Production of the new Cherokee, which has a nine-speed transmission, was slowed on September 23 when the second shift was suspended, Chrysler said. By the end of August, there were 9,400 Cherokees built and held for shipment.

The 500 workers laid off for this week are to report to work Monday for the second shift at the Toledo North plant, along with 600 workers who were reassigned for this week.

(Reporting by Bernie Woodall; Editing by Gary Hill)