Chrysler to close factory, cut shift at another

[October 23, 2008]  DETROIT (AP) -- Chrysler says it will eliminate one shift at its Toledo North Assembly Plant and accelerate the closure of its factory in Newark, Del. as sales of larger vehicles wane.

About 825 workers in Toledo will be laid off as of Dec. 31. Auburn Hills, Mich. -based Chrysler LLC says the Newark closure also will be effective at the end of the year and affect about 1,000 jobs.

The Toledo factory makes the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty. Both have been selling slowly this year due to high gas prices and a slowing U.S. economy.

The Newark plant makes the slow-selling Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen sport utility vehicles. It originally was expected to close at the end of 2009.

[Associated Press; By TOM KRISHER]

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