'Work Shortage' Renault Samsung to Close Busan Plant for Four Days Next Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Renault Samsung Motors announced on the 27th that it will eliminate night shifts at its Busan plant next month and enter a four-day shutdown.

Renault Samsung, struggling with a shortage of work due to a decrease in export volume, has been operating only the day shift since the 10th of this month by eliminating night shifts.

Renault Samsung plans to continue operating only the day shift next month without night shifts, and the plant will be shut down on the 11th, 23rd, 24th, and 31st of next month.

In September, Renault Samsung's Busan plant secured orders for the export volume of the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) XM3 to Europe, but more time is needed before full-scale exports begin.

Since the end of the contract for OEM production of the Nissan Rogue in April, Renault Samsung's exports have sharply declined. Export volume until October this year dropped to 18,355 units, a 75% decrease compared to the previous year. Domestic sales have also fallen below 10,000 units for four consecutive months recently.

Renault Samsung Busan Plant Production Line / Photo by Asia Economy