Chrysler to shut down all plants for a month

Chrysler announced today that it will be shutting down all of its manufacturing operation for a month starting Dec.19th as a result of the lack in consumer credit for new car buyers that has led to a decrease in demand.

Chrysler said that impacted employees will not return to work any sooner than Jan. 19, 2009. That’s one long vacation.

Chrysler dealers have confirmed to the executives that they have many customers willing to buy vehicles from Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge but are unable to due to the lack of financing. The dealers said that they have lost an estimated 20 to 25 percent of their volume due to the credit situation.