GM Break

General Motors will temporarily close 13 assembly plants in the U.S. and Mexico as it tries to reduce its backlog of unsold vehicles amid slumping sales. About 24,000 workers will be idled after the closures begin next month. Shutdown weeks vary by factory, but some will be closed for nine or 10 weeks. GM normally shuts down its assembly plants for two weeks each summer to prepare for the new model year. The Michigan plants facing extended shutdowns are in Detroit-Hamtramck, Flint, Pontiac and one of two Lansing-area facilities. Dozens of other factories that stamp metal parts and build engines and transmissions also will see temporary closures.