In November 2008, Nardelli announced in the media that Chrysler required US$4 billion to run its operations until March 2009. Overall, Chrysler sought US$7 billion financial aid from the U.S. government. On December 17, 2008, Chrysler announced that on December 19, 2008, it would close its 12 North American plants due to weak. In December 2008, the sales figure of Chrysler declined by 54% as compared to the sales reported in the corresponding Month of 2007.