GM Said to Add Overtime, More Shifts as Clunkers Program Boosts Car Sales

Source: Bloomberg

Aug. 18 (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Co., benefiting from the Obama administration’s “cash for clunkers” program, is boosting production at car plants in Ohio and Michigan, people familiar with the matter said.

The ramp-up is part of a broader increase that may be announced this week, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the schedule isn’t public.

GM has added Friday shifts at its car plants in Orion Township, Michigan, where it assembles the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 sedans, and Lordstown, Ohio, where GM makes the Pontiac G5 and Chevrolet Cobalt compact cars, Chris Lee, a GM spokesman, said. Those plants had been running four 10-hour days each week. The automaker will announce more production plans “mid-week,” Lee said.

“They’re probably seeing some demand that goes beyond what they would deem a boost just from cash-for-clunkers,” said Erich Merkle, president of Grand Rapids, Michigan, consulting firm Autoconomy. “There are signs this economy is going to improve fairly quickly.”

GM plans to add a second shift in Lordstown, said two people familiar with the matter. The Detroit-based automaker is preparing to add overtime and is considering adding a third shift to a plant in Kansas City, Kansas, where it assembles the Malibu and Saturn Aura, said two people with knowledge of the situation.

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=al_lA5705nxQ

laid off employees and was running a 6 day schedule. Hope it lasts!:thumbsup:

JOBS.....sounds sorta like heaven. ;-)

:thumbsup:

another "big government" project that is working.

working. Wouldn't want to rain on Rethuglican ding bat parades...:sarcasm:

This should be a big clue to President Obama and the Dems. Main Street first!

This program produces more overtime, which means more cash for more workers. When a car is sold, the salesman gets a commission, more cash in his pocket.

Obama saved the American auto industry from total collapse.

Jay