Remember, they always shut down for two weeks this time of year. There are just extending it by two more weeks. This really isn't surprising or shocking.
It will be a bit more shocking (but not surprising) in '09 when the title is, "Chrysler shuts down production - forever"
Chrysler has a history of being on the brink of bankruptcy...current situation is nothing new for them
So this is part lack of capital and part political posture.
"continued lack of consumer credit for the American car buyer" says the company. My message to them it should honestly read "lack of easy credit means people who are sensible won't buy our sub standard product".