In South Korean Kia factories, work is halted for a week. The declining demand for compact cars in Europe due to the corona virus is the major culprit.
Donghee Auto, which is responsible for the production of the Kia Picanto, will shut down work until April 13, according to a spokesman. That reports news agency Reuters. Two compact Kias are being built in the South Korean factory: the Picanto and the Ray. The Picantos are three-quarters intended for the European market, the Kia Ray is exclusively delivered in South Korea.
The supplier of the engine blocks for the two Kia models also temporarily halts work. Hyundai Wai will cease production tires at its factory in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, from April 6-9.
Nearly 200,000 Picantos are built each year. In the Netherlands it is by far the most popular Kia. Since 2004, 118,213 Dutch people have bought a copy.