Chrysler has announced an extended holiday shut down at some North American factories as it retools for new vehicles to be produced in 2010. Although the shutdown will reduce overall supply, Chrysler is in desperate need of a lineup refresh. Chrysler’s Belvidere, Illinois plant will extend its holiday shutdown through the week of January 4th. The Belvidere plant produces the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass and Patriot, all of which are due for a refresh.

In Ontario, Canada, Chrysler will close its Brampton and Windsor plants through the week of January 11th. The Brampton plant is ramping up to produce new versions of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 while the Windsor plant is preparing for heavy updates to Chrysler’s minivans. Chrysler will also add a week shutdown at its Toluca, Mexico plant during 2010 so that plan can prepare for production of the Fiat 500.

Via LeftLaneNews

Production at two plants in Michigan, one in Missouri, one in Ohio, two in Canada and one in Mexico will begin during the week of June 29, a company statement said. The reopened plants are major providers of Dodge Ram pickup trucks (Michigan and St. Louis) and the large Toledo, Ohio line, which produces Jeep Wranglers and Wrangler Unlimited.