Published: Tuesday, May 8, 2007
GM Lordstown plant, product praised
Edmunds.com readers rank the Cobalt No. 1.
By DON SHILLING
LORDSTOWN — The General Motors complex here and its product — the Chevrolet Cobalt — received high praise.
Tim Lee, GM vice president of manufacturing and labor relations, visited the complex last week and cited its "remarkable progress" since his last plant tour in December.
The plant newsletter said Lee was impressed with how Lordstown workers have embraced GM's Global Manufacturing System — its continuous improvement program that focuses on producing cars more efficiently.
"This is not about declaring victory, but it's clear to me that the opportunity here is very significant," Lee was quoted as saying.
Lee's visit comes as plant management and leaders of United Auto Workers Local 1112 are bargaining a new local labor contract that's seen as critical to keeping the plant open. GM has scheduled production of the Chevrolet Cobalt in Lordstown only until June 2009.
GM is seeking cost-cutting measures from the union.
Lee expressed hope that Lordstown's commitment to continuous improvement will result in "world-class performance levels" and a position in GM's next small-car program.
Car buyers like it
The Cobalt itself was recognized by car buyers.
Readers of Edmunds.com named the Cobalt the best sedan for under $15,000. The Web site provides information and rankings on vehicles.
The Cobalt received 29 percent of the vote. The next most popular cars were the Nissan Versa at 23 percent and the Toyota Yaris at 17 percent.
The Web site said the Cobalt benefited from last year's top finishers, the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic, being bumped up in price. They tied for first in the category for sedans under $20,000.
Editors prefer Hyundai
The editors of the site created their own list, which did not feature the Cobalt as tops in its category. They preferred the Hyundai Accent, and its twin, Kia Rio.
They said the redesign of the models last year improved them so much that they are "no longer considered down-market penalty boxes."
The editors gave honorable mention to the Nissan Versa.
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