WITH the introduction of a fourth shift, the production of the Peugeot 206 hatchback and new 206 SW derivative at its Ryton plant near Coventry, could create 700 new jobs.

The firm says that to satisfy current demand, production will need to increase to 230,000 vehicles next year up 40,000 on 2001.

To achieve this increase, the company will need to introduce a fourth shift at the plant and recruit an additional 700 employees. This would strengthen PSA Peugeot Citron's position as one of the largest volume car producers in the UK second only to Nissan in Sunderland. Last year 51 per cent of total production was exported. Ryton currently works on a three-shift basis, seven days a week.

The Peugeot 206 was Europe's best selling vehicle in 2001, and is the most popular car in the UK for retail customers.

Ryton is the only plant in the PSA Peugeot Citron group to produce the 206 SW a stylish new five-door model to be launched across Europe shortly.