Despite relatively strong sales during the current economic downturn, Volkswagen says it needs to trim production to keep pace with weaker-than-normal demand. The German automaker will temporarily idle portions of its Puebla, Mexico, assembly plant beginning this week through early August.
VW will cut its Jetta assembly line workforce by about one third in 14-day stints, though no workers will be laid off. Union members will see half-pay for 10 of the 14 days.
The automaker will not cut production of the New Beetle, which is also built at the assembly plant.
The majority of the Jettas and New Beetles produced at the plant head to the United States and Canada, though the cars are exported to South America and Europe, as well.
