The factory, which builds the Ceed compact car and Sportage SUV, will operate with only two of the normal three shifts, Kia said.

In his new role, company veteran Won-Jeong Jeong will oversee the launch of Kia’s new brand identity in Europe that aims to raise perceptions of the automaker as a leader in electrification.

Sales fell last month as demand was hit by the government-imposed lockdown to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

Sales fell by 85 percent in March as the country was placed under lockdown early in the month.

Hyundai hopes to increase its share of Europe’s minicar segment with the new i10, which it has priced below 11,000 euros to attract buyers.

Arnaud Leclerc is tasked with leading Alfa Romeo's revival in Europe as the brand readies new products such as the Tonale SUV.

Fiat aims to resume some production in Italy on April 6 if the country's lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic is removed or eased.

Cupra has reached a milestone that few subbrands achieve: it has a model in its lineup that was exclusively developed for it.

Hyundai's latest-generation i20 also gets fresh styling, along with infotainment and safety upgrades.

Hyundai said the closure of national borders has created logistical challenges for employees and suppliers.

CEO Herbert Diess recently told top executives the powertrain would be phased out, according to a German business newspaper, because CNG development costs "are higher than potential revenues.”

There is a high risk that Italy's full-year sales will be closer to 1.5 million, according to importer association UNRAE, down from a forecast of 1.9 million prior to the outbreak.

Fiat Chrysler will halt operations for several days at some of its Italian plants, and Italy's largest dealer will shut its doors until April 3 to help combat Europe's worst outbreak of the coronavirus.

Automakers and suppliers continued to operate on Tuesday in Italy despite a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed nearly 500 people in the country.

Maserati, Ferrari and three suppliers in Italy's expanded "orange zone" told Automotive News Europe they will be open for business on Monday despite tougher government measures put into place to contain Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak.