Kia Corporation plans to stop manufacturing large buses within the next two years, consolidating production at Hyundai Motor Company. The automaker informed its workers during a labour-management committee meeting this week, according to its labour union. Kia's main large bus product, the Granbird, sold just over 1,400 units last year, mostly in South Korea. The Granbird is built at the Hanam plant in Gwangju, where special vehicles including military vehicles are also produced. Domestic bus makers have faced pressure from low-cost Chinese manufacturers and stricter emissions regulations.
Kia CorpKia plans to cease large bus production within two years, consolidating at Hyundai.
Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.Hyundai Motor Company will absorb Kia's large bus production, potentially increasing its market share.