After cancelling its third shift late in 2008 and axing 250 workers, PSA Peugeot Citroën is already back to full production in February by reverting to the status quo – and hiring 700 new hourly employees.
Forecast sales growth for 2010 and new models in the pipeline forced the decision. Next April the 207 pickup (206+ in Europe) hits the market while, in the fourth quarter, it will the new C3 Picasso’s turn. In Brazilian style the first version will have a pseudo-offroad ‘adventure look’, complete with body add-ons and even an externally attached spare wheel.
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In 2009, the Porto Real plant pumped out 111,000 units (15% exported) and 152,000 engines (35% for export, mostly to Argentina). Present annual capacity on three shifts with some weekend work tops160,000 vehicles and 220,000 engines.
According to Vincent Rambaud, PSA group president for Brazil and Latin America, “new investments under study, additional to the US$500m for the 2008-2011 period, might include production capacity increase in the region.”
He refrained from specifying where, but admitted the considerable strength of the Brazilian market.
“And the quick recovery in 2009 was astonishing,” he added.
