GM suspends sales of some Chevy Cruzes

(MENAFN- AFP) General Motors, already facing strong criticism and investigations over its handling of ignition-related recalls, abruptly halted Friday dealer sales of some models of its Chevrolet Cruze compact.No reason was given for the move, which focuses on 2013 and 2014 Cruzes with 1.4 liter turbo diesel engines, according to a GM spokesman.Nor was there any specific information about the number of cars involved, but the model has been popular among people seeking high fuel efficiency.The spokesman said it sold nearly 250,000 Cruzes in all models in 2013, with the turbo "a fraction" of the total.The move comes as GM faces Justice Department and congressional probes into why it took years to recall a number of car models which it knew had dangerous problems with their ignitions.The automaker said 12 people died and more than 30 accidents occurred in relation to the problem, in which the ignition can turn to the off position while driving, shutting down key electrical systems including airbags.Under new chief executive Mary Barra, GM has tried to demonstrate that it moving quickly now on safety issues, announcing a separate recall on March 17 over issues separate from the ignition problem.