GM Trims Malibu, LaCrosse Output Again

General Motors Co. is eliminating another two weeks of Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse sedan production to help shrink dealer inventories, Automotive News reports.

Both midsize models are built at GM's Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kan. A United Auto Workers union official tells the newspaper that the plant will be idled through next week. The facility suspended output for three weeks in late December and early January, also to reduce stockpiles.

AN estimates that U.S. dealers began December with a 164-day supply of Malibus and a 124-day supply of LaCrosses. A 60-day supply is considered normal.

Inventories of Malibu and LaCrosse cars at the beginning of February were at 94 days and 117 days, respectively, according to AN. Sales of both models has been growing, but not as fast as demand for competitive models.

GM executives, who expect sales growth through this year, insist they have inventory under control.