FRANKFURT - GERMAN Volkswagen's premium unit Audi said on Friday it was to stop production at its two main plants for six days, cutting output in February by 12,000 vehicles.
About 25,000 blue-collar workers in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm will be given six work days off from Feb 20-27, when Catholic southern Germany celebrates the pre-Lent festival of Carnival.
Under an agreement with labour representatives, employees will continue to receive nearly all their net wages thanks to supplements paid by the German state.
Audi production boss Frank Dreves said in a statement that the company's growth strategy would not be affected by the move.
'Preparations for the production ramp-up for the six new models that we want to launch in the market continue at full steam,' he said.
Audi sold 1 million vehicles last year. -- REUTERS
