Isuzu Indonesia cuts car production

PT Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia said it is reducing production in Indonesia by as much as 40%, from 2,000 units to 1,200 units per month, because of weak market demand. The company had begun cutting its production in November 2008, Isuzu Astra Vice President Yohannes Nangoi said. The production cut might continue until the end of the first half of 2009, as the company expects Isuzu car sales to decline by 36%, from 25,000 units in 2008 to 16,000 units in 2009. According to Nangoi, the company may also have to lay off some of its 900 workers. (February 13, 2009)