• MANUFACTURERS: Several automakers including Honda, Toyota, Audi and Volkswagen have formally announced they will extend the temporary shutdown of their plants in Mexico into May due to the global coronavirus emergency that forced them to suspend operations in late March.
• CAPACITY: Recording 3.75 million cars produced in 2019, the Mexican auto industry is one the country’s top manufacturing sectors. Industry officials are already predicting a reduction both in sales and exports following the blow from the coronavirus shock to the global economy.
• ASSESSMENT: “As the impact on the market of COVID-19 (coronavirus) evolves, (the company) will continue evaluating the conditions and making adjustments to its production operations in the country as necessary”, Honda’s Mexico unit said Tuesday.
• PLANTS: Last week, Toyota extended the shutdown of its Baja California and Guanajuato plants until May 4. Also, Volkswagen suspended operations in Guanajuato and Puebla until April 30. Meanwhile, the Audi workers said today that the company extended the closure of its Puebla plant until May 3.
