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GM Retooling To Idle Corvette Production

GM plans to idle Corvette production in Kentucky for six months to prepare for the next generation of the iconic car. The automaker is preparing to retool its assembly plant in Bowling Green for the 2014 model. GM spokesman Monte Doran said Thursday that production will halt in February to make way for retooling, renovating the body shop and retraining employees.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — General Motors Co. plans to idle Corvette production in Kentucky for six months to prepare for the next generation of the iconic car.

The automaker is preparing to retool its assembly plant in Bowling Green for the 2014 model.

GM spokesman Monte Doran said Thursday that production will halt in February to make way for retooling, renovating the body shop and retraining employees. He says production on the next model will begin in the third quarter of 2013.

The plant employs about 700. Plant manager Dave Tatman says some temporary layoffs will occur, but work stoppages will amount to days and not months.

GM last year announced a $131 million investment in the plant, along with plans to add about 250 jobs.

About 150 of those jobs have been added this year.

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