Lordstown GM launches Chevy Cruze

LORDSTOWN, Ohio - It's a big day for General Motors in Ohio as it launches its Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan at its factory in Lordstown.

Top GM, state and union officials will be on hand for Wednesday's event, with a big American flag as the backdrop. The Cruze goes on sale this month in U.S. showrooms.

The car is about the size of a Ford Focus or Honda Civic and replaces the Chevrolet Cobalt.

The Cruze is expected to achieve about 40 mpg on the highway thanks to a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine.

President Barack Obama will be talking about the economy Wednesday afternoon near Cleveland. The Cruze launch gives him a chance to highlight positive manufacturing news.