GM May Halt Production at Some Plants for Up to 9 Weeks

Automaker May Extend Traditional Summer Shutdown to Cut Stockpile of Vehicles


By Kendra MarrWashington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, April 22, 2009; 7:47 PM


General Motors may halt production at some of its U.S. factories for up to nine weeks to combat slumping auto sales this summer, according to people familiar with the plan.
GM typically closes its facilities for two weeks in July to change production lines for new models. Much like over the winter holidays, the automaker may extend that scheduled shutdown at unproductive plants to help bring down the growing stockpile of unsold cars and trucks.
The automaker is considering extending this year's summer shutdown if auto sales remain at their depressed levels......READ MORE