Chrysler Closes 30 Plants for 1 month

[Benzgirl]

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2..._to_close.html

"DETROIT -- Chrysler says it will close all 30 of its manufacturing plants for a month starting Friday.
The company needs to match production to slowing demand and conserve cash.
Tighter credit markets are keeping would-be buyers away from their showrooms, Chrysler says. Dealers are unable to close sales for buyers due to a lack of financing, and estimate that 20 to 25 percent of their volume has been lost due to the credit situation.
Chrysler claims it is nearing the minimum level of cash it needs to run the company and will have trouble paying bills after the first of the year.
Operations at the 30 plants will be idled at the end of shift on Friday, Dec. 19, and will not come back online until Jan. 19, 2009, or later."

[AGDee]

Ford too

http://www.freep.com/article/2008121...ESS01/81217090

Ford to extend holiday shutdown of 10 assembly plants for a week

pokeswoman Angie Kozleski says the normal two-week holiday shutdown will be extended to Jan. 12 at all operating assembly plants except those in Claycomo, Mo., near Kansas City and the Dearborn, Mich., truck plant.

Ford will also extend the shutdown at some engine, transmission and parts stamping plants, or shut portions of them to match production cuts at the assembly plants.

Sadly, the guy who was our Best Man was transferred to Claycomo but his wife and four kids are still living here because they can't sell their house. He's the one guy who probably would've loved a whole month at home with his family since they've been having to live apart for two years now.

[Benzgirl]

Just heard. The Ford Plant in my town is part of the shut down.