GM to Close Truck Plants, Introduce New Small Cars, Reconsider Hummer; Chevy Volt Receives Funding

GM's' chief executive Rick Wagoner at an auto show earlier this year.

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner announced a series of moves the automaker will make to address the rapid shift by consumers away from gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs toward fuel-efficient cars and crossovers. The moves include the closure of four North American truck and SUV assembly plants and a review, with the possible sale of, Hummer.

Other highlights of GM's latest restructuring plan include: new small cars for Chevrolet; a new high-efficiency engine for the U.S.; funding for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range vehicle; and the addition of third shifts at two U.S...

plants to boost production of popular Chevrolet Malibu and Cobalt as well as the Pontiac G6.

Wagoner said GM's moves were prompted by soaring gasoline prices that are rapidly changing consumer behavior and significantly affecting the U.S. auto industry's sales mix.

You can read more about all of the changes GM has planned at our superlative sister site, Edmunds' AutoObserver.com, by clicking here.

Posted by

Scott Doggett June 3, 2008, 7:03 AM

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