China lifts import ban on vehicles from Hyundai, Kia

BEIJING, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- China decided Tuesday to restart issuing permits for imports of vehicles produced by South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate, Kia Motors Corp., lifting an embargo imposed last month over the carmakers' alleged anti-trust rules, company officials said.

The Chinese commerce ministry revoked a license allowing Hyundai and Kia to
export their South Korean-made cars to China in mid-September after receiving
complaints from Hyundai and Kia dealers that the carmakers pressed local dealers
to meet sales targets.
A Hyundai official said on condition of anonymity, "We will try to minimize the
export setback caused by the embargo and put our operations back on track."
He also said his company plans to strengthen its support to local dealers and
cooperation with Chinese government bodies.
Hyundai, South Korea's top automaker, and Kia export about 1,500 units and 800
units per month, respectively.