FCA Idles Two U.S. Transmission Plants for Four Weeks

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV confirms it has extended two-week shutdowns begun last month at a pair of transmission plants in Indiana by two more weeks because of softening sales.

The Kokomo Tribune says the shutdown that began Oct. 15 now will run through Nov. 9. The newspaper says the combined 2,200 workers at the two facilities also will return to shorter shifts and workweeks.

The plants in Kokomo and nearby Tipton produce rear-wheel- and all-wheel drive 6- and 9-speed automatic gearboxes for Ram trucks and commercial vans, Jeep SUVs and the Chrysler Pacifica minivan.