Chrysler to cut up to 10,000 hourly jobs

DETROIT, Nov 1 (Reuters) Chrysler LLC said on Thursday it is planning to cut up to 10,000 hourly jobs through 2008 as it reduces capacity and eliminates four slow-selling vehicles.

Shifts would be eliminated at five North American assembly plants, the US automaker said.

Also, Chrysler said it would cut 1,000 salaried jobs and eliminate 37 percent of its contract positions.

The layoffs are in addition to 13,000 jobs that Chrysler said it would cut as part of its restructuring plan announced in February.

Among the models, Chrysler said it would eliminate the Dodge Magnum sedan, the convertible version of the PT Cruiser, the Chrysler Pacifica and the Chrysler Crossfire.

REUTERS PDT BD2000