Chrysler closing all 30 plants for a month

DETROIT (AP) — 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 because of a lack of financing, and estimate that 20 percent to 25 percent of their volume has been lost as a result of 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 Friday and will not come back online until Jan. 19, 2009, or later.