 2017 Cruze Hatchback will debut at the North American International Auto Show, which starts Jan. 11.

The hatchback comes with the technology and the “dynamic driving attributes” that are in the all-new 2016 Cruze sedan. The hatch adds “a functional and sporty choice for customers,” GM says.

The hatchback will go on sale in the fall of this year.

The next-generation Cruze sedan will hit sales floors this spring.

Read more about the new models in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.