Thousands cheer start of production for Chevrolet Cruze in Ohio

Ohio Governor Ted Strictland pressed an inked thumbprint against the roofline of a red Chevrolet Cruze on Wednesday, September 8, signifying that the all-new compact was a world-class vehicle produced in the state he leads. 

Strickland and General Motors North America president Mark Reuss drove the red Cruze off the end of the assembly line followed by white and blue models driven by members of the Cruze launch team that includes United Auto Workers locals 1112 and 1714.

“The rebirth of the U.S. economy starts in Lordstown, Ohio, with the Chevrolet Cruze,” Reuss told a crowd of about 2,000 plant workers and several hundred community members who turned out to see the ceremonial start of production. “The Cruze is the finest compact car GM has ever made, period.”

The crowd broke into cheers and applause as Reuss started the engine of the Cruze to drive it off the end of the assembly line. Cruze models will begin arriving in Chevrolet showrooms later this month.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland puts his thumb print on the first Cruze.