General Motors says the company risks downsizing if new auto tariffs on cars and parts are put in place.

The Department of Commerce launched an investigation last month into if auto tariffs of up to 25 percent are needed to preserve domestic industrial capacity in the name of national security,

GM, who just cut down the Lordstown complex that produces the Chevy Cruze to one shift, says these tariffs, combined with other trade actions, could be "detrimental" to the company.

"If import tariffs on automobiles are not tailored to specifically advance the objectives of the economic and national security goals of the United States, increased import tariffs could lead to a smaller GM, a reduced presence at home and abroad for this iconic American company, and riskless not more U.S. jobs," GM said.

The other trade actions GM mentions include steel and aluminum tariffs and tariffs against Chinese imports.

"At some point, this tariff impact will be felt by customers. Based on historical experience, if cost is passed on to the consumer via higher vehicle prices, demand for new vehicles could be impacted," GM said.

GM says the effects from tariffs could lead to less investment, fewer jobs and lower wages for employees.

"The carry-on effect of less investment and a smaller workforce could delay breakthrough technologies and threaten U.S. leadership in the next generation of automotive technology," GM said.

The GM complex in Lordstown once boasted a workforce of 4,500 men and women. It now has only a fraction of that number after seeing a decline in the sales of the Chevy Cruze.

The full statement from GM to the Department of Commerce can be found here.