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Michele: prepares for the Cruze
July 31, 2009 at 8:08 am
Michele Lambert, Chevrolet Cruze Launch Manager
Super fan: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite movie: Grease
Favorite musician: Madonna
Going green: She recycles
Sign she’s got stamina: While working on the assembly line at the Lordstown plant, Michele used the job to pay for her Youngstown State University tuition and attended night school following 10 hour work shifts.
I have two young children and every day I find myself wondering what the future holds for them. What will the world be like when they have families of their own? Will the world be sustainable enough to support future generations? I’m sure these are questions and concerns many parents think about today as we work to support our families.
Michele on the job
At GM, my job is to oversee and execute the successful North American launch of the Chevrolet Cruze, an all-new compact car and one of GM’s most important launches, at Ohio’s Lordstown Complex. I believe the Cruze will be a car for this generation and the next. Why? We’re aiming for fuel economy of up to 40 mpg. This will help save money at the pump, which is important to our customers, as well as me and my family.
As the Cruze launch manager, I manage a team of 20 manufacturing leaders who are transforming our complex into a flexible manufacturing facility to support the Cruze. Basically, it’s my responsibility to ensure our plant is ready to start building small cars by April 2010.
To make sure we meet our aggressive timeline, I regularly talk with our North American engineering team and my global counterparts. The Cruze has already launched in South Korea and Europe so my GM friends from around the world play an important role in sharing best practices about planning preparations and improving plant communication.
Lordstown team evaluates an engine wire route
It’s exciting to be a part of the team that will provide a fuel efficient compact car for North Americans, built in North America. – Michele
Note: Michele was recently featured in the Akron Beacon Journal. To read the article, click here.
Ryndee Carney
Aug 3rd, 2009
Hi, Michele; thanks for sharing your Cruze story. Can’t wait until this car is at Chevy dealerships in the U.S. and Americans have the chance to drive it. Think they will love it — right car for today. I lived in Warren, Ohio, for 5 years so I know how important this car is for the future of U.S.-based manufacturing and the Mahoning Valley. You have a very important job!
Jeff
Aug 3rd, 2009
Impressive young lady…focused and ready…I wish her the best of luck.
Sue Battaglia
Aug 3rd, 2009
Michele is the right leader for the Cruze…she has tremendous energy and is admired and respected. I wish her the best!
gmadmin
Aug 3rd, 2009
Michele,
Looks like you have a lot of fans! Best of luck with your assignment. Can’t wait to see Chevy’s new small car. By the time the Cruze launches, I will be in the market for a new ride.
Best of luck!
-Jordana
Sjones
Aug 5th, 2009
My brother was driving cross country and rode right past the Lordstown plant and saw the signs announcing the Cruze nearby. Its very interesting to find out what goes on behind the scenes to launch a new vehicle.
Gregorio
Nov 23rd, 2009
My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that ‘achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that’s nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.’