Chrysler LLC announced Dec. 17 that it will make significant adjustments to the production schedules of its manufacturing operations due to the lagging sales affecting the auto industry. In doing so, the company will keep production and dealer inventory aligned with U.S. market demand.

In response, the company confirmed that all Chrysler manufacturing operations will be idled at the end of the shift Friday, Dec. 19, and impacted employees will not return to work any sooner than Monday, Jan. 19, 2009.

Chrysler dealers confirmed to the company at a recent meeting at its headquarters, that they have many willing buyers for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles but are unable to close the deals, due to lack of financing. The dealers have stated that they have lost an estimated 20 to 25 percent of their volume because of this credit situation.

The company will continue to monitor the production schedules of its manufacturing operations moving forward.