The Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association revealed in a "critical automotive intelligence" note to member companies that GM will start producing a newer Impala or its replacement vehicle in February 2013, and the Cadillac XTS sedan in January 2012 in Oshawa.

A senior official for the Canadian Auto Workers said later the addition of those vehicles should generate between 750 and 1,000 jobs in an extra shift at GM's Oshawa complex. Keith Osborne, a union staff representative responsible for GM, said though the company has not confirmed the additional products, the association's information makes "a lot of sense."

"It fits the configuration we have at the Oshawa site and is good news," he said. "It will mean an extra shift from what we have now."

GM plans to unveil a Cadillac XTS concept model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.