DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. says it has put the brakes on construction of a new factory in Flint, Mich., that will make engines for two of its most important new products, according to The Associated Press.

The cash-strapped automaker has delayed big-ticket purchases such as buying structural steel to build the factory. The plant will make 1.4-liter four-cylinder engines for the Chevrolet Cruze small car and to generate power for the Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric car.

GM spokeswoman Sharon Basel said Wednesday that Volt and Cruze development will continue as scheduled and the company still plans to bring them to showrooms in 2010.