Chrysler is shutting all its assembly plants in the USA for a month to adjust its production volumes.

The shutdown of all 30 sites begins at the end of tomorrow's shift. Most will restart production on January 19, said Chrysler, but some may stay closed for several more weeks.

In the USA, Chrysler Financial has announced it will begin imposing fees on dealers that are holding new vehicles still in stock after 360 days.

From January 1 it will also demand that dealers repay outstanding balances on used vehicles still unsold after six months. 

GM said last week it will shut at least 20 plants in the US for part of the first quarter of 2009.