Bogdan Corporation almost halves car output in two months

Bogdan Corporation, one of the largest players on the car manufacturing market in Ukraine, in January to February 2009 cut car production by 2.9 times or by 7,695 cars year-over-year, to 4,032 cars.

The corporation's press secretary, Serhiy Krasulia, told Interfax-Ukraine that in January 1,214 cars were produced (in January 2008 - 4,057 cars) and in February 2009 – 2,818 cars (7,504).

The press secretary said that the figure for January is less than that for February due to the holiday period, and taking into account the fact that the fall in car sales at the end of 2008 led to the stockpiling of finished cars.

The uncertainty with the situation in the protection of domestic producers, in particular, the introduction of a 13% extra charge to import duty, also impacted the indicators, he said.

Krasulia said that in February the plant produced 222 Hyundais (in February 2008 – 2,652) and 321 Kias (3,164).

Lada car production grew by 34.8% compared to February 2008, to 2,275.