[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380) will temporarily suspend operations at its Ulsan Plant No. 4 Line 2, which produces its signature 1-ton Porter truck, due to sluggish sales and ongoing facility upgrades.
According to industry sources on June 13, the production line will be shut down for two weeks from June 19 to July 2. Ahead of the shutdown, Hyundai will reduce the line’s hourly production volume (units per hour, UPH) from 28.5 units to 19.5 units from June 16 to 18.
The line is responsible for manufacturing both internal combustion and electric vehicle (EV) versions of the Porter. The decision reflects a growing inventory and prolonged decline in sales, prompting the automaker to adjust output accordingly.
From January to May 2024, Hyundai sold 24,027 Porter units in the domestic market—a 26.6% drop from 32,746 units sold during the same period last year. The downturn is largely attributed to a shrinking customer base, particularly among self-employed business owners, who make up the truck’s core demographic.
Hyundai stated it will continue to monitor market demand and adjust production plans flexibly. The temporary shutdown also coincides with scheduled upgrades to production facilities.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
