PSA Peugeot-Citroën has doubled output at its plant in Vigo (Spain) in May thanks to the launch of new models, reports Faro de Vigo. According to data released by the company, the number of vehicles produced in the month rose by 106.5% year-on-year (y/y) to 45,778 units. This has resulted in its year-to-date (YTD) for the site now standing at 186,285 units, an improvement of 42.6% y/y. The automaker has also raised its output expectations for the site for 2013 from 400,000 units to 440,000 units.
Significance: The jump has come predominantly in response to the second generation Citroën C4 Picasso, demand for which is expected by the automaker to reach 150,000 units per annum (upa). There has also been an ongoing upward swing in demand for its Peugeot 301 and Citroën C-Elysée, which have been developed to tap fast growth markets. The part of the site that produces these vehicles and the Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo light commercial vehicles (LCVs) has seen an increase in its headcount of 300, as well as the beginning of extra shifts on Saturdays. IHS Automotive is slightly down on PSA's expectations with production of 418,000 units in 2013, although this will still be up by 41.8% y/y, with output over the 400,000 unit mark continuing for the next couple of years as well.
