AUTOS
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Chrysler Averts Layoffs: Chrysler Corp. said sales of its Jeep Cherokee have been stronger than expected, averting the layoffs of 700 workers next month. Chrysler had planned to eliminate the second shift at its Jeep Parkway plant on Oct. 19. But spokesman Chris Hosford said second-shift production at the Toledo, Ohio, plant will continue until at least Nov. 9. Chrysler sold 9,837 Cherokees in August, compared to 8,835 in July. But this year’s sales figures are still down from a year ago. Last August, Chrysler sold 10,687 Cherokees.
