CHRYSLER has until the end of the week to conclude a deal with Fiat - or face bankruptcy.
The company has to demonstrate its viability to the US government autos task force, or enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Chrysler bosses have been frantically negotiating with unions in a bid to work out a way forward.
They hope to clinch a merger deal with Fiat, the resurgent European manufacturer, which will allow Chrysler to develop a new range of cars cheaply.
Plans are already well advanced on a city car based on the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Bravo platform may provide the basis for a medium-term successor to the Caliber.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here