General Motors looking to ramp up production of four hot-selling models

(Septermber 17, 2009) Reuters reported on Wednesday that General Motors is exploring ways to ramp up production of four newer models that are selling well above its expectations, according to a GM spokesman said.

All four models are greatly revamped from previous versions and one, the Chevrolet Camaro, was resurrected five months ago after being out of production for seven years.

The four models are the Chevrolet Equinox, a crossover utility vehicle; Buick LaCrosse, a sedan; Cadillac SRX, also a crossover; and the Camaro, a sports car.

The potential increase in production at GM could prompt more workers to be recalled from layoff, a rare bright spot for the world's No. 2 automaker just two months after it emerged from 39 days of bankruptcy protection.

GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson said GM knew it would have to increase production of some of its models after a summer when inventory levels were at unsustainably low levels, but that these four models in particular had outstripped expectations.

GM also said it will also look for a second production plant for the Equinox, which is now assembled at the CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, which GM owns with Suzuki Motor. The Terrain is also built there.

Sales for the 2010 model Equinox were about 9,900 through Sept. 15. The redesigned Equinox was launched in June. Automotive News reported on Tuesday that to increase production of the Equinox, GM would add a third shift to the Ontario plant in October.

GM and other automakers expect much fewer sales in September following the Cash for Clunkers program. GM sales in the United States are down 35 percent so far in 2009, and it has lost two percentage points of market share.