[THE INVESTOR] Korea’s largest carmaker Hyundai Motor Group on Sept. 12 said it has temporarily halted production at its two US plants to minimize potential damage from Hurricane Irma. 

Hyundai Motor’s Alabama plant has shut down for two days between 2:45 p.m. Sept. 11 (local time) and 2:45 p.m. on Sept. 13, according to the carmaker. Kia Motors also shuttered its Georgia plant from Sept. 11-13. 

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo at Hyundai’s US plant in Alabama

“This is to prevent accidents from the hurricane,” the carmaker said in a regulatory filing, adding it will resume production after the designated suspension. Industry watchers project production of about 4,000 units will be disrupted at both the plants. 

Hurricane Irma has been rocking the regions of the Caribbean and Florida since last week. It has weakened to a tropical storm status -- which is still a dangerous level -- and is now making its way through Alabama raising risks of further damage.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)