Chrysler is extending shutdowns at three North American plants for another week. It had earlier extended its usual two-week Christmas holiday closures to a month.
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“The ongoing worldwide financial crisis continues to stifle the availability of consumer credit for American car buyers, prolonging the automotive industry downturn,” the automaker said in a statement.
“As a result of these external issues, Chrysler will make additional adjustments to production schedules at its North American manufacturing operations.”
The affected plants are Belvidere, Illinois, which makes the Dodge Caliber hatchback and small Jeep SUVs that share the platform and drivetrain, Sterling Heights in Michigan and Toluca in Mexico.
Employees will return to work on 26 January, Chrysler said.
Workers at the Toledo, Ohio North assembly plant (Jeeps) and adjacent supplier park also return to work on 26 January while those at the Windsor, Ontario plant in Canada and the Conner Avenue assembly plant in Michigan are back on the job from 2 February.
Those at Chrysler’s other 23 plants are scheduled to return on either 19 or 20 January.
Some powertrain, stamping and component plants will resume work on either 20 or 26 January.
“Chrysler makes product-by-product decisions based on current and anticipated market demands,” the automaker added.
“Company officials will continue to monitor economic indicators for signs of returning consumer credit and consumer confidence in making further operational decisions.”
