GM transitions to 2017 Cruze production Friday

LORDSTOWN

This Friday, workers at the General Motors Lordstown Assembly Plant will transition to building the 2017 model-year Chevrolet Cruze.

Outside of four new color options, the 2017 Cruze is said to be the same as its 2016 model year predecessor.

“It’s not going to be a significant change,” said Glenn Johnson, president of United Auto Workers Local 1112, which represents 3,000 Lordstown assembly workers. “It’s always exciting to launch another year model of the Cruze.”

The 2017 Cruze should hit dealerships in three to six weeks.

Lordstown leaders say production is running normally at three shifts.

“The membership is working hard,” said Robert Morales, president of UAW Local 1714, the fabrication plant’s union. “We are getting better, and we are making progress as far as the numbers go.”

This year, the plant launched the all-new next-generation Cruze. In March, the Cruze – with more technology, enhanced safety features and a sleek style – started to ship out to dealers.

Johnson said the plant has production scheduled for this Saturday to get more Cruzes out to dealers.

Read more about the roll-out in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.