Ste. Therese Fate Undecided

General Motors Corp. continues to study the future of the assembly plant in Ste. Therese, Quebec, that has no new product slated beyond 2002 when it ceases production of the Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird.

G. Richard Wagoner, president and CEO, says don't look for a decision in the next six months. He says he would like to keep the plant open to preserve a skilled workforce and take advantage of strong community support for GM as a corporate citizen.

"But we've got to manage it in the context of overall capacity," says Mr. Wagoner.

GM wanted to stop production of the slow-selling cars earlier, but their life was extended in 1999 contract negotiations with the Canadian Auto Workers union.