S. Korean auto production drops sharply in Nov.

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's production of cars, trucks and buses fell
18.2 percent in November from the same month last year as the global economic
downturn has dampened demand for the nation's vehicles, producers said Thursday.
Production fell to 328,178 units for the sixth consecutive month of declines, the
Korea Automobile Manufacturers' Association said in a statement.
For the month, domestic sales declined 27.7 percent from a year ago to 70,453
units and exports fell 12.5 percent to 248,943 units, according to the statement.

To reduce rising inventories and cut costs, South Korean automakers, led by
Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp., are taking various steps by
slashing daily work hours or idling their plants at home and overseas.
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