Models stand next to the all-new Torres SUV, manufactured by SsangYong Motor Co., during a publicity event in Incheon, around 30 kilometers west of Seoul, on July 5, 2022. The Torres SUV comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 12 (Korea Bizwire) — SsangYong Motor Co. said Monday that it will return to running two shifts per week on its assembly lines after 12 months of struggle.
The company has been running a single shift per week at its assembly line in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province since July last year to save costs.
All technicians and engineers have been split into two teams, and office staff into three teams to take turns doing shifts at the assembly line. Idle teams were asked to take unpaid leave.
The return of the two-shift system is attributed to the rising popularity of the Torres SUV, which has led to a production increase.
Consumers have welcomed the new SUV, which has received more than 30,000 pre-orders.
With the return of the two-shift system, assembly line 1, which produces the Torres, Tivoli and Korando will see its production jump by 28 jobs per hour, and assembly line 3, which produces the New Rexton Sports and Khan will see its production jump by 14 jobs per hour.
Annual production capacity will increase from 90,000 to 170,000 vehicles. Assembly line 1, which produces the Torres, will also see its production capacity jump by more than 50,000 vehicles each year.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
