Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors cut China output amid tensions: sources

Seoul

SOUTH Korea's Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp have slashed vehicle production in China, sources said, as diplomatic tensions and competition from Chinese brands play havoc on sales and threaten earnings.

China, the world's biggest car market, accounted for over a quarter of the pair's 2016 overseas sales but their March sales there were smashed by anti-Korean sentiment and competition from the likes of Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.