"In view of the unprecedented situation arising out ofthe spread of COVID-19 and keeping in mind the safety andwell-being of all our consumers, employees, workers, partners,and associates pan India, Kia Motors India has decided tosuspend all its operations with immediate effect.
With this, company's manufacturing facility inAnantapur (Andhra Pradesh) and company office premises willstop functioning until further notice," it said.
Kia said all its dealerships remain on call and areavailable to customers for all their requirements via alldigital channels and it is also ensuring deliveries are notdelayed for eager customers as well as service requirementsare also being attended to, without compromising on strongsafety precautions.
Kia Motors India will continue to closely monitor thesituation and ensure the best interests of everyone associatedwith its operations in the country, it said.
Company will also remain connected with allauthorities concerned and administration and will extend allpossible cooperation and assistance, as and when required, itadded.
When contacted, Anantapur Collector Ganbdham Chandrudusaid the district administration has communicated about the APgovernments lockdown orders till March 31.
"They (Kia management) have been intimated about thelockdown and they are complying with it," the official said.
According to him, eight Korean nationals working forthe company who have come to the plant during February werealso put under home quarantine as a safety measure, though notrequired.
The facility currently employs 10,000 people.
Kia Motors India's wholesales in February stood at15,644 units.
The company dispatched 14,024 units of Seltos and1,620 units of Carnival to dealers last month, Kia MotorsIndia had earlier said in a statement. GDKSS SS