TPCA Toyota Peugeot Citroën announced today that it will increase the production capacity of the Kolín plant to 340,000 cars for next year. This year it is estimated to produce 320,000 of Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107 and Citroën C1 models, i.e. about 11 and a half thousand more than in 2007. The increase in capacity will require an investment of nearly 150 million crowns and an increase in the number of employees by about 100 people.

"Demand for our models on the markets of Western Europe is still rising, " said the vice president of TPCA production Jiří Černý. "Consumers are changing their priorities and demand cars with low fuel consumption and low emissions. Legislation in many countries also helps in supporting cars that are environmentally friendly, "said Černý. The vast majority (99.5 %) of manufactured are headed for export. The largest markets remain in Italy, France, Great Britain, Germany and the Netherlands.

An increase in the annual capacity by 20,000 cars will require investments to adapt the production line. For example, the final assembly will be required to upgrade 11 facilities for 17.5 million. One of the biggest investments is awaiting the paint shop. In addition to technology, TPCA will also invest in people. Due to the increase in production, it shall hire 100 new employees. "By the end of 2008 we want to hire 50 new people, " said Vadim Petrov, general manager of TPCA for human resources. "We will hire other employees in 2009, depending on the flow of increased production, which will be gradual from June to December 2009. "

Radek Kňava
Press office