German-US auto giant DaimlerChrysler said today it would axe 13,000 jobs at US unit Chrysler as part of a restructuring aimed at restoring its profitability by 2008.
Chairman Dieter Zetsche also said the automaker was examining other options and did not rule out the sale of Chrysler, a move sought by shareholders in Germany.
The job cuts represent 16% of the subsidiary's current global workforce of 82,500 and come six years after another Chrylser turnaround plan eliminated 26,000 jobs and 16 plants.
The announced job cuts follow major downsizing plans at General Motors and Ford, also struggling against a loss of US market share to Japanese competitors.
