Auto giant Fiat will temporarily suspend production at one of its Italian plants between August 20 and 31 in response to slumping European car sales, the company said Wednesday.

"The situation requires us to reduce production to avoid a useless and costly accumulation of vehicles," said a statement from the group, which includes the Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.

The affected plant in Pomigliano will have two extra work weeks tacked on at the end of its normal summer break from July 23 to August 17.

AFP