Russia: GM cuts output as car sales slow

General Motors (GM) is cutting output in Russia as deliveries drop amid a weakening economy. GM had halted production at its St Petersburg plant from Friday until September 12, and planned three further suspensions until October 27, Nico Schmidt, a spokesman in Germany for the second-biggest car maker, said. GM would build cars in Russia for only four days in September and eight days in October, he said. US and EU sanctions on Russia have contributed to a decline in the rouble and the possibility of a recession. Car and light vehicle sales fell 9.9 percent in the first seven months, including a 23 percent plunge in July. – Bloomberg