Renault Samsung Motors Co. said Thursday that overtime work has resumed at its Busan plant to meet a rise in demand for its refreshed SM7 Nova luxury sedan and the Nissan Rogue crossover SUV.

The move marks the first time since November that workers put in overtime and made cars over the weekend. The local unit of French automaker Renault S.A. had halted overtime operations in the face of weak domestic demand and a drop in exports.

“Starting this month, both the day and night shifts are putting in one hour of overtime during weekdays, with production also being carried out over weekends and holidays,” the company said. The added hours will increase output by 5,000 units, with the total number of cars produced this month to reach a three-year high of over 22,000 vehicles.

It said extra working time is being fueled by the popularity of its SM5 diesel and SM7 Nova sedans, as well as exports of more Rogues to the United States.

The Busan plant in South Korea’s largest port city makes the SUV for Nissan, which is part of the Renault Nissan Alliance. (Yonhap)