Chrysler loss expected to reach $1.7 billion

Chrysler Corporation is expected to report a 1980 loss of about $1.7 billion, the largest in US business history, today -- the day it receives $400 million in lifesaving federal loan guarantees. A deficit of this size would boost overall domestic auto industry losses last year above $4.2 billion -- by far the worst financial performance in its history. Red ink mounted to $1.5 billion at Ford Motor Company, $763 million at General Motors Corporation, and $198 million at Am erican Motors Corporation.