Seven-month high in auto layoffs

Indefinite layoffs at the nation's automakers will hit a seven-month high of 252,199 this week as the companies place another 700 workers on open-ended furlough.

Last week 251,475 workers were on indefinite layoff - the highest since the first week of April.

Statistics released Nov. 11 also show temporary layoffs will hit 37,100 this week, but could increase if Chrysler Corporation makes additional cutbacks in its work force as a result of a strike by workers in Canada.

General Motors Corporation said it will have the same record-setting 157,000 workers on indefinite layoff. The automaker will have 21,550 workers on temporary layoffs.

At Ford Motor Company, indefinite layoffs will increase to 48,949 from 48,825 last week.

Automotive News said car production will hit 88,730 vehicles this week, down nearly 20 percent from last week and 10 percent from the same week last year.