WDET News
- Chrysler, Ford Extend Holiday Shutdowns
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Dec 17, 2008Automotive & Business - Link to Audio
Chrysler and Ford are extending holiday plant closures to reduce vehicle production. Detroit Public Radio’s Jerome Vaughn has more.
SOQ
Chrysler says it will temporarily close all 30 of its North American plants. Officials say the action will help the automaker bring vehicle production more in line with demand.
Chrysler says sales have been hurt by consumers’ inability to get auto loans. The company’s November sales fell 47 percent – compared to year ago levels.
Chrysler spokesman Ed Garsten. “At the end of the shift on Friday...plants will be idled and employees will not return to work any sooner than Monday, January 19th.” Ford Motor Company says it will extend its holiday closure at 10 plants by one week…as part of existing plans to better match vehicle supply with demand. Detroit’s automakers continue to wait for the White House to act on a proposed federal loan package.