Automakers around the world are feeling the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China, with supply chain disruptions causing concerns for production in North America and Europe.
General Motors (GM) is closely monitoring its supply chain for highly profitable truck production in North America, with spokesman David Barnas stating that they do not anticipate any impact on full-size truck production at this time. However, Terry Valenzuela, president of a United Auto Workers chapter in Texas, expressed concerns about potential disruptions in production due to supply issues.
The situation is not unique to GM, as other automakers like Nissan, Hyundai Motor/Kia Motors, and Fiat Chrysler are also facing shutdowns in other countries due to supply-chain issues. Fiat Chrysler confirmed plans to halt operations at its factory in Serbia due to a lack of parts from China, marking the first time an automaker has had to idle a facility in Europe due to the virus.
Ford Motor, on the other hand, is trying to prepare and ramp up operations at its plants in China, with no impact reported on operations outside of the country. Honda Motor is expecting workers in China to return to work on Feb. 24, with production restarting at its plants in Wuhan on Feb. 21.
Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak, automakers are working diligently to mitigate risks to production and ensure minimal disruption to their operations worldwide. The situation remains fluid, with companies closely monitoring the situation and adjusting their plans accordingly.