Washington  - US carmaker Chrysler restarted production at seven factories Monday after emerging from bankruptcy earlier this month under the control of Italian manufacturer Fiat.

The merger with Fiat spared Chrysler from a complete collapse, allowing it to shed loss-making brands and exit the bankruptcy process about three weeks ago. The US government has provided billions of dollars in emergency loans.

The company has reopened four US plants, two in Canada and one in Mexico, a spokesperson for Chrysler confirmed. But all Chrysler plants will be closed for a previously announced two-week summer break in mid-July. (dpa)