Indeed, while GM officials won't comment, the move is seen as a big step toward closing the aging facility altogether. Production at the facility, which has been expanded and modernized many times over the years, is currently scheduled through 2004. This the same year that Ford plans to completely shut down its Edison plant.
The move is generally seen as another step by the auto industry in reducing a significant overcapacity nationally. The Linden plant is currently making Chevy Blazers and GMC Jimmy sport utility vehicles, both of which have been moving very slowly off showroom floors. The plant also makes Chevy S-10 pickups, the sales of which have been holding up.
Much as they did after Ford's announcement, state officials are expected to pay GM a visit to talk about some incentives to keep the jobs in place. The visit to Ford, however, has yet to bear any fruit.
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