Chrysler trims truck production

Bradford Wernle | | Automotive News / September 18, 2006 - 6:00 am DETROIT -- To reduce inventories, the Chrysler group will suspend production at four light-truck manufacturing plants for at least a week.

The company said it could post operating losses up to $1.5 billion in the third quarter because American consumers are switching rapidly to more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Chrysler had announced in July that it expected to lose up to $600 million in the third quarter.

The plants suspending production are: Saltillo, Mexico (Dodge Ram pickup); Jefferson North in Detroit (Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee); Warren (Mich.) Truck (Ram and Dodge Dakota pickup); and St. Louis South (Chrysler and Dodge minivans). The plants will be closed this week and probably longer, the company says.

Chrysler spokesman Jason Vines said the production cuts are a mix of previously announced and new reductions.