Ford has said that it will halt production at its St Petersburg, Russia, plant from December 24 to January 21 due to market conditions.
 
The company said in a statement it had made a decision to halt production due to the overall market environment and a lowering of forecasts for total Russian car sales.
 
It also said it would launch production of its Mondeo sedan in March 2009, as compared to previously planned fourth quarter of this year.
 
The Ford announcement contrasts with its position earlier in the year when Ford’s European manufacturing head told just-auto that Ford couldn’t build enough Focus cars quick enough to keep up with demand in Russia.
 
Russia’s car market continued to grow until the autumn when credit availability became an issue on the back of the international financial crisis.
 
Better times: EXCLUSIVE: ITALY: Ford eyes sharp Russia growth

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