Hungary's auto sector output decline slows in May as lockdown lifted

Source: Xinhua | 2020-07-15

The output of Hungary's automotive sector, an engine for industrial growth under normal circumstances, fell sharply in May due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) said on Tuesday.

The automotive industry, which accounted for 21 percent of the country's manufacturing output in May, shrank by 53 percent year-on-year, the KSH said.

However, the decline slowed from a 79.5-percent drop in April as the lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus in Hungary was gradually lifted in May.

Several carmakers have plants in Hungary, such as Audi, Mercedes and Opel of Germany, BYD of China and Suzuki of Japan. BMW of Germany has also announced the construction of a new plant.