In its elaborate plans to appease consumers’ changing buying choices, General Motors Corporation will invest more than half a billion dollars in its Ohio manufacturing plant. It’s where Chevrolet will assemble the Cruze, its new compact vehicle set to debut in the United States as a 2011 model.

The facility in Lordstown, Ohio, currently assembles
the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 and is slated to begin building the Cruze in 2010.

The compact car will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October.

The Cruze will be launched in Europe and Asia Pacific in 2009 and will also be manufactured in those areas.

"Our goal for the Chevrolet Cruze is to lead in fuel economy in this very competitive car segment," Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said in a written statement.

The Cruze, expected to top 40 mpg, is another example of GM's commitment to rearrange it lineup as drivers buy fewer trucks and SUVs.