Ohio GM plant launches the Cruze sedan

LORDSTOWN, Ohio (AP) - General Motors Co. has launched its Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan at its factory near Youngstown with a parade of red, white and blue models.

Ohio and union officials were on hand along with employees for Wednesday's event in Lordstown. GM North America President Mark Reuss arrived in a red Cruze with Gov. Ted Strickland, telling the crowd that "the rebirth of the American economy starts right here at Lordstown with a world-class, high-volume car built in the heartland of America."

The Cruze goes on sale this month in U.S. showrooms, with a starting price of $16,995. The car is about the size of a Ford Focus or Honda Civic and replaces the Chevrolet Cobalt.

It is expected to achieve up to 40 mpg on the highway thanks to a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine.