."
That's because General Motors has some very big plans for this place.
The next car to roll off the line here will be built on the so-called Gamma platform. It's basically a small car to replace the Chevy Aveo.
Then, the alpha-car: a rear-drive, mid-size replacement for the Pontiac G6. It may also be the platform for the Torana, built by Holden, GMs Australian subsidiary. It will use elements of the Kappa sports platform, possibly powered by a turbo charged version of the Ecotec engine. But auto analysts are most intrigued because Lordstown will use the alpha as the basis for a new Cadillac.
Greg Gardner, of the automotive consulting firm Harbour and Associates explains, "This would be aimed at the BMW 3 Series. They're tied into people that are seen as luxury car buyers who are looking for a certain degree of performance."
The idea excites local autoworkers because the profit on high-end vehicles is huge. That's an advantage the small cars of Lordstown have never enjoyed. With two different-size vehicles to offer, the local complex will be known as a flex plant...able to shift production to whichever line is selling better.
Still, some are a little disappointed that Lordstown will not get to make the innovative Volt hybrid electric car. According to Graham, "The car's gorgeous. We'd love to have it, but Hamtramck (Michigan plant) got the Volt. But I'm happy with the car that's approved for Lordstown."
The small Gamma car starts production in 2009 for the 2010 model year. In 2010, they'll start making the mid-sized Alpha in a couple variations. So far, the company's announced no formal names for any of the vehicles.
