Volkswagen has been forced to suspend production at six of its German plants in a stand-off with parts suppliers that could end up costing the car maker hundreds of millions of euros.

In an unprecedented move, VW has halted production of its iconic Golf model at six factories across Germany, including its Wolfsburg headquarters, and drastically cut hours for almost 28,000 workers.

The carmaker was forced into the measures after two of its suppliers took the unprecedented step of refusing to deliver parts mid-production.

The row, triggered by a dispute over a cancelled contract, plunged VW into a new crisis even as it struggles to recover from the fall-out of the 'Dieselgate' emissions-rigging scandal.

Shares in the company fell to a two-week low of €119.90 amid warnings that the stoppage could cost it €100m (£86m) a week.

“Because of a break in deliveries from an external supplier, production of several components at VW factories was halted,” the company said.