Mexico Also Faces Blackout... Kia Plant Operations Halted

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Kia's factory in Mexico has suspended operations due to a severe cold wave that hit the United States.

Kia Mexico announced on the 18th (local time) that the factory located in Pesquer?a, Nuevo Le?n, northern Mexico, had stopped operations since the previous night's shift.

A Kia Mexico official said, "Operations were halted from the 18th to the 19th and are scheduled to resume next week," adding, "However, we need to monitor the natural gas supply situation." The factory produces the K2 and K3 models as well as Hyundai's Accent.

A resident is trying to light a firewood fire for cooking amid a power outage in Mexico.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

In addition to Kia, General Motors (GM) and Volkswagen also temporarily suspended operations at their Mexico factories.

This is due to disruptions in the supply of U.S.-sourced natural gas amid the winter cold wave, which has caused widespread power outages across Mexico.

Together with the power outage situation in Texas, USA, millions of households in northern Mexico also experienced electricity cuts and are currently undergoing rolling blackouts throughout the country.

Mexico relies on natural gas for 60% of its power generation, of which 70% is sourced from the United States.

Mexican President Andr?s Manuel L?pez Obrador requested on the same day, "I ask all citizens to conserve electricity during the evening hours to avoid further power outages."