The Detroit Free Press reports, "Cash-poor General Motors Corp. is postponing nearly all spending on product development in 2009 and 2010."  A report originating in the industry journal Automotive News claims that the Detroit-based automaker is "cutting spending on engineering, design, and research and development."  A source reportedly told AN, "The 2009 stuff that's too late to cancel is coming out, then everything else gets pushed out anywhere between three months and up to a year."

Only two vehicles - "the Chevrolet Camaro and the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid - are protected from the cutbacks, according to the report."  But the Chevy Cruze, a more efficient small car planned for 2010, is reportedly included in the freeze.

Michigan's Flint Journal reports, "GM hopes to save as much as $1.5 billion through the postponements."  

Motor Authority adds, "The new [Buick] LaCrosse was originally planned for launch in the first half of next year, along with the Cadillac CTS wagon. These were meant to be followed by the new CTS Coupe later that year, and the Cruze in early 2010. According to the source, the respective launches of these vehicles could be delayed from anywhere between three months and up to a year."

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