DETROIT, April 30, 2009
Chrysler Temporarily Halting Production
Automaker Will Stop Most Of Its Vehicle Manufacturing As It Heads Into Bankruptcy
-
Following the announcment that Chrysler will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the automaker said it would temporarily halt production in most of its factories, April 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
-
Fast Facts Obama Auto Industry Plan What's in store for GM and Chrysler after automakers' restructuring plans are spiked.
The shutdown is effective Monday and could last up to two months.
Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler LLC says it expects the shutdown to last between 30 and 60 days and then resume with normal production schedules once the agreement is completed.
Chrysler's hope to avoid bankruptcy proceedings was thwarted after negotiations with hedge funds holding a minority stake in the automaker's outstanding debt collapsed early Thursday morning.
In announcing the plans to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Mr. Obama said he has "every confidence that Chrysler will emerge from this process stronger and more competitive."
Mr. Obama said the deal with Fiat will give the automaker a "new lease on life."
Fiat Group SpA will get a 20 percent stake in Chrysler in return for giving Chrysler access to its fuel-efficient technology.
Fiat has committed to building Fiat cars in Chrysler factories, to be sold as Chryslers.
Soon after Mr. Obama spoke, Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli announced that he would step down after the company emerged from bankruptcy protection.
© MMIX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
More From Business
Author Thomas Friedman on Obama's Afghanistan plan and the war on terror.
