Chrysler Extends Plant Shutdowns

Chrysler LLC says it will extend shutdowns an additional week at three production facilities due to the ongoing U.S. financial crisis that “continues to stifle the availability of consumer credit.”

Chrysler in a statement says it has notified workers at its Belvidere, IL; Sterling Heights, MI; and Toluca, Mexico, assembly plants they will return to their jobs Jan. 26.

The auto maker previously announced it would extend shutdowns until Jan. 26 at its Toledo, OH, North Assembly Plant and Supplier Park, and Windsor, ON, Canada, facility. Workers at Chrysler’s Conner Avenue assembly plant in Detroit will report to work Feb. 2.

Chrysler says workers at the rest of its 23 manufacturing facilities are expected to return to work Jan. 20, with the exception of its Canadian and Mexican employees, who will report back Jan. 19.