GM, Ford & FCA Suspend North American Production Amid Coronavirus
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) are temporarily suspending production at their North American factories.
On Wednesday afternoon (Mar 18), Ford stated, “Production at Ford’s US, Canadian and Mexican manufacturing facilities will be halted after Thursday evening’s shifts through March 30 to thoroughly clean and sanitize the company’s plants.”
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GM followed, citing “market conditions” and health concerns being among issues. “The suspension will last until at least March 30. Production status will be reevaluated week-to-week after that.” FCA stated, “These automakers are currently well-stocked with inventory and as more of the country moves to follow shelter-in-place orders, vehicle sales will inevitably be softer. But if the proposed stimulus package ends up moving through the Senate, this could help sales get to a bit of a healthier place when normal life resumes.”
Additionally, the above three automakers made the decision alongside the United Auto Workers union, which met late Tuesday evening (Mar 16), after a Ford worker tested positive for the virus at its Michigan Assembly Plant.
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UAW President Rory Gamble stated, “Today’s action is the prudent thing to do. By taking a shutdown and working through next steps, we protect UAW members, their families and the community. We have time to review best practices when the plants reopen, and we prevent the possible spread of this pandemic.”
Furthermore, Honda, along with many other have also shut down production operations as the virus spreads.