Chrysler to close factory, cut shift at another

DETROIT: Chrysler says it will eliminate one shift at an assembly plant and accelerate the closure of a factory, as sales of larger vehicles wane.

About 825 workers at its Toledo North Assembly Plant in Ohio will be laid off as of Dec. 31. Auburn Hills, Michigan-based Chrysler LLC says the closure of its Newark, Delaware, plant also will be effective at the end of the year and affect about 1,000 jobs.

The Toledo factory makes the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty. Both have been selling slowly this year due to high gas prices and a slowing US economy.

The Newark plant makes the slow-selling Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen sport utility vehicles. It originally was expected to close at the end of 2009.