Kia Corporation has halted operations at a vehicle plant just south of Seoul due to an outbreak of coronavirus infections.

The company confirmed on Sunday it was halting production at its Sohari No 1 factory, one of its eight domestic vehicle assembly plants, after dozens of workers tested positive for the COVID-19 virus at the weekend.

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The factory has an annual production capacity of 320,000 vehicles per year, including the Stinger, K9  and Carnival MPV.

This followed the suspension in May of Sohari No 2 which makes the Stonic, for two days due to the global semiconductor shortage.

Hankook Tire also announced at the weekend it had suspended production at its Geumsan plant for two days due to a coronavirus outbreak.

The company said 12 workers tested positive for the virus last week and family members and acquaintances had also been infected.

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