Two-month shutdown for GM

Given that existing supply is in excess of demand, automobile production would be suspended in December and January, spokesman Chartchai Suwanasevok said yesterday.

"Since we foresee that the production until the end of this year through early next year is enough to meet the demand, we have decided to cease production temporarily," said Mr Chartchai, the outgoing director of public relations for Thailand and Asean.

The eight-year-old Rayong plant has an annual capacity of 130,000 units, manufacturing Colorado pickups, Captiva SUVs, Optra sedans and Aveo compact cars. Capacity utilisation this year was estimated at 100,000 units. Most of the output is exported.

For the almost 2,000 workers at the plant, their current status as GM employees will be intact but their monthly pay will be cut by 25% during the work suspension. About 1,000 white-collar staff working for GM and Chevrolet Sales Thailand will not be affected.