Automakers operating in India have announced that they would suspend production due to the coronavirus pandemic. India’s largest automaker Maruti Suzuki said it would stop office and plant operations in Haryana immediately. Maruti will restart operations depending on the government’s policy.
SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra said it planned to start the production of ventilators for COVID-19 patients. This step is similar to what Ferrari and Fiat have taken. Mahindra has halted production at one of its plants in Maharashtra and will shut operations at the other two plants from Monday.
Ford is also halting vehicle and engine production at its manufacturing sites not only in India but also in other parts of the world, including Vietnam, South Africa and Thailand starting March 21. The work resumption at Ford’s plants would depend on the pandemic situation, the national policy, and supply constraint.
Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Fiat said they would suspend production at their plants in Pune. Fiat pledges to continue payment and no cut jobs during the shutdown. Bike makers, Bajaj, Hero, and TVS have halted manufacturing at their plants.
