Kia Motors' exports hit hard, three plants in South Korea may be shut down

  • Hyundai and Kia Motors have suspended operations at most of their factories outside South Korea and China as the coronavirus spreads fast beyond Asia.
File photo (REUTERS)
File photo

Kia Motors Corp told its labour union in South Korea that it wants to suspend operations at three of its domestic factories as the coronavirus outbreak weighs on exports to Europe and the United States, a union official said on Monday.

The union has not yet decided whether to accept the plan - under which operations would be suspended from April 23-29 - because negotiations over pay are ongoing, the official said.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Kia Carnival 2024 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon2199.0 cc FuelType IconDiesel
₹ 35 - 39 Lakhs
View Details
Kia Sportage (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon1999.0 cc FuelType IconDiesel
₹ 25 Lakhs
View Details
Kia Sorento (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon3298.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 25 - 30 Lakhs
View Details
Kia Ev9 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon99.8 kWh Range Icon450 km
₹90 Lakhs - 1.20 Cr
View Details
Kia Ev6 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon77.4 kWh Range Icon708 km
₹ 59.95 - 64.95 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Kia Sonet (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1493.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 7.99 - 15.69 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers

"Kia Motors is currently reviewing the suspension of some of its plants in Korea in response to declining global demand due to COVID-19. However, a decision has not been made at this time," Kia Motors said in a statement.

Also Read : Kia Telluride SUV bags 2020 World Car Of The Year honour

Kia Motors' share price fell 3.4% and that of affiliate Hyundai Motor Co declined 2% in a wider market that was 0.7% lower in morning trade.

Hyundai Motor halted a line producing its Tucson sport utility vehicle in the southeastern city of Ulsan from April 13-17.

Hyundai and Kia Motors have suspended operations at most of their factories outside South Korea and China as the coronavirus spreads fast beyond Asia.

Government restrictions on movement to slow the spread are impacting consumer spending worldwide.

South Korea's exports for the first 10 days of April plunged 18.6% from the same period a year earlier, far below the 20.8% jump over March 1-10. Shipments of vehicles and vehicle components during the period tumbled 7.1% and 31.8% respectively.

First Published Date: 13 Apr 2020, 08:30 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.