Chrysler shuts three plants after resuming production for a brief time

Chrysler LLC, which reported a 55 percent decline in January 2009 sales, shut down three assembly plants after reopening them just two weeks ago.

According to Automotive News, Chrysler will shutdown the plants that make the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander and the Dodge Ram 1500 and Dakota pickups. The factories resumed production on Jan. 20 after an extended holiday shutdown.

“It’s always about managing product and dealer inventory,” Chrysler spokesman Dave Elshoff told Automotive News. “If dealer inventory is high, we’re not going to build on inventory.”

Chrysler said it finished last month with 359,980 vehicles in stock, or a 151-day supply.