[Exclusive] Due to Sonata Sales Slump, Hyundai Motor Asan Plant to Halt Operations Again Next Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Due to sluggish Sonata sales, Hyundai Motor's Asan plant will temporarily shut down again next month.

According to industry sources on the 25th, Hyundai Motor has decided to close the Asan plant for five days from the 8th to the 12th of next month.

The Asan plant mainly produces the Grandeur and Sonata, and the shutdown is interpreted as a measure to adjust inventory due to the recent poor sales of the Sonata.

Previously, Hyundai Motor's Asan plant also temporarily shut down at the end of last year due to sluggish Sonata sales.

While the Grandeur has been highly popular, ranking as the best-selling vehicle from last year through this year, Sonata sales have significantly declined.

Hyundai Motor explained that the temporary suspension of operations is a measure to control production volume. However, they clarified that the shutdown is not related to the semiconductor supply shortage currently affecting the automotive industry.