GM Extends Shutdown of Van Nuys Auto Plant

General Motors Corp. extended the temporary shutdown of its Van Nuys assembly plant through this week because of continued sluggish sales.

The plant, which employs about 3,200 people, has been closed since Jan. 28. The facility is GM’s sole source for the sporty Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds.

Because car sales in general have dropped, GM in recent months has periodically idled the Van Nuys plant and several other facilities nationwide to trim its supplies. GM also has announced plans to halve production at the Van Nuys plant beginning April 2, which will result in the indefinite layoff of 850 workers.