VOICED: 'Europe's Detroit' adapts to plunging car demand

The transcript discusses the situation at a Kia car plant in Slovakia, where 2700 employees feel fortunate to have retained their jobs despite reduced work hours and pay. The plant benefits from Slovakia's low labor costs and strategic location. Kia remains optimistic about future demand for low-emission vehicles, although hiring is not yet planned. The decline in car production, a key economic sector, poses challenges for Slovakia's economy.

What is one reason Kia moved its operations to Slovakia?

• Strategic position in Europe

• Lack of tax incentives

• High labor costs

• Proximity to South Korea

How have Kia employees' working conditions changed?

• They work more hours with full pay

• They work fewer hours with partial pay

• They have been laid off

• They work the same hours with reduced pay

What is Kia's outlook on the demand for its vehicles?

• Demand is decreasing

• Demand is high for small, low-emission vehicles

• Demand is high for luxury vehicles

• Demand is stable

What is Kia's plan regarding hiring new employees?

• They are currently hiring

• Hiring is not on the agenda yet

• They plan to lay off more employees

• They have no plans to change the workforce

What was the percentage drop in car production in Slovakia in January?

• 60%

• 10%

• 48%

• 25%