Chrysler knocked by huge recall

Chrysler is going through tough times at the moment

Chrysler is to recall almost half a million vehicles - the second recall by the company in two weeks.

A total of 489,000 vehicles are being recalled including its new Dodge Avenger saloon, the US arm of German carmaker DaimlerChrysler said.

Chrysler said it would notify owners of the affected vehicles which are suffering air conditioning, electrical and door lock problems.

It is the latest problem to hit the troubled carmaker, which may be sold.

Last month, parent company DaimlerChrysler said it would sell or spin off the unit which made a loss of 124m euros ($162m; £83m) in 2006.

In an effort to cut costs at the US arm it also axed 13,000 jobs at Chrysler and closed down one of its plants.

Two weeks ago the firm recalled more than 50,000 vehicles to resolve a problem with anti-lock brakes.

The latest recall involves more 328,424 Durango sports utility vehicles - made between 2004 and 2006 - amid concerns that internal electrical circuits may overheat.

A further 149,605 Jeep Liberty vehicles, made between 2006 and 2007, are being recalled for air-conditioning glitches, while 10,994 of its latest Dodge Avenger saloon models need to have door locking problems fixed.