Huge layoff announced
for Chrysler workers
Chrysler LLC plans to lay off nearly 15 percent of its employees. That means up to 12,000 people from plants around the country will lose their jobs. The car manufacturer says it must cut costs because of the lack of demand for new cars.
Of those losing their jobs, up to 10,000 will be those on hourly wages. In addition to workforce cuts, four vehicle models will be removed from the Chrysler line. Chrysler sales were down 3 percent for the year through September, according to Autodata Corp. Chrysler doesn't expect sales to increase next year, either.
This isn't the first time Chrysler has cut back. As recently as February, the manufacturer eliminated 13,000 jobs.
The recent cuts are said to reflect requests from car dealers. The company's "new customer-driver philosophy" will allow it to "focus resources on new, more profitable and appealing products," said Jim Press, the new vice president and chairman for Chrysler.
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead supervisor: Prof. Brian Richardson
Reporting supervisors:
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd