Automakers Shut Down One After Another During Bridge Holiday... Adjusting Export Volumes

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Domestic automakers are successively halting factory operations in May due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). It appears they are attempting to adjust demand amid an export cliff caused by the global spread of COVID-19.

According to the industry on the 30th, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, Renault Samsung Motors, and SsangYong Motor will simultaneously close their factories on the 4th of next month. Considering Buddha’s Birthday, Labor Day, and Children’s Day, most domestic automobile factories will be on shutdown from the 30th of this month to the 5th of next month.

Although the 4th of next month is a working day for Hyundai and Kia, they agreed with the labor union to move the Hangul Day holiday (October 9) forward and take a day off. Hyundai’s Ulsan Plant 4, which produces the Porter, will continue its shutdown that started on the 27th until the 5th. Ulsan Plant 3 is scheduled to shut down from the 6th to the 8th of next month, so the factory will be closed from the 30th of this month to the 8th of next month. Ulsan Plant 3 produces the i30, Ioniq, and Venue, which have a high export ratio.

Kia Motors will shut down Gwangmyeong Sohari Plants 1 and 2 and Gwangju Plant 2 from the 27th to the 8th of next month. Sohari Plant 1 produces the Carnival and Stinger, Plant 2 produces the Pride and Stonic, and Gwangju Plant 2 is responsible for the Sportage and Soul. The large bus production line at Gwangju Plant 3 will suspend operations for three days starting on the 27th. Additionally, Sohari Plants 1 and 2 will take an extra shutdown from the 22nd to the 25th of next month.

Korea GM’s Bupyeong Plant 1 will also shut down during the bridge holiday period, including the 4th of next month.

Renault Samsung will halt operations from the 30th of this month to the 10th of next month. Although it amounts to four working days, the total period is 11 days.

SsangYong Motor will include a day off on the 4th of next month, with the assembly line shutting down for eight working days and the press production team for six days. It is reported that the labor and management are currently coordinating the specific shutdown schedule.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.