One of GM's most promising forthcoming models, the new Chevrolet Cruze could be delayed until 2011, nearly a year after its original U.S market launch date, according to a report from sources within the company. Likewise, the next generation Malibu may also be delayed by six months, into 2013, the report said. While GM spokesperson, Dee Allen, would not confirm any specific product delays, he told that "the company will continue to review the portfolio and concentrate on what's most important," adding that that some new-car programs "are going to shift around a bit."
The reason behind these delays at such a crucial time is because car sales across the U.S and Europe are set to dive further in 2009. 2009 is expected to be worse than 2008 which will see around 14 million vehicles being sold in the U.S compared to 16.2 million in 2007. According to Massachusetts research firm IHS Global Insight, vehicles sales in the U.S. are expected to drop further in 2009 to around 13.4 million units - not exactly the business environment everyone was hopping for.
"GM doesn't have a choice," IHS Global Insight analyst John Wolkonowicz. "They have to do whatever it takes to get through until the car market recovers. That won't happen until 2010."
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