A half million Peugeot 206's have been built at Ryton, Coventry, in record time.

It is the first time that so many vehicles have been produced so quickly in Ryton's history. 206 production began three years ago.

This year Ryton will produce nearly 200,000 vehicles (4,280 per week), an increase of 2% on 2000.

Manufacturing director Christophe Gauthier said: "Everyone at Ryton can look to the future with confidence as demand for the 206 remains high."

The only other car to exceed the 206 milestone at Ryton is the Avenger. Between 1969 and 1977, 637,729 were built.