General Motors isterminating most of theemployees who work at its offices in Russia as it extends its suspension of business there.
Likewise, Stellantis confirms it has stopped production at a plant in Russia.
On Tuesday, GM spokesman George Svigos said:"Due to the crisis in Ukraine and resulting U.S. and international sanctions, GM is taking further actions to extend the suspension of operations in Russia."
GM firstsuspended vehicle imports and commercial activity in Russia on Feb. 28, just days after Russia invaded Ukraine.
GMno longer has any manufacturing plants in Russia, Svigos said. It has only a national sales company that sells toRussia and other Eastern European markets. The automakersells about 3,000 Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles a year in the country and it has limited supply chain exposure, Svigos said.
GM's commercial officeisbased in Moscow andemploys 66people.The portfolio of vehicles sold come from North America and South Korea. Over the past month and a half, GM has kept in contact with those employees to safeguard the staff.
"As the situation continues to worsen, the company has decided to extend the suspension of the GM Russia business," Svigos said in a statement.
The majority of the66 employees will be let go andwillreceive a separation package. GM will retaina small team to look afterthe office.
On March 4, Svigos saidGMNorthAmericawoulddonate $250,000 to International Rescue Committee,a U.S. nonprofit that responds to humanitarian crises"by helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well-being and power to people impacted."
GM is also matchingU.S. employee contributions to nonprofits aimed at helping Ukrainian people, up to $50,000, Svigos said.
Also on Tuesday, Chrysler parentStellantis saidit was suspending productionat its plant in Kaluga, Russia, about 125miles southeast of Moscow, where it employs about 2,700 people.
"Given the rapid daily increase in cross sanctions and logistical difficulties, Stellantis has suspended its manufacturing operations in Kaluga to ensure full compliance with all cross sanctions and to protect its employees," spokeswoman Shawn Morgan said in a statement. "Stellantis condemns violence and supports all actions capable of restoring peace."
The automakermakes vans at the plant inKaluga and has had to stopproduction at timesdue to parts shortages.
Stellantis alsocommitted$1.1 million(1 million euros) in humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees and civilians displaced as a result of the Russian invasion.
In March, Ford Motor Co.suspendedits business in Russia.TheFord Fund made a $100,000 donation to the Global Giving Ukraine Relief Fund for humanitarian aid to assist Ukrainians who have been displaced.
Ford told the Free Press on Tuesday that there are no updates to its status in Russia.
More:GM and some other automakers suspend business to Russia
More:Foreign carmakers see small gains in market share in the Motor City
Staff reporter Phoebe Wall Howard contributed to this report.
Contact Jamie L. LaReau at 313-222-2149 or jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
