Chrysler LLC

The worsening U.S. auto sales slump hit Chrysler LLC again as it announced plans to close one St. Louis-area factory and cut a shift from another because of declining demand for minivans and pickups. Officials with the Auburn Hills-based automaker said in a conference call that it will shutter the St. Louis South plant, which makes minivans, effective soon. The minivan plant's closure will cut 1,500 jobs, and it wasn't clear if the company would ever recall the 900 workers who will be laid off at the pickup truck plant. Both factories are in Fenton, a St. Louis suburb. The announcement comes after Chrysler lengthened summer shutdowns at several plants.