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BMW workers will continue to work reduced hours in its German factories for the rest of 2009, the firm has confirmed.

BMW Germany spokesman said that 17,000 of its workers will be affected, as new car sales continue to struggle despite scrappage schemes softening the blow.

As normal, BMW workers in its Dingolfing, Munich, Berlin and Landshut plants will work three out of the four weeks in August. Hours will be cut again for staff for the rest of the year.

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It can't help that the company's range of products is now almost exclusively unattractive, overwrought, overpriced, and aimed at a shrinking market of willy-wavers whose ability to buy them was directly related to the size of their mortgage. They look good in brochures and in flattering Autocar reviews, but in reality they're not a sane choice. £30K plus options for a car the size of a Mondeo? Gosh, why aren't they selling?

Actually, my 320i coupe cost me £23.5k (including options; full leather, sport seats, trim upgrade, met paint) Thats the price of a top end Mondeo! BMW are now, like all other manufacturers, struggling to sell cars so huge discounts are available. List price of mine with options was £29k!!! I will admit that the 3 coupe is just about the only car in the current range with half decent looks though. Oh and I'm not a willy waver, I just appreciate good quality cars (if the Mondeo wasn't the size of a tank, I may well be driving one)