Chrysler lays off truck assembly workers

Chrysler will be slowing down production at its Warren, MI and Newark, NJ assembly plants, cutting October production of the Dodge Ram, Dakota, and Durango at those plants by approximately half. Ram production at two other plants will be unaffected. The company explains this move as having little to do with rising fuel costs, which on the surface seems like an absurd comment. However, analysts agree, stating that fuel costs are "marginally" affecting SUV and truck sales, and that the real reason for the sales drop in the segment is the end of deep discounting. Either way, it can't be seen as an encouraging sign for domestic truck and SUV sales.