Chrysler closes factories

Chrysler will shut down all of its factories for a month from 19 December, the company has announced.

Bosses at the beleaguered car maker have blamed the worsening economic circumstances for the action.

They say their dealer chiefs have plenty of prospective buyers, but very few can get credit for a car.

The US's third-biggest car manufacturer also admits that it's trying to achieve a better balance between supply and demand for its products.

Workers are getting an extended Christmas break on 95 per cent pay.