Publications
Partners
Ford announced that it will temporarily suspend production amid the coronavirus crisis. Countries affected by the announcement are India, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Africa.
In a statement by the automaker, Ford said: "Production suspensions will vary market by market; expected to last a number of weeks depending on pandemic situation, national restrictions, supplier constraints and dealer stock requirements."
As with all automakers who chose to halt production, Ford rates the safety of its employees highly and hopes that this decision will curb the spread of Covid-19.
Highest priority
Mark Ovenden, president, International Markets Group, said: "The health and safety of our employees, dealers, customers, partners and communities is our highest priority. We are continuing to act in real-time and taking added safety measures by temporarily halting production at our manufacturing sites in the international markets."
The last working day per market is as follows:
• March 21: India - Chennai Vehicle Assembly Plant, Sanand Vehicle Assembly Plant, Sanand Engine Plant and Chennai Engine Plant.
• March 26: Vietnam - Ford Vietnam Limited Haiduong Assembly Plant.
• March 27: Thailand - Ford Motor Company (Thailand) Limited.
• March 27: South Africa - Silverton Assembly Plant (Pretoria) and Struandale Engine Plant (Port Elizabeth)
Ovenden concludes: "In these extraordinary times, we must come together to put our people first. We will continue working across our region to explore additional protocols and procedures to help prevent the spread of the virus and define new work practices to lessen its effects wherever we can."
Ford Struandale Engine Plant. Image: Quickpic
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond
