GM cutting back Chevy Equinox production at two North American plants

General Motors Co. is cutting back Chevrolet Equinox production at two North American plants in an effort to lower inventory levels.

GM will shut down production of the compact SUV for one week in late September at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario.

Beginning next week it will cut the third shift at its plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. That plant builds the Equinox in addition to the Chevrolet Trax and GMC Terrain; production of those vehicles would slow as well. GM said 260 jobs will be cut.

Equinox sales in the U.S. were up 15.8% in the second quarter from 2018 and  up 11.4% for the year so far, but GM doesn't want the inventory to grow too high.

"Both of the actions are essentially to better align production output with current global outlook demand," GM Spokesman Dan Flores said. "We are committed to running the business responsibly."

khall@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @bykaleahall