New Chrysler will reopen seven manufacturing plants Monday, June 29, but the factory doors will only be open for two weeks at the St. Louis Dodge Ram plant before going idle again. Despite the availability of the new, highly-praised 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, the Ram line is sitting on a glut of inventory. On June 1, there were 68,700 Rams in inventory, representing a 115-day supply. With dealers struggling to move the trucks, Chrysler said it will idle the St. Louis location on July 10 and keep it closed "contingent upon volumes." Chrysler previously announced that the St. Louis facility would be closed in the third quarter.
The St. Louis plant produces Ram 1500s and 2500s. All Chrysler plants will be idled the weeks of July 13 and July 20 in order to retool for 2010 models.
Source: Automotive News (subscription required)