GM to Idle Plants this Summer

General Motors announced yesterday that it would idle 13 of its North American plants this summer for stretches lasting as long as 11 weeks. The troubled automaker is cutting production in an effort to burn off existing inventory, some 767,000 cars and light trucks currently sitting in dealer and GM plant lots. The shutdowns, running between three and 11 weeks, will have an impact upon more than 26,000 workers.

GM is still facing the prospects of bankruptcy, which may come prior to 1 June when it supposed to make a $1 billion payment against its current debt. The US government has been working with GM officials to detail out a favorable pre-planned bankruptcy that will see certain GM brands cease to exist. (Tire Review/Akron)