Automaker Karmann to slash one-fourth of workforce.

Associated Press

BERLIN - Germany's Karmann, which assembles convertibles for major auto manufacturers and makes convertible rooftops, will cut 1,800 jobs, or about a quarter of its work force, because of a decline in orders.

The cuts announced Monday will come at factories in Rheine and the company headquarters in Osnabrueck.

Karmann customers include Chrysler LLC, DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen AG's Audi, Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co.

Part of the drop in orders comes with Audi's decision to begin assembling the A4 convertible itself, while the company is also losing a Chrysler Crossfire contract in 2008 and for the Mercedes CLK in 2009.