Sluggish Dodge Dart Sales Lead to Plant Layoffs

Chrysler has laid off 325 workers on three crews from its Belvidere, IL, assembly plant due to sluggish sales of the Dodge Dart C-car.

In a statement, the automaker says it has taken the step to adjust production during the week of March 3 in order to balance vehicle supply with current sales demand.

Dart sales in February fell 36.7% vs. year-ago and are off 33.2% through the first two months of the year, according to WardsAuto data. Days’ supply was at a hefty 125 days. A 60 days’ supply is considered a healthy level.

The Dart was launched in June 2012 with the intent of lifting the automaker’s presence in the competitive C-car segment, but sales have underperformed.

Chrysler says some consumers are choosing the larger Dodge Avenger, which is scheduled to be phased out, over the Dart. The automaker has raised incentive levels on the Avenger to clear out remaining inventory.