KIEV, Sept. 10 - Bogdan Corporation has seen its output fall by almost two-thirds year-over-year in January-August, to 5,421 vehicles, company spokesman Serhiy Krasulia said.

He said that passenger car production declined by 49.7% to 4,864, while the production of commercial vehicles (Bogdan pickups and Hyundai HD light trucks) plunged by 3.6 times, to 186. In contrast, the decline in the production of buses and trolleybuses was small - by 5.4%, to 371.

"Unfortunately, the indicators are linked to the fact that for almost the whole first quarter the passenger car plant in Cherkasy had to be idle. Of course, when the government took steps to support the automobile industry [the special duty and the recycling tax], we saw positive trends, but it's impossible to radically change the situation in the sector," the spokesman said.