Kia has stopped production in West Point

Kia Motors has stopped production at its vehicle assembly factory in West Point because of supply-chain related issues. The carmaker did not say if the coronavirus caused the problems.

The South Korean company halted work on Thursday and the shutdown will continue today, according to a news release. Normal operations are scheduled to resume on Monday.

Kia did not elaborate on the nature of the supply chain issues. Rick Douglas, a Kia spokesman, said the facility has had no confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Kia will perform “routine maintenance activities” during the shutdown, as well as “cleaning and sanitizing processes to workstations throughout the facility as part of its prevent measures related to COVID-19 risks.”

Kia, the only automobile company with a manufacturing facility in Georgia, makes Sorrento SUVs and Optima sedans in West Point. Other carmakers, including GM, Ford, Honda and Toyota, have suspended production at North American plants, according to Automotive News.

About the Author

New pilot alert technology promises to avoid runway collisions

Honeywell argues the seconds it takes for a controller to get the message to a pilot, process the alert and convey it can make a crucial difference.

Georgia among most generous states for data center incentives, reports show

Georgia waived $296m in taxes through statewide programs aimed at incentivizing data centers this year.

Hyundai’s ‘made in Georgia’ EVs just got a little more local

Hyundai's EVs built near Savannah recently began qualifying for federal tax credits because the batteries are U.S.-made despite delays constructing two Georgia battery plants.

The Latest

Credit: Emma Hurt

New pilot alert technology promises to avoid runway collisions

Georgia among most generous states for data center incentives, reports show

Hyundai’s ‘made in Georgia’ EVs just got a little more local

Featured

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Stacey Abrams considers third run for governor as some Georgia Democrats move on

Once the unquestioned leader of Georgia Democrats, Stacey Abrams now faces an uncertain political future as she considers a third run for governor.

Orange Crush future in limbo after clash between organizer, trademark owner

The Orange Crush beach bash brought tens of thousands of HBCU students to Georgia's coast, but its future is clouded by a dispute between the trademark owner and organizer.

With midterms looming, Georgia fails to make election security upgrades

Election security proposals stalled in the Georgia General Assembly, leaving the same voting technology in place for the 2026 election. Election advocates say they're worried.