ST. PETERSBURG, July 1 (RIA Novosti) - A Ford factory near Russia's second city of St. Petersburg said on Wednesday it was halting production for six business days until July 9.

The plant in the town of Vsevolozhsk, which produces Ford Focus and Mondeo cars, is suspending production over declining car sales amid the ongoing global economic crisis, a spokesman said.

The factory, which was opened in summer 2002 and employs some 2,200 workers, recently introduced a four-day working week, leading to protests by workers who said the daily output plan had been increased despite the move.

The plant said it would resume work on July 13 but continue with plans to suspend production on July 20 for three weeks when workers go on annual company holidays. Employees will be paid two-thirds of their salaries during the extended break.

Car factories in Russia have encountered difficulties over rising prices for auto parts and other supplies and declining sales.

Earlier this week GM's plant near St. Petersburg announced it will suspend production from July 1 to August 31.